The recent developments in Syria as well as the positions adopted by various parties call for an immediate rethink of where the country is heading. Moving forward means that all the parties concerned are involved and that all the angles are addressed. This is being said so as to prevent the country from plunging into total chaos.
The general scene in Syria is disturbing. On one hand, some countries have withdrawn their observers from the Arab League's team which their respective governments have said is a result of the continued bloodshed and the killing of innocents, as the violence by the regime in Homs yesterday illustrates. The remaining members of the observer mission will continue their work until February 23. Furthermore, the Arab League committee on Syria has written a letter addressed to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon setting out the plan for a political solution in the country.
But Russia, a key ally of Syria, has clearly indicated that it will block any attempt at the UN to impose sanctions on Syria. Yet in a change of stance, Russia also said that it will push for establishing talks between the government and the opposition. And as these rapid changes unfold, clashes and killings continue on the streets.
There is much uncertainty in Syria today. Such a situation is more problematic than anything else given that no party can predict the direction of events. No one knows, for instance, at which point will the protesters escalate the confrontations. No one also knows how much more violent the regime's approach may become. Hence, it is critical to seize any available opportunity now to bring about an end to all the violence — which is the responsibility of all those involved, and more so of the Syrian people themselves.
