The recent developments in Syria are disturbing as the latest attempt to bring about an end to the violence now appears to be on shaky grounds. Such a state of fluctuation would only bring about a continuation of instability and a rising number of civilian injuries and deaths.
Regardless of all its limitations, it was a positive step. The six-point peace plan put forward by the UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan was a step to alter the direction of events in Syria. This, at least, was the hope as talks with the Syrian regime had reached a dead end.
Annan had said in a report to the UN Security Council that he aimed at having 300 unarmed observers to be sent to the country on a three-month mission. He further added that it was "critical' for President Bashar Al Assad to carry out his commitments. The role of the observers is clearly defined as they would monitor the cessation of hostilities between the regime's security forces and the opposition in 10 different areas. Yet Syria has expressed its reservation on the numbers and areas.
But given the gravity of the situation, it is no longer the time for the regime to keep on manoeuvring. As a matter of fact, the only viable solution is for dialogue as the future of the country is at risk here. It would neither benefit the regime nor the opposition if Syria disintegrates under the wrath of a civil war. Yet this can only be prevented if all parties commit to peace.
The UN says that more than 9,000 people have been killed since the start of the protests last year. It is time for the bloodshed to stop — not only for the sake of the people, but for the sake of Syria as well.
