Lakhdar Brahimi has just told us what we already know. The Arab League-UN envoy to Syria says that civil war in the Arab country risked spreading across borders into an “all consuming” regional conflict.
Few people doubt the crisis in Syria will remain confined to the country’s cities. Syria is surrounded by countries perceived traditionally as hotspots, such as Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine. Turkey and Jordan, the other two neighbours, also have some concerns.
Most of us know that an all out war in Syria — ethnic or sectarian — will certainly lead to civil strife in at least two countries, namely Iraq and Lebanon, which has already witnessed some tension related to the fighting in Syria.
The problem with Brahimi is that all he seems to be doing is issue repeated warnings. We are yet to see a viable plan to end the conflict. Obviously, his task is difficult. And his latest proposal for a temporary ceasefire is a good move, but it is not enough. His main task is to convince the two sides to implement the internationally-backed six-point plan put forward by former envoy Kofi Annan. And for that Brahimi has to meet with Syrian officials and opposition leaders. But he has failed to do that.
His sole visit to Damascus, last month, was futile.
What is required is speedy action, backed by world powers including Syria’s allies, Russia and China, to stop the bloodshed. It is understandable that sanctions have failed to force the Syrian regime to accept a power transfer. But Brahimi’s role should focus on an acceptable settlement, based on Annan’s plan to stop the violence, present a politically viable roadmap for a transitional period that President Bashar Al Assad and his rivals could accept, and disarm the rebels.
Most Syrians are convinced that the status quo — the current regime — is no longer viable after all the massacres and destruction. Brahimi’s job is to build a practical plan around that.
