The recent developments with regard to Syria are critical given the changes in its surrounding environment. Syria has to comprehend that its current approach in dealing with the protests is no longer valid or acceptable and, hence, it should alter its policy accordingly.
The Arab League recently has taken an unexpectedly dramatic decision to suspend Syria as it warned the regime that it could face sanctions if the bloody crackdown taking place against anti-government protesters does not stop. This is a major step for the League, especially as the organisation has been known more for its inactivity and inability to address Arab crises. With this recent move, the regime of Bashar Al Assad has been dealt a blow as the League has decided to stand in favour of the voices of the people who are calling for reform.
The decision no doubt carries a lot of serious ramifications for the Syrian regime. There is a possibility that the League will impose economic and political sanctions as well as withdraw member states' ambassadors from Damascus. "This decision reflects a lack of foreign intervention. The Arab League has been calling on Syria to stop the violence for four months and it hasn't happened," said the League's chief Nabeel Al Arabi.
The road ahead for Damascus should be very clear and direct. The situation in the country is so delicate that it would require immediate action to be carried out and not merely baseless promises. For one thing, the attacks and killings of anti-government protesters should stop immediately and the government has to open a dialogue with the opposition and the protesters.
If the Syrian regime is intelligent enough to understand the dramatic changing circumstances around it, there may well be an opportunity for it to be part of the change.
