The current stalemate with regard to the situation in Syria is worrisome to say the least. The severity of the violence has not ceased and an end to the conflict in the near future seems to be unfeasible. It is high time a viable solution is sought and implemented.
The number of Syrians killed thus far in the conflict has crossed 60,000. Scores of those injured is even more alarming as it counts in the thousands. The devastation of entire neighbourhoods and towns is shocking as some areas have been razed to the ground because of shelling and fighting. To add to the misery, there has been a steady increase in the number of refugees as many Syrians are seeing no option but to flee to neighbouring countries.
Surely, this situation will only get worse given the fact that no serious proposition to bring about an end to the fighting has been submitted or pursued yet. All the ideas that have been discussed thus far have either proved to be impractical or have been met with disinterest. Such a lull cannot continue as the numbers of those killed and injured will keep climbing by the day.
What is more dangerous though is that the fighting looks to be endless. This, in all probability, will tear the country apart and drive it towards a possible civil war. By all counts, this will be disastrous — not only for Syria, but for the entire region.
It is therefore critical that the recent proposition by the Syrian National Coalition leader, Muath Al Khatib, be considered seriously, keeping in mind the future of Syria. Al Khatib said he was willing to hold talks with representatives of the regime in order to find a way out of the conflict. Syria cannot afford the ongoing fighting that is taking a heavy toll on its people. It is time the interests of the Syrian people are placed high on the agenda.
