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MORAL DILEMMA? Obama & Cameron suggest “peaceful” transition in Syria instead of revolution
14-Mar-2012
David Cameron has said he wants to see peaceful transition of power in Syria, rather than revolution, ahead of talks with US President Barack Obama. ( See Related News)
INEWS - Obama Cameron present united front on Syria
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NOOSHEH JAN
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David Cameron and Barack Obama enjoy 'fast and furious' basketball game in Ohio:
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IN THE MEANTIME IN SYRIA
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Recommended Watching:
CNN's Arwa Damon reports on torture captured on video carried out allegedly by Syrian soldiers : Here
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EASIER SAID THAN DONE:
RISKS AND OPTIONS FOR A MILITARY INTERVENTION
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New tactics in Syria uprising suggest Al Queda Inflitration :
CNN's Nic Robertson reports on a suicide bombing in Syria that indicates a disturbing new trend in the unrest.
Analysis: Options for military intervention in Syria By Jonathan Marcus
Since the outset of the Syria crisis in March 2011 there has been little appetite for outside military intervention. This has been based on two assessments.
Firstly, that the situation on the ground in Syria is in many ways very different from that in Libya - the opposition is much more divided, the government's security forces are much stronger, and Syria's air defences are more effective.
Secondly, there has been a view that the implications of toppling President Bashar al-Assad could prompt a much wider wave of instability in the region.
Unlike Libya, Syria - both politically and geographically - is a central player in the Arab world, and sectarianism and instability there could threaten both Lebanon and Iraq.
Then, of course, there is the fundamental legal problem. Constrained by Russian and Chinese vetoes at the UN Security Council, there is no possibility of getting a resolution to authorise force.
That has not always mattered in the past. Nato troops went into Kosovo, after all, to halt systematic abuses by Serbian forces.
But the absence of legal authorisation certainly precludes action when there is little enthusiasm for it in the first place.
So what are we to make of calls from senior Republican politicians in the US, like Senator John McCain, urging air strikes against Syrian security forces?
Joshua Landis, director of the Centre for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, says: "Despite the growing chorus of politicians calling for US leadership in Syria, the Obama administration is adamant that Washington should not take the lead, but follow regional partners, Saudi Arabia and Turkey."
Mr Landis argues that the simple fact is that the Obama administration sees no strong reason to intervene.
"US officials are unanimous in arguing that the Assad regime is doomed and can only hang on for a limited time, with or without increased US support for the Syrian opposition. I think they are right in this analysis."
"This means that the US has no compelling national security interest in jumping into the Syrian civil war that is emerging. The regime's days are numbered."
Much of the debate on outside intervention is vague. It confuses and makes false distinctions between the different options and to a large extent glosses over many of the fundamental problems facing them all.
Assistance and relief
The main thrust of any external action would be essentially humanitarian in nature, a response to the growing plight of civilians in Syrian towns and cities who are under bombardment by government forces.
Efforts could also be made to bring assistance to displaced refugees who have moved towards Syria's frontiers with Turkey and Lebanon. Three related measures are being discussed.
Humanitarian corridors
Suggested first by the French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe last year, the idea would be to establish short corridors into Syrian territory through which humanitarian supplies could be delivered.
Safe zones
The establishment of safe areas within Syrian territory is an idea that has been broached by the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu. Such safe havens would be in border areas, acting as a place of safety where refugees could gather, be fed and sheltered, and so on.
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U.S. military completes Syria planning
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Jul 23, 2012 11:42 PM PDTU.S. military completes Syria planning (cnn)
By Barbara Starr
The U.S. military has completed its own planning for how American troops would conduct a variety of operations against Syria, or to assist neighboring countries in the event action was ordered, officials tell CNN.
In recent weeks, the Pentagon has finalized its assessment of what types of units would be needed, how many troops, and even the cost of certain potential operations, officials tell CNN.
Syria chemical weapons: Obama says world is watching
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Jul 23, 2012 03:26 PM PDTUS gives Syria weapons warning (bbc, VIDEO)
President Barack Obama has warned Syria's President Bashar al-Assad that his government will be held accountable if it uses chemical weapons.
Humanitarian pressure grows
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Jul 23, 2012 02:17 PM PDTHumanitarian pressure grows (bbc)
By Mark Doyle
BBC International Development Correspondent
There has been a sharp increase in humanitarian needs both inside Syria and on its borders, UN and Red Crescent officials say.
The United Nations Refugee agency (UNHCR) is building a new camp for people fleeing to neighbouring Jordan. It should be ready in the next few days.
The Syrian Arab Red Crescent, meanwhile, estimates that there are 1.5 million homeless people inside the country.
Aid workers say Syrians are psychologically unprepared for this situation. "Nothing like this has happened to them for generations," said one.
If the new camp in Jordan - at Zaatri, about an hour's drive from Amman - fills to its capacity of 110,000 people as the UN expects, there will be between 200,000 and a quarter of a million Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries.
The rest are in Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq.
Syria crisis: Anxious neighbours wait for endgame
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Jul 22, 2012 05:37 AM PDTSyria's neighbours wait for endgame (bbc)
Turkey's long border with its neighbour Syria is deceptively quiet.
On the Turkish side of the Cilvegozu crossing, truck drivers, border officials and an increasing number of journalists wilt in the midday sun.
For those not fortunate enough to have access to air-conditioned buildings inside the border complex, finding any available bit of shade is a priority in the stifling heat.
120,000 Syrians flee to borders
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Jul 22, 2012 12:52 AM PDTSyrians race to borders (France 24) In Syria, millions wrestle with whether to leave their homes or wait out the violence. Already, more than 120,000 have fled to neighboring countries.
Eyewitness: Battle for Damascus
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jul 20, 2012 02:22 PM PDTEyewitness: Battle for Damascus (bbc)
As the 16-month uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reaches the capital Damascus, a journalist based in the city describes the scenes in the southern suburbs hit hard by recent fighting.
UN extends Syria observer mission
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jul 20, 2012 02:18 PM PDTUN extends Syria observer mission (bbc)
The UN Security Council unanimously votes to keep its observer mission in Syria for a "final" 30 days, as violence continues in the capital Damascus.
Syrian refugees flee in thousands
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jul 20, 2012 08:59 AM PDTSyrian refugees flee in thousands (bbc)
Thousands of Syrian refugees pour into neighbouring countries as fighting between government forces and rebels intensifies.
Is Syria Facing a Yugoslavia-Style Breakup?
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 19, 2012 03:41 PM PDTIs Syria facing fragmentation? By Tony Karon Time
Even if the regime loses its grip on growing swaths of territory, the civil war's sectarian dimension could see it opt to retreat into enclaves controlled by its base of Alawite, Christian and non-Sunni support
William Hague: Syria veto by China and Russia 'inexcusable'
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 19, 2012 03:35 PM PDTUK: Syria vetoes 'inexcusable' (bbc, VIDEO)
Russia and China have vetoed a UN Security Council resolution proposing further sanctions on Syria, prompting an angry Western response.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague condemned the action as "inexcusable and indefensible".
"They have turned their back on the people of Syria in their darkest hour," he said.
Syria conflict: West 'appalled' by Russia China UN veto
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:51 PM PDTWest 'appalled' by UN Syria veto (bbc)
Russia and China reject a UN resolution proposing sanctions on Syria, as President Assad appears in public for the first time after a Damascus bomb.
Laura TrevelyanBBC News, New York
The mood inside the security council chamber was acrimonious after China and Russia vetoed the resolution. Britain's ambassador accused the two nations of protecting a brutal regime by their actions.
America's ambassador said the security council had failed utterly in the most important task on its agenda.
China's ambassador denounced what he called an uneven resolution which placed pressure on one side, while Russia's representative claimed the resolution would have opened the path to military involvement in Syria's affairs.
Now negotiations are underway to try to extend the mandate of the UN monitoring mission in Syria which is due to expire on Friday.
The mission is supposed to monitor a ceasefire and support a political process - neither of which exist. So the UK is proposing a 30 day "final" extension.Time for Assad to go !! Ofcourse,
by Soosan Khanoom on Thu Jul 19, 2012 10:10 AM PDTSince the fall of Ottman Empire , Britishs always get to say who should stay and who should go ... To this add the ' the chosen people factor ' then consider it done. And Iran is next and then, since there are no more bad guys in the world to get rid of, we shall all live happily ever after ... A magical fairy tale. It is even better than sleeping beauty.
: )
Time for Assad to go -say's British Prime Minister David Cameron
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 19, 2012 08:46 AM PDTThere have been clashes throughout the night in many parts of Syria, after the deaths on Wednesday of three top regime figures in a suspected suicide attack.
The president's brother-in-law, defence minister and head of Mr Assad's crisis team died in the bombing.
David Cameron said Mr Assad should step down and that it was "time for transition in this regime".
Russia, China veto a third UN resolution on Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 19, 2012 08:30 AM PDTRussia, China veto a third UN resolution on Syria (France 24)
Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a third UN Security Council resolution threatening to impose new sanctions on the Syrian government unless it halts a crackdown on anti-regime forcesViewpoints: Case for intervention in Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 19, 2012 07:58 AM PDTThe conflict in Syria appeared to escalate dramatically on Wednesday after an explosion at the National Security Bureau in Damascus reportedly killed President Bashar al-Assad's brother-in-law, the defence minister and a former defence minister.
For months the UN and Arab League's special envoy, Kofi Annan, has tried to persuade the Syrian government and his opponents to implement his internationally-backed six-point peace plan.
Some Gulf Arab states such have called for the rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) to be given weapons and financial support, while Russia and China remain vehemently opposed to any sanctions or military action.
But with the suspension of the UN observer mission from Syria, and as fighting escalates and begins to envelope the capital, questions about whether, how or when the international community should intervene persist.
Five leading analysts have told the BBC what they think.
Syrian assets frozen in UK
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 19, 2012 02:48 AM PDTSyrian assets frozen in UK (bbc)
Assets worth £100m belonging to Syrian leaders have been located and frozen in Britain, the BBC has learned.
The European Union imposed sanctions on President Bashar al-Assad's regime after it violently suppressed anti-government protests.
Most of the UK assets is cash held in bank accounts by people and organisations named in the EU's action.
Thousands of people have been killed in Syria since the uprising began against President Assad in March 2011.
The White House says the killing in Damascus of three top figures at the heart of Syria's defence establishment on Wednesday showed President Assad was losing control.
Iraq urges citizens to flee Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:10 AM PDTIraq's government has called on all its citizens who fled to neighbouring Syria in recent years to return home because of the escalating violence there.
Ministers were concerned by the "increasing incidents of murder and assault on Iraqis living in Syria", cabinet spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said.
The request came after two Iraqi journalists were killed in Damascus.
In January, the UN estimated there were a million Iraqi refugees in Syria, but Mr Dabbagh put the figure at 200,000.David Ignatius: Russia 'may be blamed' over Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Jul 16, 2012 10:26 PM PDTUN peace envoy Kofi Annan is to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, days before the mandate for a UN observer's mission in Syria runs out on Friday.
Earlier on Monday Mr Lavrov referred to Western "blackmail" over efforts to gain Russian support for a draft UN resolution.
David Ignatius, foreign affairs columnist for the Washington Post, told the BBC that Mr Annan will attempt to use what leverage remains with Russia by singling Moscow out for blame over the failure to secure a ceasefire in Syria.Lavrov: West 'blackmailing' Russia on Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Jul 16, 2012 05:07 AM PDTWest 'blackmailing' Russia on Syria (bbc)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Western attempts to get Moscow to discuss possible sanctions on Syria contain "elements of blackmail".
Syrian opposition urges Obama to act
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Jul 15, 2012 04:05 PM PDTSyrian opposition urges Obama to act (cnn)
STORY HIGHLIGHTSThe head of a prominent Syrian opposition group says U.S. President Barack Obama should take greater action on Syria and not be worried about whether the "right decision" will hurt Obama's re-election campaign.
The plea comes after more than 200 people were reportedly massacred in the Syrian town of Tremseh -- the deadliest day in Syria's 16-month crisis -- and as activists reported the heaviest clashes yet in Damascus.
"We want for America and the Western countries to carry out their responsibilities through the (U.N.) Security Council and work to adopt a resolution under Article 7 to force this regime to stop killing Syrians," Abdulbaset Sieda, chairman of the Syrian National Council, said in an interview that aired Sunday on CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS.UN heads to Syria killings site
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Jul 14, 2012 03:31 AM PDTUN heads to Syria killings site (bbc)
UN observers head to the Syrian village of Tremseh to investigate reports of mass killings on Thursday.
World Leaders condemn Syria killings
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:27 AM PDTLeaders condemn Syria killings (bbc)
World leaders condemn a Syrian army attack on opposition fighters in the village of Tremseh which reportedly left up to 200 people dead.
Syria: Calls for Annan's removal
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jul 13, 2012 05:34 AM PDTSyria: Calls for Annan's removal (cnn)
Syrian protesters Friday demanded the removal of international envoy Kofi Annan after government forces shelled a village a day earlier, killing hundreds, opposition activists said.
Annan, a former U.N. chief, is serving as a special envoy to Syria for the United Nations and the Arab League.
He brokered a peace plan in Syria in April, but opposition fighters and regime forces have largely shunned its mandates, including a call to lay down their weapons.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Annan shocked at Syria 'massacre'
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jul 13, 2012 05:12 AM PDTAnnan shocked at Syria 'massacre' (bbc)
UN and Arab League envoy for Syria Kofi Annan says he is "shocked and appalled" at reports of mass killings in the Syrian village of Tremseh.
Timeline: Syria's massacres
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 12, 2012 03:14 PM PDTTimeline: Syria's massacres (bbc)
Almost every day of the uprising against the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has brought new reports of shootings, deaths and injuries.
Reports are hard to verify, as few journalists are allowed into Syria and casualty numbers come primarily from government and opposition sources. But there have been some major attacks that stand out as particularly violent episodes in an already bloody conflict.
This timeline outlines Syria's massacres:
Syrian ambassador to Iraq defects to opposition
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jul 11, 2012 11:53 PM PDTTop Syria diplomat abandons Assad (bbc, Video)
Syria's ambassador to Iraq has defected to the opposition and urged other senior Syrian politicians and members of the military to do the same.
Nawaf Fares is the first senior Syrian diplomat to abandon the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
The move comes just a week after a Syrian general from a powerful family close to President Assad also defected.
Meanwhile Western nations are urging the UN to threaten tough sanctions against Syria.
They want the threat to be part of a Security Council resolution on the future of the UN's observer mission in the country. A new resolution must be passed before the mission's mandate ends on Friday next week.
Mr Fares confirmed his defection in a statement broadcast on Facebook and al-Jazeera TV.
Barbara Plett
BBC UN correspondent
The need to decide the fate of the UN's observer mission in Syria has exposed the fundamental divisions beneath the Security Council's paper-thin unity over the Annan peace plan.
It looks as though we are in for a week of brinkmanship, because Russia and China desperately want to keep the mission - the only concrete expression of the plan - and Western nations desperately want some reference to sanctions in the resolution that would renew it.
The Americans have said without pressure a renewal would be meaningless, given the continued violence that cripples the mission.
The Russians have rejected such "coercive" pressure, but especially if it is only against one side of the conflict, stressing that supporters of the opposition should be pushing it towards peace talks.
It is a question of who blinks first. But if the Russians again use their veto, that would shatter any semblance of the unity Kofi Annan has said is so crucial to the success of his plan.Syria Defection tipping point?
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jul 11, 2012 11:50 PM PDTDefection tipping point? (bbc)
By Shashank Joshi
Research Fellow, Royal United Services Institute
For more than a year, Syrians have waited for a big defection.
For months, only conscripts and mid-level officers peeled away from the government of President Bashar al-Assad. Late last year, Mustafa al-Sheikh became one of the first generals to jump ship, eventually taking charge of the Free Syrian Army's military council.
Turkey's foreign minister has put the tally at "around 20 generals and maybe 100 high-ranking officers, colonels". But in tight-knit dictatorships, rank means little. None of these, including the dramatic escape of a pilot to Jordan, have been game-changers.
The latest defection, however, is a big deal: Manaf Tlas.
Syria opposition appeal to Russia
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jul 11, 2012 04:29 AM PDTSyria opposition appeal to Russia (bbc)
A delegation of Syrian opposition figures is visiting Moscow to discuss international efforts to find a political solution to the violence.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is holding talks with Abdulbaset Sayda, head of the Syrian National Council.
Mr Lavrov's deputy said Russia wanted to move the opposition "towards realistic and constructive positions".
Later, international envoy Kofi Annan will brief the UN Security Council on how he plans to revive his peace plan.
Mr Annan held talks with officials in Baghdad and Tehran on Tuesday, and reiterated his view that Iran - Syria's closest ally - had a role to play in resolving the conflict, despite US objections.
US 'destabilising Syria' say's Assad
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Jul 08, 2012 01:07 PM PDTUS 'destabilising Syria' - Assad (bbc)
President Assad accuses the US of helping to destabilise his country by providing political protection for "gangs" inside Syria.
France's FM Laurent Fabius: "Defection 'hard blow' for Syria"
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jul 06, 2012 10:38 AM PDTDefection 'hard blow' for Syria (bbc)
A Syrian general close to President Assad has defected, delivering "a hard blow for the regime", French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius says.