Saturday, July 21, 2012

CIVIL WAR RAGES ON IN SYRIA – ASSAD’S CHAIR SHAKEN


Syrian civil war has entered a new phase with the suicide bomb blast which claimed the lives of four top govt functionaries and the injuries suffered by more than hundred persons owing allegiance to President Bashaar-Al-Assad. It was the most severe attack by the rebels against the Assad regime so far. It is reported that the suicide bomber was one of the securities of President Assad who had defected to the side of Syrian protesters. It all happened while an emergency meeting of the top functionaries of the govt was going on nearby. A retaliation was expected anytime soon as a result of the death of four associates of Syrian President and hundreds of his supporters. The apprehension as well as prediction proved correct with the Syrian army cold-bloodedly massacred 200 rebels at a strategic place called Treshma. 200 persons being massacred was the severest of all attacks launched by Syrian army so far.
In the meanwhile US and its allies introduced a resolution against Syria which was vetoed by Syria’s close allies, Russia and China. The resolution was introduced with an aim of squeezing Syria by way of sanctions and that aim was nipped in the bud by the use of veto by Russia and China.
Along with the civil war raging across Syria which is turning out to be serious as the time progresses another war is also continuing but that is the verbal war between US and Russia. While US squarely blames Russia and China for extending support to the Dr.Assad which provides him to turn ruthless against Syrian rebels. Russia too blames US for providing support to the Free Syrian movement. Meanwhile America’s UN Ambassador Susan Rice has pointed to the possibility of solution outside the UN which could result in an Iraq like situation, many fear. It is noteworthy to recall here the 2003 war perpetrated by US, unmindful of UN diktats, against Iraq which resulted in the massacre of millions of Iraqis and the ouster of then Iraq President Saddam Hussein who went into hiding, later traced him in a cave in Tikrit, his home city by the Allied forces. He was fished out by them and handed over to the puppet govt installed by the America. Later after a summary trial he was convicted and sentenced to death. Accordingly, he was pushed to the gallows and that was that. This time in the case of Syria such an intervention might prove detrimental, with Russia and China committed to protect the Syrian govt led by Bashar Al Assad and in case of a US intervention. If such a situation develops, no doubt, a full-fledged war will be the result.
I think it was Sergi Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister who said ‘Syria is not Libya as the former is supported by ‘Syrian majority’. That is Lavrov’s version.In an election year it is doubtful and US is unlikely to intervene militarily in Syria soon as it would affect the prospects of Barrack Obama in the fight for Presidential chair.
However one thing is for sure, the Syrian imbroglio is gradually heading to a flash-point as the issue has evolved into a matter of prestige for Dr.Assad as also for the Free Syrian movement. It is better to recall here that the movement against the hegemony of Assad began as early as 2011, almost 17 years have elapsed, still a solution to the burning issue seems to be far away.
At this juncture, international pressure is the need of the hour before it is too late. Otherwise a carnage involving lakhs of innocent citizens is a grim possibility. While President Assad is glued to the Presidential chair with no hint so far forthcoming about him stepping down and equally adamant Opposition demand that he should have to abdicate or else he will be forcibly ousted from the prestigious position. A point of no return has reached now with both sides determined stick on to their stands sadly a happy ending is virtually impossible. Defections by many of his accomplices declaring support to the rebels his throne has started to shake violently. Will Assad go the Libyan way? No idea.

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