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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.
Related Blog:
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UK joins US in warning to Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Aug 23, 2012 12:31 AM PDTUK joins US in warning to Syria (bbc)
The UK joins the US in warning Syria that the use or threat of chemical weapons would force the nations "to revisit their approach".
Chemical weapons 'excuse for US' say's China State Media
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 22, 2012 05:57 AM PDTChemical weapons 'excuse for US' (bbc)
Chinese state media accuse US President Barack Obama of planning to use Syria's chemical weapons as an excuse for intervening militarily.
Obama warns Syria:chemical weapons use may spark US action
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Aug 21, 2012 12:02 AM PDTObama warns Syria (bbc, Video)
US President Barack Obama has said the use of chemical weapons by Syria would be a "red line" that would change his thinking on intervention in the crisis.
He said he had "at this point not ordered military engagement".
Obama warns Syria on chemical arms
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Aug 20, 2012 01:54 PM PDTUS warns Syria on chemical arms (bbc)
President Barack Obama says the use of chemical weapons by Syria would change his calculations on US military action in the conflict.
Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi named new UN Syria envoy
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Aug 17, 2012 10:45 AM PDTBrahimi named new UN Syria envoy (bbc)
Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi is confirmed as the new envoy for Syria, taking over from Kofi Annan who resigned in early August.
Why Britons are joining the Jihad in Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Aug 17, 2012 04:43 AM PDTBrothers in arms (bbc)
Why Britons are joining the Jihad in Syria
However vague the picture in Syria may have been before this conflict began, the blood of many thousands has now muddied it further still.UN observers quit, saying Syrians choose 'path of war'
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Aug 17, 2012 01:37 AM PDT
Syria has "chosen the path of war" a UN peacekeeping chief said Thursday, as the Security Council ended its observer mission to Damascus two weeks after former secretary-general Kofi Annan quit as mediator in frustration at the escalating conflict.Syria crisis: Russia warns against UN withdrawal
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Aug 16, 2012 04:41 AM PDTRussia opposes UN exit from Syria (bbc)
Russia's foreign ministry warns of "serious negative consequences" if the UN pulls out of Syria, as the UN prepares to formally end its mission.
Syria conflict: Filipinos caught up in violence
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Aug 12, 2012 09:44 AM PDTStories from Syria (bbc)
By Kate McGeown
BBC News, Manila
Thousands of Filipinos, many working illegally, are caught up in the continuing violence in Syria, despite efforts by the Philippine government to bring them home.
Swift end to Assad regime top priority, Clinton says
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Aug 11, 2012 11:32 AM PDTSwift end to Assad regime top priority, Clinton says (France 24) US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington’s top goal was to “hasten the end of the bloodshed and the Assad regime”, during talks with Turkey’s foreign minister on Saturday. Clinton was in Istanbul to discuss the deepening Syrian crisis
Clinton in Turkey for Syria talks
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Aug 11, 2012 01:31 AM PDTClinton in Turkey for Syria talks (bbc)
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in Turkey for talks on the Syrian crisis as thousands of refugees continue to flee war-torn areas.
Hague on £5m Syria aid: 'Right thing to do'
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Aug 10, 2012 04:54 AM PDTHague: 'Right thing to do' (bbc, VIDEO)
The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, has announced the government is increasing support for opposition fighters in Syria.
William Hague said there will be an extra £5m for more radio and satellite equipment, as well as portable power generators and medical supplies.
But he said assistance for the largest rebel group, the Free Syrian Army, would not include any weapons.
UK to give Syria rebels extra £5m
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Aug 10, 2012 12:30 AM PDTUK to give Syria extra £5m (bbc)
The UK is to increase the support it provides to rebel fighters in Syria.
Foreign Secretary William Hague is committing an additional £5m to fund communications equipment and medical supplies - mostly to the largest rebel group, the Free Syrian Army (FSA).
However, the assistance will not include any weapons.
The BBC's James Robbins says the move is a significant shift in policy after months of British frustration about divisions within Syria's opposition.
Algerian Lakhdar Brahimi 'to be new UN Syria envoy
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Aug 10, 2012 12:27 AM PDTAlgerian 'to be UN Syria envoy' (bbc)
Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi is expected to be named the new UN envoy for Syria, diplomats say, a week after the resignation of Kofi Annan.
Hague is such a funny little one, the charm is Obama-esque
by amirparvizforsecularmonarchy on Fri Aug 03, 2012 03:12 PM PDTThe UK would be offering a "great deal"
of "practical" help to forces opposed to the regime of Bashar-al-Assad
but not weapons, he told the BBC.
The UK wishes to present itself as an accessory to torture, murder, rape and civil war, as a great practical helper of those involved in torture, murder, rape and pushing Syria towards civil war, not a murderer, torturer, rapist itself. The weapons are officially being issued by the UK's fellow Nato member Turkey & we'd just like to wish all the victims fun.
UN vote bad for Syria - say's ever stubborn Russia
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Aug 03, 2012 02:38 PM PDTUN vote bad for Syria - Russia (bbc)
Russia says a resolution on Syria passed by the UN General Assembly undermines peace efforts there as fighting continues on the ground.
Battles in Syria as UN vote looms
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Aug 03, 2012 08:57 AM PDTBattles in Syria as UN vote looms (bbc)
Fighting rages in Syrian cities as the UN General Assembly gathers to vote on a motion condemning the Security Council for failing to end the violence.
UK to boost Syria opposition help
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Aug 03, 2012 08:56 AM PDTUK to boost Syria opposition help (bbc)
The UK is to increase the assistance it is giving to Syrian opposition forces in the coming weeks, Foreign Secretary William Hague has said.
The UK would be offering a "great deal" of "practical" help to forces opposed to the regime of Bashar-al-Assad but not weapons, he told the BBC.
Obama signs order to 'support Syrian rebels'
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Aug 02, 2012 11:50 PM PDTUS 'secret help' for Syria rebels (bbc)
US President Barack Obama has signed a covert order authorising support for Syrian rebels, US media report.
Approved earlier this year, the directive permits the CIA and other US agencies to provide assistance to help oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The US appears to be stopping short of directly arming the Free Syrian Army.
Putin in Syria talks with Cameron at No 10
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Aug 02, 2012 08:50 AM PDTPutin in Syria talks at No 10 (bbc)
Both the UK and Russia want to see an end to the violence in Syria, David Cameron says after holding talks with Vladimir Putin in London.
Annan resigns as UN Syria envoy
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Aug 02, 2012 08:13 AM PDTAnnan resigns as UN Syria envoy (bbc)
The UN-Arab League special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, is leaving his post, the UN says, as violence in the country continues.
Obama orders intelligence aid for Syrian rebels, media say
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Aug 02, 2012 02:37 AM PDTObama orders intelligence aid for Syrian rebels, media say (France 24)
US President Barack Obama has signed a secret order for more intelligence support for Syria's rebels in their bid to oust leader Bashar al-Assad, US media reports said Wednesday. The US already assists the rebels with medical aid and communications.
HRW condemns execution of Pro Assad militia by rebels
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:13 AM PDTSyrian rebel shootings condemned (bbc)
Human rights activists condemn the public shooting in Syria of four apparent Assad loyalists by rebels after a video of the killings emerges.
Amateur video shows Syria rebels killing 'Assad loyalists'
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:11 AM PDTRebels shoot dead 'Assad loyalists' (bbc, video)
Footage posted on a social media website shows Syrian rebels killing captured men, apparently loyal to President Assad's regime.
The killings of the men - said to be from the Berri clan - have been condemned by human rights activists.
The rest of the footage - too distressing to be shown here - shows a prolonged burst of gunfire and, after the smoke clears, a pile of bodies by a wall.
Syria Violence 'stain on world' - Cameron
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:09 AM PDTThe Prime Minister has said that what is happening in Aleppo and Damascus is "a stain on our world" and "completely unacceptable".
Speaking on a visit to Northern Ireland he said it was important to keep up the pressure on the Syrian regime.
He also said Britain would do what it could to help refugees who have fled to places such as Jordan and Turkey.Saudis raise $117m for Syria aid (bbc)
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:07 AM PDTA Saudi fundraising campaign to support the people in Syria has raised more than $117m (£75m), local media report.
A five-day campaign was launched last week by King Abdullah with a $5.3m (£3.3m) donation, but it was extended after donations continued to pour in.
State media report that people are donating both in cash and in kind, including medical equipment and cars.
More than 122,000 people have fled Syria since March 2011, while a million have been displaced inside the country.
In June, the UN appealed for $189m to help it provide six months of food, medical assistance and support for basic services for those inside Syria, and another $193 for refugees in neighbouring states.
However, earlier this month the Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said both appeals were only 20% funded.France calls for UN intervention in Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Jul 28, 2012 10:30 AM PDTFrance calls for UN intervention in Syria (france 24)
French President Francois Hollande urged the UN Security Council to rapidly intervene in the Syrian conflict Saturday, as the global outcry against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime continues to grow.
Syria's Christians cautious in conflict
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 26, 2012 05:20 AM PDTWood: Christians cautious (bbc)
Near the small town of Zabadani, a group of rebel fighters sing a song addressed to the Syrian president's mother.
"Oh Bashar's mother," they chant, "your husband's being fried in hell. You and your son are following too."
The men are in good spirits. They have been driven back from the capital, but their offensive did better than anyone expected. And they are preparing for another go.
What if the rebels win? I went to see the people with as much at stake as anyone in the final outcome here, Zabadani's Christians.
UN urges end to Syria 'slaughter'
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jul 25, 2012 10:56 AM PDTUN urges end to Syria 'slaughter' (bbc)
UN chief Ban Ki-moon urges the world community to act to stop "slaughter" in Syria, as thousands of troops reportedly move on the city of Aleppo.
Syria intervention 'more likely' says UK think tank
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jul 25, 2012 12:44 AM PDTSyria intervention 'more likely' (bbc)
External intervention in Syria is becoming more likely, says a leading UK-based military think tank - even if Western powers remain reluctant.
Planning for possible intervention is already under way in Western capitals, Turkey and Jordan, the report says.
It is being spurred, above all, by fears of Syrian chemical weapons falling into the wrong hands.
The report comes from the Royal United Services Institute - with close ties to the UK defence ministry, say analysts.