Start of a proxy war?

3 April 2012 08:22 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

It also affirms unanimous consent for increasing non-military aid to the rebels from the 83-member Friends of Syria group that recently met in Istanbul. The boost in support to the opposition alliance is also expected to raise the stakes in the fight to unseat Assad. With the United States and other regional states pledging $100 million in non-military aid to the SNC - for salaries for the rebel fighters - the strategy for Syria has taken a different overtone. So far, external military intervention or supply of weapons to the rebels has been left out but the die seems to have been with the decision to pay salaries to the rebel fighters.
The aim is to also encourage defections within the Syrian forces and to create deeper schisms in the regime that is battling violent dissent. With Washington also providing communication equipment to aid the fighters, the stage for a proxy war may have been set. To date, a year after the Syrian crisis broke out, the international community has come under criticism for not doing enough to halt Assad's brutal killings of civilians. Facing the Syrian government's refusal to implement Kofi Annan's six-point peace plan by announcing a ceasefire even after agreeing to the same and Russia and China's refusal to support a Security Council resolution for tougher sanctions, there is little choice left for the Friends of Syria except deliberate counter measures as witnessed in Istanbul. Without engaging in an open confrontation and sending in a UN-led contingent or arming the rebels, this may have been the least of the drastic measures that could be employed.
At the same time Assad has been issued another warning to implement the ceasefire without further delay as the proposed peace plan cannot indefinitely wait to be put into action. Already at least 10,000 people have been killed. Any further delays in taking concrete action could only spell further disaster for the Syrian people who have to bear the biggest brunt.
There is also the danger of an escalation of violence as government forces start reprisals in the wake of the recent development. It is highly unfortunate that Assad rejected all previous diplomatic efforts for peaceful political reforms, hereby letting events deteriorate to this extent.

Khaleej Times

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Start of a proxy war?

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

Sajith never attends dinners hosted by Ranil Wickremesinghe

One soldier dead, nine injured in road crash

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand