Diplomacy and the Syrian Equation – NYTimes.com.
A dysfunctional arrangement that would legitimize rule by warlords is probably the best that Obama’s toothless diplomacy can achieve at this stage. For the only thing that some learn from history is how to repeat it.
As talks in Geneva open with Vitriol, Accusations and Acrimony, according to local activists and certain revelations via social media, ISIS, Al-Nusra and the Islamic Front have reportedly reached a deal allowing for the establishment of a joint administration of all rebel-held territories in the country. The agreement calls for the establishment of High Sharia Commission to supervise the conduct of military operations, assess the legality of agreements reached with members of the international community, provide services in local communities, launch economic development projects, and manage local sharia courts focused on resolving local disputes. If this development is indeed true, then, it comes to underscore the complete disassociation of the political process currently unfolding in Geneva from the realities on the ground.
Continue reading “Notes on Current Developments – January 23, 2014”
Cooperating with Assad « Commentary Magazine.
It’s clear by now that the Obama Administration and other Western governments are slowly inching back towards a position that would re-legitimate the Assad regime. Forget about morality, when you are not willing to do what is right, that is supporting the pro-democracy activists and the moderate rebels, you will eventually do the wrong: doing business with Assad. Furthermore, doing wrong is often either more rewarding or less expensive.
AFP: Syria opposition says army attacked rebels with poison gas.
And why not? After all, the first myriad instances of poison gas use got the regime a much needed break with the international community, and served to re-legitimate itself? So, why not go down that road again? The possibility of taking action against the Assad regime at this stage is next to nothing. It, Iran, and its other tools and allies, seem to have been a carte blanche to reshape the entire region whatever the cost involved. Whether this is the intention of the Obama Administration, or a simple byproduct of its apathy, is beside the point.
The Ammar Abdulhamid Archive 