Editorial
Increased tensions in Syria
High time for Assad to step down
Violence has once again erupted in Syria. However, this time around, the protests hail from supporters of President Bashir al-Assad even though he continues to be increasingly isolated. More than 100 angry loyalists stormed the Jordanian embassy in Damascus, in protest of Jordanian King Abdullah's insistence recently that al-Assad step down immediately. The loyalists have also attacked the embassies of Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
This apparently show of support of al-Bashir does not detract from the imperative necessity for the violence to cease.
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan has stated that the future of a nation could not be built on bloodshed and oppression. Turkey has also halted joint exploration projects with Syria. Syria's membership in the Arab League has also been suspended and Syrian authorities blame the violence on gangs and militants. The Syrian government also accuses the Arab League of conspiring with the West in order to undermine its regime.
European Union sanctions on Syria have also been tightened, including the freezing of loans.
With all the political and economic pressures on al-Assad to step down, stop the bloodshed, allow for the economic sanctions to cease and create a place for a democratic Syria, it is surprising that he has held on to his stance and allowed for the violence to escalate to such levels.
The people of Libya, a country with such enormous natural resources, did not give in to dictatorship and oppression. It is unclear as to why the Syrian leader would not take lessons from such events which have occurred in the Arab world in recent times and moved on to allow for a peaceful transition of power.
It is indeed an utterly unfortunate situation for Syria and it is our earnest hope that democracy finds its way and opens up doors for peace and freedom.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments