So, finally, Russia and China did veto the UN Security Resolution against Syria. The 15-nation-international organisation is cracking, one by one.
But is this good news or bad news? Is Syria saved or just put into another turmoil?
Russia’s Tears at Tartus
Sergei Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia clearly stated that his country would not accept the Moroccan drafted and Arab League Sponsored UN Resolution. He demands a clear post resolution scheme to candidly hide the mere simple and selfish fact that Russia cant face another enormous loss like it did in Libya. Also, both these countries have been defying arms embargo and publicly accepted to be involved in arms trade. From the very Cold war era, Russia has been suppling arms to Syria, it has a naval base (its only) in Syria’s Tartus which it simply can not wipe out to dust.
China’s subtle revenge
While China, the mute and very cunning spectator has not given huge headlines defending itself. The reason put forward is the same as defended by Russia. But then, one must know, when it comes to China, you are fighting an emerging economical power. Very quietly, behind the scenes, China is also engrossed in investing in several Latin American countries who are still wounded by imperialism to form its own nest. The usage of soft power is quite tricky as several Chinese countrymen are also being deported to small countries in Africa to start their own business. And above all, Chinese relations with US and the European Union has not been a bed of roses. So, when its time for subtle revenge, its basically is the time, only for it.
European Union’s silence
Nicholas Sarkozy was here, there, everywhere when it came to imposing a no-fly-zone in Libya. Interestingly, he is quite silent or perhaps, absent in the entire case of Syria. Well, the 2012 French elections can be one of the main reasons. He wants to run for the second successive term and thus, nothing means more to him that the months of ‘April’ and ‘May’.
Though, there have been rumors that France has been training members of the Free Syrian Army in Lebanon and Turkey.
As far as other countries are concerned, Germany which has for years, after the world wars, acted like a follower, is perhaps looking at the monetary aspect of the resolution. You do not need Adolf Hitler to reveal that this resolution, if passed, would cause further chaos, foreign intervention. The Euro Zone crisis has left other nations crippled and at Germany’s mercy, as England does not really care a damn about it. Germany, if clever, does not have a choice.
In the same context, there is no point even trying to think about what Italy, Greece, Ireland can manage to do.
America’s stand
Obama is busy facing the skeletons in his closet and at the same time, fighting to secure his second consecutive term in US Presidential elections. Congressmen Ron Paul is more of a headache than Assad. Also, Obama can not be rude with Russia, especially after he started the arms control treaty called New Start with Russia.
Hillary Clinton, in an obvious angry mood called the Security council as a ‘neutered organisation’.
Russia has been criticised for being extravagant with the veto power. Well, under Vitaly Churkin’s reign, Russia has just vetoed 4 times. Few analysts have applauded this fact because a security council should give as much importance to a veto as it gives to acceptance.
And for heaven’s sake, America should not be even questioning the role of veto. Its futile to even count how many times USA has vetoed any resolution against Israel. So, perhaps, whatever is happening right now, is just justice.
Arab League’s Plan
Once upon a time, Crusaders took over the west and in their response, the Ottoman Empire revealed its power to nab them in their clutches. Then came the European invaders armed with colonization and imperialism, all set to ruin the Middle East. But that was not the end. The emergence of Muslim Brotherhood, Al-Qaeda, Iranian revolution, Hamas and Hizbollah again threatened the world which already was witnessing world wars and cold war.
From then on, the stalemate has continued between the east and the west. What the current uprising has done, is not only create another issue like Israel and Palestine but has also given a chance for Arabs to fight for their dominance. Arabs do not want Iran and for that matter, they do not want the Alawite Shiite to rule. Its sectarian and its bloody violence.
Conclusion
All of this, states one thing. None of them- Russia, China, US, EU or AU are there to actually protect the innocent citizens who are being slain off in Syria. International politics here is a murky gamble, where everyone is playing their own cards, just to prove their power. The same goes for Assad who has been called as a ‘Dictator by Accident.’ Well, he is not. History has been trying to forgive Napolean, Adolf Hitler, Stalin and Churchill. The quote that ‘One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter’ does not hold true anymore.
Especially, when the concept of ‘Freedom’ has been butchered.
shubhdachaudhary 