Syria: A Battlefield for Russia, China, US, EU and Arab League

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.

The future of Syria after Bashar’s speech

96 Days have passed. 1300 civilians have died in the protest. And to add to it, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gave a third speech which stated ‘ no development without stability, no reform in the face of sabotage and chaos.’

It reminds me of past Egyptian president Mubarak, who currently has now been diagnosed with cancer. The same tension, demand and proclamation during the eve of his speech which also proved to be marred with loopholes.

Speaking on the same fears as Ben Ali and Hosni Mubarak did, during their penultimate public appearances, Assad blamed the entire protest on foreign intervention, reluctant opposition and above all, a small population which is exploiting Syria’s future.

‘Promises are lies’

Syrians are furious. Slogans like, ‘Its written on the tanks, Bashar’s promises are all lies,‘ have become a reality for the Syrian blood, sweat and soil. Few say that ‘Democracy can be tough and dangerous, especially for the minority’.

Others believe that the speech was meant only for the supporters and not for the opponents. But before engaging into any hard and fast judgement, my entire perspective is quite simple.

‘The future, the lesson’

If today, hundreds and thousands of Syrians believe that they do not want another Libya, Iraq or Afghanistan, then, what do they want? The Middle East uprising has stated the victory of Tunisia and Egypt. Unfortunately, in spite of conquering the electoral democracy, the conditions are still different.

The elections in Tunisia that were supposed to happen in July have been postponed. The Army which is in the interim control of the Egyptian government is criticized for its ‘insensitivity’. Initially, it did seem like ‘Justice delayed in justice denied‘. But unfortunately, both of them have interchanging meanings, now.

‘Fear and western powers’

Syrians are afraid to trust in the government again. Yes, no doubt, they will be. In fact, any opposition would be. It hardly matters whether Bashar stated that he would pass a law for the multi party democracy and call 100 leading personalities to discuss regarding constitutional reforms.

One must not also forget that Syria is also an oil exporter. Though, the industry has seen a decline, it still has the potential of exporting 400,000 barrels per day. This in itself means that the Western superpowers would soon be involved.

‘Where is President Sarkozy?’

Though, Bashar, in his 11 years of rule has chosen to win the trust of countries like Russia, Turkey, China and France. Interestingly, that is one of the reasons why President Sarkozy is not so strongly into international platforms regaring Syria. Though, Russia has state that another Libya is in the making and hence,  it would not let the history to be repeated.

The US and UK have condoned the entire proclamation and have stated that they want the Syrian president to surrender. Its all, talk, right now.

‘The common man?’

But ultimately, the average person has rights. And this fight is about his right. His right to be independent and survive. He cannot be called a ‘Saboteur’. He cannot be called as someone who causes destruction, disruption, subversion and obstruction.

It indeed is unfortunate to see that the Syrian President has been reduced to a game (Click to play)

What lies in front of Syria is a maze of convoluted thoughts. The days are numbered. But to what future, no one knows.