Syria: resistance vs intervention

Western powers are threatening to derail the revolution in Syria, intervening directly or through the dictatorships they are arming in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The best solidarity is stopping military intervention.

The anti-Assad protests in Syria began peacefully, but have now turned into military clashes as the number of army defectors continues to increase. The United Nations says that more than 5,000 people have been killed in the past ten months of the revolution. Assad’s regime claims that the militant rebels have killed about 2,000 soldiers and police. Violence is escalating in several cities, putting the country under the threat of a civil war.

“Peace plan”

While the Arab League observers proposed to extend their so-called “peace mission,” the Gulf Co-Operation Council that represents oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar withdrew their observers. The Arab League “peace plan” suggested that Al-Assad should hand over power to his deputy.

The League also demanded he accept a unity government with the opposition followed by elections within six months.

In addition, the observers called for UN assistance to end the violence in Syria. According to Reuters, several diplomats said that Britain and France are working with the Arab League to endorse a plan regarding the situation in Syria.

Some Syrian opposition groups have called for Western intervention to put an end to the government violations. The Syrian National Council (SNC) called for a “no fly zone” in Syria, while the Free Syrian Army (FSA) urged the Security Council to intervene considering “the Syrian security as international security.”

Intervention

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have called for international intervention in Syria and agreed to supply military aid and weapons to the FSA. This should be a warning to all those who support self-determination of the Syrian people. Saudi Arabia is an ally for the United States and defends the American policies and plans in the region. In December 2011, the Obama administration announced a $30 billion arms deal with the Saudi government.

Western military intervention is the worst choice, whether directly or through Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The turmoil left in Libya as NATO invaded the country gives us a vivid image as to how Western intervention would more likely result in brutal civil war in addition to controlling the wealth of the nation. With several religious groups that are already in conflict with each other, any international intervention in Syria would result in increased sectarian violence.

In order to stop the bloodshed in Syria, activists around the world should stand against the repression and oppression practiced by Al-Assad’s regime against innocent civilians. At the same time, any foreign intervention should be condemned.