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Mounting Pressures on Syria
September 22, 2011
By: Lulu Buhisi | Printer Friendly

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad continues to tamp down protesters through violent military assaults across the country. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United Nations (UN) placed the death toll at 2,700, along with over 10,000 arrests, since the protests began in mid-March of this year. International journalists and investigation teams continue to be barred from entering the country, as well as UN humanitarian efforts. The government in Damascus blames thugs and armed forces for inciting the violence and gave a much lower death toll.

As the crackdown continues, United States President Barack Obama urges the members of the UN Security Council to pass a resolution calling for sanctions against Assad and his government. In early August, the UN Security Council released a statement condemning the government for taking violent action against the Syrian people. The drafted resolution may not pass due to resistance by Russia and China. On September 12, President Medvedev sought to prevent harsher sanctions due to the already present large number of sanctions in place. He seeks a resolution that is "tough but balanced, and addressed to both sides in Syria," Reuters reports.

On September 20, Arab League members convened at a parliamentary meeting to call for the suspension of the memberships of Syria and Yemen, in an attempt to pressure the two countries to heed calls for reform. According to Al-Jazeera, the recommendations are not binding to the members, but signify a stronger stance against Syria. Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia recalled their ambassadors from Damascus, sending signals that Syria can no longer count on the long-standing support from major powers in the region.

Reuters additionally reported that Turkey declared a halt to its talks with Syria and a possibility of imposing sanctions. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has said his foreign ministers are working to determine what shape those sanctions may take. With thousands of Syrian refugees fleeing from Syria into Turkish camps and the unrelenting position of Assad, Turkey’s position may result in disastrous effects to the Syrian economy.

Besides facing an increasing international effort to isolate Syria, Assad is confronted with dissenting voices among his own government officials. If the government collapses, many fear the country will spiral into a violent civil war. Destabilization of Syria could draw the already volatile region into further conflict.

For previous news on Syria, please see:
Violence in Syria Continues; EU Expands Sanctions

Sources:
New York Times -  Syria Protests (2011)

Reuters – Russia Resists Syria Sanctions, Assad forces kill 22

Al-Jazeera – US calls for UN sanctions against Syria

Reuters – Turkey may slap sanctions on Syria -- Erdogan