Civil war raging in Syria
The Syria conflict has now claimed around 80,000 lives. Border skirmishes and streams of refugees are taking their toll on the country's neighbours, while all efforts at finding peace have failed. The press discusses military intervention and the danger of the region sliding into chaos.
Main focus of Monday, 13. May 2013
Turkey has blamed the Syrian regime for Saturday's bomb attack in the Turkish border town of Reyhanlı, which claimed the lives of 46 people. Damascus ... » more
Turkey has blamed the Syrian regime for Saturday's bomb attack in the Turkish border town of Reyhanlı, which claimed the lives of 46 people. Damascus rejects the accusations. Commentators write that Ankara is increasingly being drawn into the Syria conflict, but that an international military intervention would pose excessive domestic risks for Turkey.
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Radikal - Turkey | Monday, 13. May 2013
Saturday's attack is the third on the Turkish-Syrian border since the civil war began. According to Cengiz Çandar, Middle East expert for the liberal daily Radikal, the Syrian regime feels free to attack Ankara because it doesn't believe the Turks will retaliate: » more
Saturday's attack is the third on the Turkish-Syrian border since the civil war began. According to Cengiz Çandar, Middle East expert for the liberal daily Radikal, the Syrian regime feels free to attack Ankara because it doesn't believe the Turks will retaliate: "With these attacks the regime in Damascus is calculating that Turkey can be typecast as a regional player that threatens often enough, but doesn't follow through. Of course statements that Turkey 'would not abandon its self-control or give in to provocation' are necessary. But now that the perpetrators of the Reyhanlı attack have been identified, the question arises as to how to answer Syria in a self-controlled way that does not give in to provocation. I don't think anyone has an answer today. And since Damascus has no idea either, unfortunately repetitions of such attacks are not out of the question."
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All available articles from » Cengiz Çandar
Main focus of Friday, 10. May 2013
Reports on an arms deal between Moscow and Damascus have lowered the expectations of a planned international Syria conference in May. After the foreign ministers ... » more
Reports on an arms deal between Moscow and Damascus have lowered the expectations of a planned international Syria conference in May. After the foreign ministers of the US and Russia agreed on the meeting on Tuesday, it became known on Thursday that Russia plans to deliver ground-to-air missiles systems to Syria. While some commentators remain hopeful about the conference, others say it comes too late as the civil war has already destroyed the country.
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Milliyet - Turkey | Friday, 10. May 2013
The rapprochement between the US and Russia on the Syria issue and concrete plans for an international conference will also influence Turkey's Syria policy, the liberal daily Milliyet predicts, seeing a chance that Turkey will give up its maximum demand: » more
The rapprochement between the US and Russia on the Syria issue and concrete plans for an international conference will also influence Turkey's Syria policy, the liberal daily Milliyet predicts, seeing a chance that Turkey will give up its maximum demand: "It looks like Ankara is undertaking a 'slight adjustment' to its Syria policy. The Turkish government has so far always demanded Assad's immediate resignation and actively supported the opposition. If within the framework stipulated by Moscow, a new conference in Geneva launches a phase of political transition in Syria, this position must become more flexible. If instead of Assad other Ba'ath party politicians participated in a transition government in Damascus, this would ease the 'slight adjustment'. Then Turkey too could take active part in this new process."
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Il Sole 24 Ore - Italy | Friday, 10. May 2013
There may be good will behind the plans of the US and Russia to hold a conference in which both the regime and opposition participate, but the reality of the situation is different, the liberal business paper Il Sole 24 Ore contends: » more
There may be good will behind the plans of the US and Russia to hold a conference in which both the regime and opposition participate, but the reality of the situation is different, the liberal business paper Il Sole 24 Ore contends: "It's difficult for the international community to admit the truth - that the Syria where Sunnis, Christians, Alawites, Shias, Druze and other minorities once lived side by side no longer exits. It has been destroyed along with the minarets of the mosques, the church spires, the thousand-year cultural legacy. We stand before an ex-Syria, as we once stood before an ex-Yugoslavia. The diplomatic acrobatics seem like dangerous illusions. This also goes for the promise of a Syria conference which [US Secretary of State] Kerry extracted from Moscow. The proposal received such a positive response from the regime in Damascus that one can only suspect the whole thing is just another waste of time."
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Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Friday, 10. May 2013
US President Barack Obama will have no choice but to intervene in Syria if he wants to put an end to the butchery there, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung concludes: » more
US President Barack Obama will have no choice but to intervene in Syria if he wants to put an end to the butchery there, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung concludes: "Obama is right to regard this confusing conflict with utmost caution. But the prognosis that everything will get even worse without intervention is unfortunately also realistic. If the US had been quicker to impose a no-fly zone the war would perhaps never have reached its current proportions. … This is why he should talk to France and the UK about what can most feasibly still be done to at least shorten the war: imposing a no-fly zone. … In the UN Security Council [Russia and China] won't approve a Syrian intervention. … If the US wants to go ahead nevertheless it will have to do so without a UN mandate, as it did in 1999 in Kosovo, and its use of the force of arms to establish a no-fly zone would potentially even violate international law. Unfortunately, however, the alternative is to simply stand by and watch as an unprecedented bloodbath unfolds in the heart of the Middle East."
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De Volkskrant - Netherlands | Tuesday, 7. May 2013
According to the reports of Syrian opposition members, at least 42 soldiers of the Syrian government's troops were killed during Israel's air strikes on the weekend. The attack was mainly aimed at preventing Iran from supplying weapons to the Lebanese Hezbollah group. The left-liberal daily De Volkskrant warns that Israel may have opened up a new battlefield in the Syrian conflict: » more
According to the reports of Syrian opposition members, at least 42 soldiers of the Syrian government's troops were killed during Israel's air strikes on the weekend. The attack was mainly aimed at preventing Iran from supplying weapons to the Lebanese Hezbollah group. The left-liberal daily De Volkskrant warns that Israel may have opened up a new battlefield in the Syrian conflict: "Israel is playing with high stakes. Because such actions threaten to open up a second front in this already complex conflict. Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah explained last week after a visit to Iran that 'Assad's friends' would not accept his fall. Iran would then resort to direct intervention. … Israel is playing with fire because Iran is facing a devilish dilemma. Tehran doesn't want Assad to fall, nor can it afford to see its ally Hezbollah being isolated. Moreover the situation in Syria threatens to become even more complex and chaotic than it already is. … This conflict could lead to a war in the Middle East that no one wants."
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Main focus of Monday, 6. May 2013
The Israeli air force repeatedly bombarded targets near the Syrian capital Damascus on the weekend. According to security sources, the attacks are meant to prevent ... » more
The Israeli air force repeatedly bombarded targets near the Syrian capital Damascus on the weekend. According to security sources, the attacks are meant to prevent missile deliveries to the Lebanese Hezbollah militia. Finally a country is standing up to the Syrian dictator, some commentators write approvingly. Others fear the attacks will only strengthen Assad and complicate a Western intervention.
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ABC - Spain | Monday, 6. May 2013
The Israeli air strike against Syria helps Bashar al-Assad more than it helps the rebels, the conservative daily ABC fears: » more
The Israeli air strike against Syria helps Bashar al-Assad more than it helps the rebels, the conservative daily ABC fears: "In this case the intervention of the Israelis won't help to stop the bloodshed. Some will see it as an act of self-defence by the Israelis to ensure that Hezbollah's terrorist militia can't get hold of any heavy arms from Assad's regime - whatever the outcome of the Syrian civil war. But at the same time the bombardment will enormously complicate any Western intervention to help the rebels, and to a certain extent it will strengthen the dictator's position, at least among his followers. The regime's theory of connecting the rebels with Israel may not make much sense. But in the eyes of millions of Arabs, including the more moderate who favour democracy, this attack will sow confusion and lead to nothing good."
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De Morgen - Belgium | Monday, 6. May 2013
The attacks in Syria don't help Europe in its dilemma, the left-liberal daily De Morgen stresses: » more
The attacks in Syria don't help Europe in its dilemma, the left-liberal daily De Morgen stresses: "The latest attacks have above all to do with Israel's own security. Israel's primary source of concern is the military transport routes between Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, which cross Syrian territory. ... Israel's activities have nothing to do with a broad-based, international response to Assad's atrocities. The whole thing is a solo show by and for Israel. It also changes nothing in the moral dilemma that Europe has been entangled in for the last months. Negotiations with Assad are out of the question, but too many atrocities have now been committed. It's too dangerous to arm the opposition, because that would also put weapons in the hands of extremist militias. Europe looks on and seems unable to do anything to stop the world's largest bloodbath."
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Bild - Germany | Monday, 6. May 2013
Contrary to the faint-hearted West, Israel is making a show of strength against Bashar al-Assad, the tabloid Bild writes in praise: » more
Contrary to the faint-hearted West, Israel is making a show of strength against Bashar al-Assad, the tabloid Bild writes in praise: "While the entire world looks on passively at the slaughtering in Syria (70,000 dead), a tiny country is drawing the line for the Syrian dictator. Israel is bombing targets in Damascus - making the West's vapid excuses look all the more shameful. For more than two years Western politicians have been maintaining that an intervention in Syria is too risky because the Syrian air force is too powerful. Israel has shown: the opposite is the case. Israeli fighter jets have now flown into the Syrian airspace at least three times - and returned from their missions unharmed. ... Unscrupulous murderers like Assad have nothing but contempt for soft diplomacy. Anyone who wants to draw a 'red line' for despots should book a course with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu."
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Sme - Slovakia | Monday, 29. April 2013
Despite continuing signs that chemical weapons are being deployed in Syria, the West is still acting with reserve. So far US President Barack Obama has merely demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter. There are enough reasons for caution, the liberal daily Sme contends: » more
Despite continuing signs that chemical weapons are being deployed in Syria, the West is still acting with reserve. So far US President Barack Obama has merely demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter. There are enough reasons for caution, the liberal daily Sme contends: "Both from a theoretical and from a moral point of view, the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime would constitute the decisive impetus for the West to openly take action against the dictator in support of the rebels. But the West continues to deliberate the matter. Not just because hardly any reliable information is coming out of Syria. Everyone clearly remembers the example of Iraq. Not only did Saddam have chemical weapons, he also used them. Nevertheless one reason why the US later came under fire was that it was too quick to believe the Iraqi opposition when it said that Saddam still had such weapons [in 2003] and was intent on using them. ... If there is no intervention it will be because no one is ready to take responsibility for yet another powder keg blowing up in the most explosive region in the world."
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Der Standard - Austria | Wednesday, 24. April 2013
According to assessments by the Israeli military intelligence service, the Syrian regime has made use of the lethal nerve agent Sarin several times in recent weeks. The left-liberal daily Der Standard takes stock of this grave accusation: » more
According to assessments by the Israeli military intelligence service, the Syrian regime has made use of the lethal nerve agent Sarin several times in recent weeks. The left-liberal daily Der Standard takes stock of this grave accusation: "Nothing points to Assad feeling so cornered that he has already given such a fateful command. At the same time, however, it would also be too easy to conclude that by releasing this information the Israeli government is pushing for immediate US military intervention against Assad and in support of the rebels. Israel has been quicker than others to grasp the complexity of the conflict. So far practically all the groups that are scoring military victories against Assad would be far more unpleasant neighbours for Israel than Assad ever was. But if the US could be induced to move in and get hold of Syria's chemical weapons - which elite troops are said to be on the ready to do - this would prevent them from falling into rebel hands."
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De Morgen - Belgium | Thursday, 4. April 2013
A relief action for victims of the civil war in Syria on Dutch television has met with little interest. But indifference is also rife in Belgium, the left-liberal daily De Morgen regrets: » more
A relief action for victims of the civil war in Syria on Dutch television has met with little interest. But indifference is also rife in Belgium, the left-liberal daily De Morgen regrets: "While an entire country is being engulfed in pure horror, all we do is wonder if we too will feel the effects [through an Islamist terror attack]. Is this racism? Is it helplessness in the face of a conflict that is so difficult to explain, and for which it seems there's no solution? ... Just like with the genocide in Rwanda, we are once again looking on without doing a thing to stop it. ... And yet we view our lack of pity for the victims as proof of our high degree of civilisation. Take a look at Syria's children and you'll see how cynical and false this attitude is."
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All available articles from » Yves Desmet
Le Vif/L'Express - Belgium | Monday, 25. March 2013
Belgium's "Task Force Syrie" convened for the first time on Monday. Created by Interior Minister Joëlle Miliquet, the task force aims to prevent more young Belgians from leaving to country to join the Syrian opposition forces in the fight against Bashar al-Assad. The weekly Le Vif/L'Express criticises the contradictions in Belgium's Syria policy: » more
Belgium's "Task Force Syrie" convened for the first time on Monday. Created by Interior Minister Joëlle Miliquet, the task force aims to prevent more young Belgians from leaving to country to join the Syrian opposition forces in the fight against Bashar al-Assad. The weekly Le Vif/L'Express criticises the contradictions in Belgium's Syria policy: "Since the start [of the Syria conflict] Belgian and European policy has been aimed at sidelining Bashar al-Assaid and strengthening the rebels at all costs, despite their lack of unity and the presence of extremist elements. ... Another paradox is that we are waiting to see what measures the Task Force will adopt regarding Turkey, which as one of Assad's fiercest opponents allows right of passage to the rebels, their arms and also the [hitherto 50-80] young Belgians. ... Solving the Syria problem involves many different players and disparate goals. To be at all effective, a solution requires a minimum of coherence. And that is far from being the case in the Belgian context."
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Ouest-France - France | Monday, 18. March 2013
According to their own statements, France and Britain are considering sidestepping the EU weapons embargo for Syria and supplying arms and military equipment to the opposition. The regional daily Ouest France doubts that delivering weapons to the rebels will end the conflict: » more
According to their own statements, France and Britain are considering sidestepping the EU weapons embargo for Syria and supplying arms and military equipment to the opposition. The regional daily Ouest France doubts that delivering weapons to the rebels will end the conflict: "The result of two years of uprising is shocking. 70,000 victims, two million displaced persons and over a million refugees in Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq. ... Cities like Homs and Aleppo lie in ruins. Entire sections of Damascus are like ghost neighbourhoods. This is above all a humanitarian drama. The Syrian conflict, which started similarly to the uprisings in the other Arab countries, has quickly become a real war. Nevertheless several questions remain open: what will [circumventing the weapons embargo] accomplish? Won't it just help the Islamist groups, who are better prepared? Can Britain and France do this together without the blessing of the other countries?"
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Politiken - Denmark | Thursday, 28. February 2013
Representatives of Western states, the Arab world and international organisations will convene today with representatives of the moderate Syrian opposition FSA in Rome, at a meeting of the so-called "Friends of Syria". The social-liberal daily Politiken calls for weapons deliveries and the involvement of moderate representatives of the Assad regime: » more
Representatives of Western states, the Arab world and international organisations will convene today with representatives of the moderate Syrian opposition FSA in Rome, at a meeting of the so-called "Friends of Syria". The social-liberal daily Politiken calls for weapons deliveries and the involvement of moderate representatives of the Assad regime: "The challenge lies in exerting such strong pressure on the inner circle around Assad that the outer circle changes sides. This also includes providing massive help to non-extremist rebels - with funds and, yes, weapons - so that no rebels go over to the extremists in order to feed their families or obtain weapons. And if it's not possible to set up a no-fly zone, then better alternatives must be put forward. One in ten Syrians has had to leave the country. Letting Syria collapse and leaving the weapons and territory to religious extremists must not be an option. Neither for the Syrians, nor for their friends and neighbours."
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Neue Zürcher Zeitung - Switzerland | Friday, 1. February 2013
Israel's air strike in Syria may have been justified, but the situation could escalate and encourage other states to intervene in their own interest, the liberal-conservative Neue Zürcher Zeitung fears: » more
Israel's air strike in Syria may have been justified, but the situation could escalate and encourage other states to intervene in their own interest, the liberal-conservative Neue Zürcher Zeitung fears: "The Israeli attack sets a precedent in the Syrian civil war that markedly increases the tensions in the region. There is no lack of reasons for Israel to attack Syria - whether it's to prevent Hezbollah from getting hold of weapons like the SA 17 or extremist groups among the Syrian rebels from obtaining chemical weapons. But if the Jewish state intervenes other states that see their interests affected in the Syrian crisis may raise the stakes. And this increases the risk that the current conflict by proxy turns into a clash between several different forces."
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All available articles from » Jürg Bischoff
Corriere del Ticino - Switzerland | Thursday, 31. January 2013
Israeli fighter jets bombarded a Syrian convoy near Damascus on Tuesday night, according to reports in the media. In the meantime the UN is discussing aid for the victims of the Syrian civil war at a donor conference in Kuwait. While Israel is getting ready to fight the international community is simply distributing plasters, the liberal daily Corriere del Ticino writes: » more
Israeli fighter jets bombarded a Syrian convoy near Damascus on Tuesday night, according to reports in the media. In the meantime the UN is discussing aid for the victims of the Syrian civil war at a donor conference in Kuwait. While Israel is getting ready to fight the international community is simply distributing plasters, the liberal daily Corriere del Ticino writes: "The danger that chemical weapons as well as the conventional, sophisticated weapons of the Syrian army could end up in the hands of Islamist extremists or Hezbollah is real, and therefore also represents a threat for strategic targets in Israel. Given Israel's determination to neutralise threats, the air strike in Syria doesn't come as a big surprise. The Jewish state is the one that in every respect is best prepared for a potential collapse of Assad's regime. ... By comparison the 1.5 billion dollars in international aid for the Syrian population is little more than a plaster on the gaping wound of the civil war. ... Along the borders there is not just streams of refugees, but also the real danger of arms trading."
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All available articles from » Osvaldo Migotto
La Stampa - Italy | Wednesday, 16. January 2013
At least 80 people died and more than 160 were injured on Tuesday as a result of two explosions at Aleppo University. The international community is simply pinning its hopes on a diplomatic solution to the conflict even though such a solution is increasingly remote, the liberal daily La Stampa complains: » more
At least 80 people died and more than 160 were injured on Tuesday as a result of two explosions at Aleppo University. The international community is simply pinning its hopes on a diplomatic solution to the conflict even though such a solution is increasingly remote, the liberal daily La Stampa complains: "Even if Russia 'temporarily' discontinued the activities of its consulate in the economic metropolis Aleppo, Moscow still opposes any 'external' initiative, including the petition of 57 states to set up an International Criminal Court investigation into the war crimes in Syria. ... The world is merely looking on passively while the fighting in Syria rages on incessantly - in the hopes that sooner or later a UN mission put together by [UN Special Envoy for Syria] Brahimi will bring the Syrian tragedy to a close with the words 'The End'. But all the diplomatic efforts have been in vain, also because the rebels of the first phase are increasingly being replaced by fundamentalists and Assad can still count on the unlimited support of Tehran."
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Delo - Slovenia | Tuesday, 8. January 2013
Assad's call for a final battle against the rebels is reminiscent of the rhetoric of the fallen dictators Hosni Mubarak and Muammar al-Gaddafi during their last days in power, the left-liberal daily Delo writes: » more
Assad's call for a final battle against the rebels is reminiscent of the rhetoric of the fallen dictators Hosni Mubarak and Muammar al-Gaddafi during their last days in power, the left-liberal daily Delo writes: "During the Syrian conflict Assad has always acted as if he were fighting the war against his people with the help of his Russian advisers in a rational, calculating way. But on Sunday for the first time he showed that the reins are quickly slipping from his bloody hands. With his completely over-the-top speech, Assad revealed a striking similarity to Hosni Mubarak and Muammar al-Gaddafi in the last days of their rule. The undertone in his words made it clear that he wants a 'final solution to the rebel issue'. ... Until now the Syrian president has manoeuvred strategically. From now on, it looks like he's willing to go all the way."
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Main focus of Monday, 7. January 2013
In his first official speech since June, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday called on Syrians to fight against the rebels and promised his supporters ... » more
In his first official speech since June, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday called on Syrians to fight against the rebels and promised his supporters political reforms. With his stance Assad has made clear that he will fight to the bitter end, commentators write, and urge the international community to prepare for intervention in Syria.
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Sydsvenskan - Sweden | Monday, 7. January 2013
The international community must be prepared to intervene in Syria, the independent daily Sydsvenskan writes: » more
The international community must be prepared to intervene in Syria, the independent daily Sydsvenskan writes: "The Syrian regime sees no conflict between the government and the opposition, but between Syria and the country's 'enemies'. One such 'enemy' is the Syrian opposition alliance, which has been recognised both by the EU and by the US. ...Meanwhile there is speculation that Russia has sent warships to the Mediterranean to evacuate Russian citizens from the country. But Russia is keeping its plans secret and saying it's not on the way to the Syrian coastal city of Tartus. ... Nato confirmed on Friday that it is positioning an anti-aircraft defence system in Turkey near the Syrian border. ... So while Assad talks, there is movement all around his country. What Nato is doing is clear and necessary. What Russia is doing is unclear and worrying. But whatever happens in Syria, the world must be ready to intervene."
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Dnevnik - Slovenia | Monday, 7. January 2013
Assad made it perfectly clear in his speech on Sunday that he intends to continue with the civil war to the bitter end, the left-liberal daily Dnevnik fears: » more
Assad made it perfectly clear in his speech on Sunday that he intends to continue with the civil war to the bitter end, the left-liberal daily Dnevnik fears: "For his address to the people and the presentation of his 'peace initiative' Assad chose the capital city's imposing Opera House. This was the right place for his theatrical presentation of a vision for the future that is nothing but a clinging to the past. Assad has not conjured a dove of peace out of his hat. With its stubborn interpretation of the events the speech sounded like an announcement that the civil war will be fought to the bitter end. The year of transition in Syria has begun on the same note as the last year ended. And what now? There is no sign of anything but an escalation of the civil war. The efforts of the international community to get things moving forwards in the Syria conflict are back to square one."
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De Volkskrant - Netherlands | Thursday, 3. January 2013
The civil war in Syria has claimed the lives of 60,000 people, according to a UN report published on Wednesday. That is a far greater number of victims than had so far been assumed. A terrible reality, columnist Bert Wagendorp writes in the left-liberal daily De Volkskrant: » more
The civil war in Syria has claimed the lives of 60,000 people, according to a UN report published on Wednesday. That is a far greater number of victims than had so far been assumed. A terrible reality, columnist Bert Wagendorp writes in the left-liberal daily De Volkskrant: "Last Monday Lakhdar Brahimi, the Algerian UN envoy for the Syrian crisis, spoke to Assad. Unfortunately he refused to comment on what was said between them. One wants to know the details of such a meeting. What did Assad say? What did he look like? Was there a trace of desperation in his eyes, of fear or madness? … How does an intelligent man look on his devastated country and the tens of thousands of victims in the knowledge that he himself is to blame? Does he realise that his end is inescapable? That he has probably lost the support of the Russians? Or has the madness long since suppressed reality? Nowhere else in the Middle East has the hope instilled by the Arab Spring died as often and as cruelly as in Syria."
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Delfi - Latvia | Thursday, 6. December 2012
Following a request by Turkey, Nato decided on Tuesday to station patriot missiles on the Turkish-Syrian border. But this arms build-up is the wrong way to go, the news portal Delfi believes: » more
Following a request by Turkey, Nato decided on Tuesday to station patriot missiles on the Turkish-Syrian border. But this arms build-up is the wrong way to go, the news portal Delfi believes: "It may well be that this missile deployment in Turkey is just the forerunner of a more extensive intervention in the region. ... In view of Turkey's fears we must remember the saying according to which he who is most afraid is generally the culprit. With its open support for the opposition and its call for a military overthrow of the Assad regime, Turkey has brazenly intervened in the Syrian conflict. Instead of stationing surface to air missiles on the border, it would be better to ensure that no weapons are being brought over the border and that everything is done to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria."
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Público - Portugal | Wednesday, 5. December 2012
The US announced on Monday that it would intervene in the Syria conflict if head of state Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons against his own people. This and other factors points to Assad's regime soon ending, according to the liberal daily Público: » more
The US announced on Monday that it would intervene in the Syria conflict if head of state Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons against his own people. This and other factors points to Assad's regime soon ending, according to the liberal daily Público: "While Egypt is experiencing a new revolt the target of which is now [President Muhammad] Mursi, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict threatens to escalate, Syria remains a battlefield. … But there have been decisive new developments regarding the pressure put on the Assad dictatorship. US President Barack Obama has threatened Assad with repercussion should his regime use chemical weapons. Moreover Nato has decided to station missile defence systems on the Turkish-Syrian border to protect Turkey. And finally, but crucially, Russia has indicated its willingness to persuade Assad to give up his power. This combination could - in the short term - usher in the end of the regime. But considering its considerable staying power it is still too early to declare victory. In the meantime the martyrdom of the Syrian people will continue as a painful silence."
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NRC Handelsblad - Netherlands | Friday, 23. November 2012
Turkey on Wednesday formally requested the deployment of Nato Patriot missiles on its territory to protect its border with Syria. As well as the US ... » more
Turkey on Wednesday formally requested the deployment of Nato Patriot missiles on its territory to protect its border with Syria. As well as the US and Germany, the Netherlands is also in possession of such missiles. In the eyes of the liberal daily NRC Handelsblad the deployment of the missiles would be possible only if "the Patriots are used solely to help Turkey defend itself in the event of cross-border Syrian attacks or to prevent such attacks. Unless these conditions are stipulated, the Western countries could end up being dragged into the Syrian war after all. Yet the Turkish request must in principle be granted. Turkey has always been a loyal and strategic ally within the Atlantic alliance. The attitude of the Dutch government towards the Turkish request seems to reflect this. 'Solidarity among allies plays an important role in the decision,' the government announced on Tuesday. And that's the way it should be."
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Tages-Anzeiger - Switzerland | Wednesday, 14. November 2012
France and the US have recognised the newly-founded Syrian opposition front as a government in exile, while the EU and the Arab League have promised their support. In the Western media, by contrast, support for the rebels has dwindled owing to unfounded fears regarding Islamists, the daily Tages-Anzeiger comments: » more
France and the US have recognised the newly-founded Syrian opposition front as a government in exile, while the EU and the Arab League have promised their support. In the Western media, by contrast, support for the rebels has dwindled owing to unfounded fears regarding Islamists, the daily Tages-Anzeiger comments: "The situation is now so catastrophic that the Syrian uprising is happy to get support from anywhere it can. The more hesitant the West has become towards the rebels, the more influence fanatic jihadists have gained. And they clearly have no problem getting their hands on even heavy weapons. The same people who warned against generously arming the rebels for fear of a purported regional conflagration are now complaining about the rise of the jihadists. Should the peaceful demonstrators simply have gone on letting themselves be shot at? Or ceased their protests and gone home? All that's lacking now is for the Syrian people to be reminded that compared to the situation today, things weren't at all that bad before the uprising."
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Dagens Nyheter - Sweden | Tuesday, 30. October 2012
According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), as many as 700,000 people could be fleeing Syria by the end of the year. Sweden must be better prepared for taking in Syrian refugees and other EU states must become more involved, the liberal daily Dagens Nyheter urges: » more
According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), as many as 700,000 people could be fleeing Syria by the end of the year. Sweden must be better prepared for taking in Syrian refugees and other EU states must become more involved, the liberal daily Dagens Nyheter urges: "As during the war in Bosnia and Croatia in the 1990s, borders must be opened for those who want to save their lives by fleeing. When, if not now, should the principles of the international refugee conventions apply? Consequently the Refugee Agency should receive additional resources to fulfil its tasks. And the communities must also show great solidarity. But for this to happen citizens must first understand the objective and the concept of refugee policy. Moreover Sweden must put pressure on other EU states. There is a shared responsibility, and it is unacceptable that there are not more European countries taking in people fleeing the hellish situation in Syria."
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Main focus of Monday, 22. October 2012
During the funeral of the senior Lebanese intelligence officer Wissam al-Hassan, who was killed last Friday, thousands of people gathered on Sunday in Beirut to ... » more
During the funeral of the senior Lebanese intelligence officer Wissam al-Hassan, who was killed last Friday, thousands of people gathered on Sunday in Beirut to demand the resignation of the prime minister. Najib Mikati is seen as a close ally of Syria. Commentators fear that Lebanon will once again become a Syrian puppet and that the Syrian civil war will spread to its unstable neighbour.
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La Repubblica - Italy | Monday, 22. October 2012
The Syrian civil war threatens to spread in the wake of the violent riots in neighbouring Lebanon, the left-liberal daily La Repubblica fears: » more
The Syrian civil war threatens to spread in the wake of the violent riots in neighbouring Lebanon, the left-liberal daily La Repubblica fears: "After the attack there is now every indication that the civil war in Syria will spread to Lebanon - much as if the country were a natural geographic and political extension of its larger neighbour. And that's exactly what it is. Now no one excludes the possibility that the conflict could spread. And even if for now the events are just a warning signal, they should nevertheless be taken seriously. Because the Syrian civil war could well evolve into a regional war in the Middle East. In fact this war is in part being waged already, as various powers already have a hand in the Syrian conflict. ... In multi-ethnic and multi-confessional Lebanon, all of the powers are represented that are currently involved in the Syrian conflict."
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Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Monday, 22. October 2012
The deadly attack on senior intelligence officer Wissam al-Hassan could turn Lebanon into a Syrian marionette once more, the left-liberal Süddeutsche Zeitung fears: » more
The deadly attack on senior intelligence officer Wissam al-Hassan could turn Lebanon into a Syrian marionette once more, the left-liberal Süddeutsche Zeitung fears: "Syria and Lebanon - this was a symbiotic relationship in the past. And later too, at the end of the 20th century, Syria controlled its little neighbour economically, militarily and politically. ... Now an attack has once again rocked the country. And all eyes are on Syria. ... The murder of the Lebanese intelligence officer Wissam al-Hassan hit one of Assad's most effective opponents in Beirut. There was no better target for anyone wanting to bring the shaky country to explode. The Sunni Al-Hassan hunted down Lebanese politicians who had been instructed to plant bombs in Lebanon by Syria. ... Lebanon had undertaken major efforts to shake off the powerful embrace of its Syrian nemesis. If it now sinks into hatred it will return to being a puppet state."
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Delo - Slovenia | Monday, 22. October 2012
A new war in Lebanon is unavoidable because there are too many parties in the region that would benefit from it, the left-liberal daily Delo fears: » more
A new war in Lebanon is unavoidable because there are too many parties in the region that would benefit from it, the left-liberal daily Delo fears: "After the bomb attack in Beirut, it looks like no one can prevent a new war in Lebanon. Such a conflict would benefit Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has lost control over the north of the country and therefore urgently needs an 'open corridor' in the south. Hezbollah would also benefit from a war, as it is waging a battle not only for political supremacy in Lebanon, but also for the survival of the Shia Crescent, which stretches from the Lebanese Hezbollah over Damascus to Tehran. On the other side, the Sunni kingdoms of Saudi Arabia and Qatar have started a secret war together with the US. There are too many external interests for the Lebanese to escape a major new tragedy."
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Tages-Anzeiger - Switzerland | Monday, 15. October 2012
The conflict between Syria and Turkey is coming to a head, the liberal daily Tages-Anzeiger worries. Nevertheless, as far as the newspaper is concerned Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's shrill rhetoric is "rather a sign of perplexity than a demonstration of Turkey's determination to take unilateral military action against Syria. ... Erdoğan accuses the United Nations of idleness, drawing parallels with the world's wait-and-see attitude during the Bosnia war 20 years ago. That exemplifies what the prime minister wants: » more
The conflict between Syria and Turkey is coming to a head, the liberal daily Tages-Anzeiger worries. Nevertheless, as far as the newspaper is concerned Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's shrill rhetoric is "rather a sign of perplexity than a demonstration of Turkey's determination to take unilateral military action against Syria. ... Erdoğan accuses the United Nations of idleness, drawing parallels with the world's wait-and-see attitude during the Bosnia war 20 years ago. That exemplifies what the prime minister wants: an international military intervention with a UN mandate, like that in Sarajevo back then. ... But America has no desire to get involved in a new armed conflict in the Middle East the results of which would be anything but certain. The same goes for all the other Nato states. ... A majority of Turks are vehemently against military action. That too limits the Turkish government's room to manoeuvre. ... In this dangerous game, Turkey's government would prefer not to burn its bridges on any front. Because its top priority is stability at home. However that stability - and with it the power of the Erdoğan government - could soon be a thing of the past if the booming Turkish economy were burdened with a war."
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Der Tagesspiegel - Germany | Thursday, 11. October 2012
After Turkish fighter jets forced a Syrian passenger plane to land in Ankara, tensions between the two countries have mounted. According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry the plane, which was flying from Moscow, was carrying military supplies. Syria's Transport Ministry has denied the claims and accused Turkey of "air piracy". Turkey's approach is extremely risky, the left-liberal daily Tagesspiegel warns: » more
After Turkish fighter jets forced a Syrian passenger plane to land in Ankara, tensions between the two countries have mounted. According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry the plane, which was flying from Moscow, was carrying military supplies. Syria's Transport Ministry has denied the claims and accused Turkey of "air piracy". Turkey's approach is extremely risky, the left-liberal daily Tagesspiegel warns: "The danger of a new war in the Middle East is real. In the event of a military conflict between Turkey and Syria, Iran and Lebanon could quickly be dragged into the maelstrom, with consequences for Israel and beyond. Some commentators believe this is precisely what Assad is aiming for, to internationalise the Syrian conflict and save his regime through direct intervention by a partner like Iran. Any ill-considered decision by the politicians and the military in Ankara and Damascus could have serious and almost uncontrollable repercussions."
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Main focus of Monday, 8. October 2012
The confrontations in the border region between Syria and Turkey continue. There was at least one more shelling attack by Syria near the Turkish town ... » more
The confrontations in the border region between Syria and Turkey continue. There was at least one more shelling attack by Syria near the Turkish town of Akçakale on the weekend, triggering retaliation from the Turkish army. Commentators conclude that Turkey cannot rely on the support of the West and is therefore counting on Assad being replaced by his vice president as the solution.
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Il Sole 24 Ore - Italy | Monday, 8. October 2012
The border conflict between Syria and Turkey threatens to turn into a gruelling confrontation because from a strategic point of view both sides have their hands tied, the liberal-conservative business paper Il Sole 24 Ore notes: » more
The border conflict between Syria and Turkey threatens to turn into a gruelling confrontation because from a strategic point of view both sides have their hands tied, the liberal-conservative business paper Il Sole 24 Ore notes: "With the outbreak of the Arab Spring the differences between Erdoğan and Assad became increasingly obvious. Erdoğan made the mistake of pushing Assad to find a peaceful solution to the protests - considered unforgivable interference in the politics of a regime that won't be ordered around. ... Both countries are prisoners of their own strategies. Despite his parliament's approval Erdoğan can't wage a war against Assad. He lacks the backing of his people, and at least for now he also lacks the full support of the West. Because the latter doesn't want to be openly dragged into the conflict. For his part Assad fears a Turkish attack because it would trigger a radical shift in the balance of power. In this way these enemies who were once friends are united in their weakness and are both perched precariously on the edge of the abyss."
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La Vanguardia - Spain | Monday, 8. October 2012
Vice President Faruk al-Shara taking over power and the negotiation of a caretaker government under his aegis could be the way to settle the Syrian conflict, the liberal daily La Vanguardia writes supporting the corresponding initiative from Turkey: » more
Vice President Faruk al-Shara taking over power and the negotiation of a caretaker government under his aegis could be the way to settle the Syrian conflict, the liberal daily La Vanguardia writes supporting the corresponding initiative from Turkey: "In Syria there can be no repetition of the operation in Libya because it would mean deploying six times more military and also lead to a serious confrontation with Russia and China. But if the fighting in Syria continues at the present level a conflict with Turkey seems inevitable, with all the dangers this entails. With the proposal that Bashar al-Assad be replaced by his vice president, Erdoğan's government is trying to open up a new path out of the conflict. It considers al-Shara to be a reasonable person and believes he would be capable of negotiating a transitional government that would be acceptable to the rebels. Without doubt this would be the best solution."
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Sme - Slovakia | Monday, 8. October 2012
The West is supporting Turkey only half-heartedly because if the latter gains more power the region will be further destabilised, the liberal daily Sme writes: » more
The West is supporting Turkey only half-heartedly because if the latter gains more power the region will be further destabilised, the liberal daily Sme writes: "The Arabs do not like the memory of the oppression they suffered under the Ottoman Empire. In the rebel stronghold Aleppo there is a considerable Kurdish and Armenian minority. The Armenians there are descendents of those who fled the Turkish genocide. No one in Syria wants to live under the control of a state that dreams of Ottoman times, oppresses the Kurds at home and even today condemns anyone who points to Turkey's responsibility for the genocide of the Armenians. One more reason why Turkey can't rely on the help of the West. ... The West wants to end the civil war. But it does not want Turkey to strengthen its influence because it would do nothing to advance stability and democracy in the region."
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Main focus of Friday, 5. October 2012
The Turkish parliament on Thursday approved military intervention in Syria. The decision came after several Turkish civilians died on Wednesday as a result of Syria's ... » more
The Turkish parliament on Thursday approved military intervention in Syria. The decision came after several Turkish civilians died on Wednesday as a result of Syria's shelling on the Turkish town of Akçakale, which prompted Turkey to launch a counterattack on Syrian military bases. This escalation forces the international community to finally intervene in Syria, some commentators argue. Others stress that Ankara has no interest in allowing the conflict to come to a head.
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Lidové noviny - Czech Republic | Friday, 5. October 2012
An attack on a Nato member can trigger the so-called casus foederis, or collective action. But there is little chance of that in the conflict between Syria and Turkey, the conservative daily Lidové noviny comments: » more
An attack on a Nato member can trigger the so-called casus foederis, or collective action. But there is little chance of that in the conflict between Syria and Turkey, the conservative daily Lidové noviny comments: "Firstly, Turkey does not consider the incident an attack on its territory. Secondly, the West fears collective action like the devil fears holy water. Taken together that means: Turkey does not want to attack Syria militarily, but it does want to defend its interests there by military means. It wants to do that on its own, not as a Nato member. There is no shortage of pretexts for an attack. But that's not in Turkey's interests. Iran is relying on giving the Assad regime direct military support. Turkey, by contrast, furthers its interests by arming the rebels. In this context one grenade - with all due respect to the victims - is a bagatelle."
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Neue Zürcher Zeitung - Switzerland | Friday, 5. October 2012
The understandable Turkish military reaction to the attacks on its territory does not mean Ankara is ready to let the conflict escalate needlessly, the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung contends: » more
The understandable Turkish military reaction to the attacks on its territory does not mean Ankara is ready to let the conflict escalate needlessly, the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung contends: "Even if the government has received the green light from parliament for cross-border military action, that by no means indicates that further operations are in the offing. In the same way, the parliament has already legitimised several operations by the army against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq. Turkey has no interest in the conflict with Syria intensifying, and it will not intervene unilaterally. What it wants is an orderly transfer of power in Damascus, because a power vacuum or even a territorial fragmentation of Syria along ethnic and confessional lines could, above all in regards to the unsolved Kurdish question at home, also destabilise Turkey."
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El País - Spain | Friday, 5. October 2012
Now that the conflict in Syria has crossed the Turkish-Syrian border the left-liberal daily El País urges the international community to finally intervene: » more
Now that the conflict in Syria has crossed the Turkish-Syrian border the left-liberal daily El País urges the international community to finally intervene: "With the blank check he received from Vladimir Putin before the UN Security Council, Assad will not hesitate in his policy of extermination unless he is faced with a credible ultimatum by the democratic forces. As recent events clearly demonstrate, if the civil war in Syria continues it will spread across the entire region. Already the formidable flow of refugees and escapees - more than a million within Syria and more than 300,000 in neighbouring countries - is threatening to destabilise Jordan or drag vacillating Lebanon into another sectarian war. The grave implications of the Turkish decision should serve as the final call for the West and the most implicated Arab countries to take action - ideally within the UN but if necessary outside it - to put an end to this shameful tragedy."
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Der Tagesspiegel - Germany | Thursday, 4. October 2012
The death of Turkish civilians puts Syria's allies like Russia and Iran in a tight spot, writes the left-liberal daily the Tagesspiegel and calls for the pressure on Syria to be increased: » more
The death of Turkish civilians puts Syria's allies like Russia and Iran in a tight spot, writes the left-liberal daily the Tagesspiegel and calls for the pressure on Syria to be increased: "The death of Turkish civilians has pushed Russia and Iran into the defensive. Their support for a Syrian government that is not only killing its own citizens but also people in other countries will become a major problem after what happened in Akçakale. After all, Moscow and Tehran are constantly warning against foreign intervention in Syria. But now that Damascus itself has extended the conflict beyond Syria's borders this line of argument has lost all credibility. The West must take advantage of this weakness in Syria's backers to force above all Russia to exert more pressure on Assad. Such pressure would also lower the risk of a war between Turkey and Syria."
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Simerini - Cyprus | Tuesday, 25. September 2012
The Republic of Cyprus, which currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, could play a mediating role in the crises in the Middle East and Syria owing to its strategic position, the conservative daily Simerini writes: » more
The Republic of Cyprus, which currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, could play a mediating role in the crises in the Middle East and Syria owing to its strategic position, the conservative daily Simerini writes: "Under the current circumstances Cyprus's EU presidency takes on a greater and deeper significance. The crises in Syria and the Middle East offer the opportunity to take the initiative to overcome them. The Republic of Cyprus maintains very good relations with all the countries in the region. Cyprus is right on the edge of the EU and the only European country in this region which is one of the most dangerous and unstable in the world. Cyprus is accepted by all sides and can play a mediating role by taking the reins with the approval of its EU partners. Cyprus represents a springboard for all the initiatives in the region - and this theory is the reality."
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All available articles from » Savvas Iakovidis
Lidové noviny - Czech Republic | Monday, 17. September 2012
At the end of his three-day visit to Lebanon on Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI called for a halt to the violence in neighbouring Syria. The conservative daily Lidové noviny feels the Pontiff could have shown more courage: » more
At the end of his three-day visit to Lebanon on Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI called for a halt to the violence in neighbouring Syria. The conservative daily Lidové noviny feels the Pontiff could have shown more courage: "Lebanon is currently commemorating the 30th anniversary of the massacres in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps, where Lebanese Christians murdered Palestinian guerillas in retaliation for the killing of Christians. They had a clear reason for their hatred, just like the Czechs had vis-à-vis the Sudeten Germans in May 1945. But - as was also the case here at home - the massacre happened at a time when the Palestinian initiators of the killings were long gone. The Lebanese Christians took out their rage on women, children and the elderly. That is a stain on Christians which the Pope could well have acknowledged in Lebanon. If he had, his call for dialogue would have been all the more worthy of being heeded."
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Le Soir - Belgium | Thursday, 6. September 2012
The violent conflict between Syrian rebels and the Assad regime is entering its second year. Yet the international community is still refusing to supply the rebels with weapons, allegedly because it is afraid that they could fall into the hands of extremists. This is just a flimsy excuse, the left-liberal daily Le Soir writes critically: » more
The violent conflict between Syrian rebels and the Assad regime is entering its second year. Yet the international community is still refusing to supply the rebels with weapons, allegedly because it is afraid that they could fall into the hands of extremists. This is just a flimsy excuse, the left-liberal daily Le Soir writes critically: "Such groups are already in Syria! And with each passing week, as the rebels' frustration with the West's inertia mounts, it is to be feared that the influence of this movement - still only a slim minority, according to returning journalists and observers - will grow by leaps and bounds. The US weekly The Nation and the daily Le Monde recently published reports that show once again: the rebels suffer from a severe lack of arms (while Russia continues to support the regime). Can the West afford to maintaing this passive stance?"
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Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung - Germany | Friday, 31. August 2012
With his criticism Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi has prevented the Iranian leadership from using his presence at the summit for propaganda purposes, the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung comments with relief, hoping this will prompt action on Syria: » more
With his criticism Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi has prevented the Iranian leadership from using his presence at the summit for propaganda purposes, the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung comments with relief, hoping this will prompt action on Syria: "The suspicion that an Egypt led by the Muslim Brothers is seeking an alliance with Shiite Iran has been put to rest. … Mursi is not trying to bring the Sunnis and Shiites closer together but pushing for Iran's isolation. Moreover the reborn regional leader Egypt is driving Iran out of the Arab world once more. … Mursi's drumbeat in Tehran won't pass without consequences. His initiative and Iran's expected reaction have shown that a political solution aimed at resolving the conflict in Syria with Iran's help is not possible. Mursi's proposal to form a working group consisting of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey … is likely the last attempt to find a political solution to the civil war. If Iran doesn't grasp this very quickly … other solutions will be sought in which Iran will have no say."
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La Stampa - Italy | Monday, 27. August 2012
According to rebel reports from Syria, more than 200 people were killed in a new massacre in a Damascus suburb on Saturday night. The photos provided to back up these reports are however far from irrefutable, writes the liberal daily La Stampa, noting that the only thing that is clear now is that Assad's regime has acted with fresh impetus in recent days: » more
According to rebel reports from Syria, more than 200 people were killed in a new massacre in a Damascus suburb on Saturday night. The photos provided to back up these reports are however far from irrefutable, writes the liberal daily La Stampa, noting that the only thing that is clear now is that Assad's regime has acted with fresh impetus in recent days: "The only documents that provide evidence of the massacre are the pictures on the website of the opposition which show mounds of dead bodies in the Abu Auleiman al-Durani mosque. But it is unclear when the pictures were taken and who killed whom. … What is completely clear however is that the mood in Syria has changed. While the opposition once again stresses the brutality of the regime and there is no more talk of its fall, the regime is once again adopting a triumphant stance. … Assad has shown himself in public again and described the revolts against him as a 'plot'. … At the same time, with his public appearance yesterday the Syrian Vice-President Faruk al-Sharaa silenced reports that he had fled. The fact that these reports have now been refuted gives Assad a new boost."
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La Stampa - Italy | Friday, 24. August 2012
At their meeting on Thursday in Berlin German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President François Hollande called on the UN Security Council to finally adopt the 'necessary resolutions' in view of the humanitarian situation in Syria. Nothing but empty phrases, Domenico Quirico, an expert on international relations, writes indignantly in the liberal daily La Stampa, noting that the West is guilty of standing by impassively as it did in 1936 with the Spanish Civil War: » more
At their meeting on Thursday in Berlin German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President François Hollande called on the UN Security Council to finally adopt the 'necessary resolutions' in view of the humanitarian situation in Syria. Nothing but empty phrases, Domenico Quirico, an expert on international relations, writes indignantly in the liberal daily La Stampa, noting that the West is guilty of standing by impassively as it did in 1936 with the Spanish Civil War: "Back then there was Franco on one side, whose powerful and ruthless army was shamelessly supplied with weapons by its allies, the fascist regimes of Germany and Italy. Today it is Bashar al-Assad who is determined to destroy the Syria of the rebels - with fighter jets, helicopters, weapons and tanks shamelessly delivered by Russia and China. On the other side back then were the Spanish Republicans. … The Western democracies didn't help them. And today - apart from empty talk - they won't help the Free Syrian Army. … With its cowardliness, dressed up as strategic caution, the West is pushing the Syrian rebels further into the clutches of Islamic fanaticism with each day that passes … So the fight will take on a different form that we really won't like: terrorism. And the rebels won't forget that we didn't do anything to help them."
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Diário de Notícias - Portugal | Wednesday, 22. August 2012
US President Barack Obama has threatened Damascus with military intervention if it resorts to the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian conflict. In the eyes of the liberal-conservative daily Diário de Notícias Obama was right to send a clear message: » more
US President Barack Obama has threatened Damascus with military intervention if it resorts to the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian conflict. In the eyes of the liberal-conservative daily Diário de Notícias Obama was right to send a clear message: "It may not look good when a Nobel Peace Prize winner threatens a country with war. But Obama knows that in the case of Syria a red line must be drawn. The use of chemical or biological weapons would be unacceptable for a US president. Even the mobilisation of such weapons to create a threatening scenario would cross that boundary. ... Three months ahead of the US presidential election Obama has little interest in involving his country in an ill-defined conflict. ... And an abrupt end to the Assad regime would destabilise the Middle East. However a US president is expected to make clear statements. And Obama, who gave the order for the withdrawal from Iraq but is still fighting in Afghanistan, has an advantage over his Republican rival Mitt Romney in this respect."
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Corriere della Sera - Italy | Wednesday, 15. August 2012
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation voted by a large majority to suspend Syria on Wednesday night. Philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy calls on the West to finally intervene in the conflict in an article published in the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera: » more
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation voted by a large majority to suspend Syria on Wednesday night. Philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy calls on the West to finally intervene in the conflict in an article published in the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera: "Aleppo is today's Benghazi. … It would be incomprehensible if the steps that were taken to stop an announced slaughter in Libya were not taken in Syria. The killing there began long ago. … It's not likely that Assad is crazy and willing to risk his life like Gaddafi. A carefully thought out plan that initially avoids extremist actions could force the regime to make an exit. Assad is a paper tiger; our weakness makes him strong. If the 'friends of the Syrian people' show their determination Assad will prefer exile to suicide. … Moreover Assad is now ostracised by the Arab world. He is more isolated than Gaddafi ever was. The coalition that comes to the help of the victims of the Syrian ruler would outnumber the Libyan coalition and be almost as strong as it was."
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Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Thursday, 16. August 2012
More than 60,000 Syrians are estimated to have fled the civil war to neighbouring Turkey, and roughly twice that number to Jordan. Providing help for the refugees in their tent camps is not just a moral imperative but also a matter of self-interest, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung argues: » more
More than 60,000 Syrians are estimated to have fled the civil war to neighbouring Turkey, and roughly twice that number to Jordan. Providing help for the refugees in their tent camps is not just a moral imperative but also a matter of self-interest, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung argues: "Flows of refugees are also a political factor. The expulsion of Palestinians when Israel was founded has left the region destabilised to this day. ... In Jordan, Palestinian guerillas once planned to overthrow the king, who had them brutally expelled during the 'Black September' of 1970. In Lebanon, their new place of refuge, they upset the delicate balance between Christians and Muslims. ... Refugee camps are the breeding grounds of radicalism. The Afghan Taliban emerged from the Pakistani refugee camps on the border region. And Pakistani radicals also found new recruits among the army of uneducated, embittered, homeless refugees. ... There is a moral duty to help the Syrian refugees, with money if nothing else. But just as pressing a reason is our own self interest."
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Sme - Slovakia | Tuesday, 14. August 2012
In view of the heavy fighting over the Syrian economic hub Aleppo, the rebels once again demanded a no-fly zone on Monday. But the chances of that going through are slim because Syria is not at all comparable to Libya writes the liberal daily Sme: » more
In view of the heavy fighting over the Syrian economic hub Aleppo, the rebels once again demanded a no-fly zone on Monday. But the chances of that going through are slim because Syria is not at all comparable to Libya writes the liberal daily Sme: "The Western governments, which must respect the sensitive public opinion in their countries regarding the potential loss of soldiers, would not send their planes into Syrian airspace without previously having shut down the country's air raid defence potential. Assad has a stronger and better-equipped army and more effective anti-aircraft defences than Gaddafi. It would take a massive attack to neutralise them. And even if the most precise missiles were used it would still entail civilian casualties. ... Furthermore the West does not want to be caught up in hostilities. Syria is not a second Libya. The West doesn't even have precise information on what type of people it is supporting in the country."
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Neue Zürcher Zeitung - Switzerland | Thursday, 9. August 2012
The former French president Nicolas Sarkozy called for resolute action from the international community regarding Syria. This first public statement since Sarkozy's election defeat in May 2012 heralds his return to politics and is an attack on his successor François Hollande, the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung comments: » more
The former French president Nicolas Sarkozy called for resolute action from the international community regarding Syria. This first public statement since Sarkozy's election defeat in May 2012 heralds his return to politics and is an attack on his successor François Hollande, the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung comments: "Firstly, after almost three months the statement put an end to the almost surreal silence that the once omnipresent Sarkozy imposed on himself after his defeat. ... Secondly, the initiative comes just a few days after Hollande left the business of politics behind him for holidays in southern France. Sarkozy's call exposes the inaction of his successor, who has said little to date on the massacres in Syria. Criticism of acting presidents by retired heads of state is unusual in France. Sarkozy wasn't afraid to lambaste former Socialist president François Mitterrand while campaigning. So it's no surprise that he's now the one to break with this tradition."
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ABC - Spain | Tuesday, 7. August 2012
Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Farid Hijab fled the country on Monday and announced his defection to the rebels. In the eyes of the conservative daily ABC this is a further sign that the end of the Syrian dictatorship is drawing closer: » more
Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Farid Hijab fled the country on Monday and announced his defection to the rebels. In the eyes of the conservative daily ABC this is a further sign that the end of the Syrian dictatorship is drawing closer: "Bashar al Assad has reasons to feel the cold creeping up on him. The news that his own prime minister has defected is another clear sign that the pressure exerted by the Western powers - and above all the US - is making an impact and that, as a White House spokesman said yesterday, 'the momentum is with the opposition and the Syrian people.' Now that Obama has announced that he is authorising covert operations against the Syrians regime, Al Assad will become the target of attacks that don't necessarily require heavy arms but will begin undermining the loyalty of those who are closest to him. It's possible that the dictatorship will regain control of Aleppo by brute force, but this will only prolong a tragedy the end of which has been clear for some time now."
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Main focus of Monday, 6. August 2012
Syrian rebels apparently abducted 48 Iranians on Saturday. According to reports from a Saudi broadcaster, the captives are members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Iranian ... » more
Syrian rebels apparently abducted 48 Iranians on Saturday. According to reports from a Saudi broadcaster, the captives are members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Iranian state media report by contrast that they belong to a group of pilgrims. The incident reveals the Assad regime's dependency on Tehran, which will ultimately be the dictator's downfall, commentators write.
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Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Saturday, 4. August 2012
Three wars are raging in Syria, writes the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung: » more
Three wars are raging in Syria, writes the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung: "In the beginning it was the battle of a dictator against the impoverished section of the population that is struggling for freedom and dignity. … The second war is being fought between Syria's ethnic and religious groups. The majority of Sunnis - but by no means all of them - oppose the Alawite, Christian and Shiite minorities that have established themselves in power in Syria. … Outside of Syria however, a major geopolitical trial of strength is taking place, the outcome of which will determine the civil war. Washington and Europe are up against Moscow and Beijing in the UN Security Council in an absurd re-run of the Cold War. The Saudis, Qataris and Turks are doing the dirty work, aligning themselves with the US and Israel against would-be nuclear power Iran and inflating the never-ending conflict between Sunnis and Shiites for dominance of the Middle East region into a factor in global politics."
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La Repubblica - Italy | Monday, 6. August 2012
The abduction of 48 Iranians in Syria shows that Tehran is doing everything it can to avoid losing Damascus, the left-liberal daily La Repubblica writes: » more
The abduction of 48 Iranians in Syria shows that Tehran is doing everything it can to avoid losing Damascus, the left-liberal daily La Repubblica writes: "The Iranians are hoping to consolidate their religious bond with the Syrian Shiites and Alawites through pilgrimages. Because for Iran, Syria is not just a strategic partner but also the land of its religious brothers, even though the latter are only a minority there. Iran sees itself as the centre of a religious community, and therefore its role as protector of that community is vital in the battle for supremacy. ... Regardless whether Pasdaran [members of the Revolutionary Guard] were among the pilgrims or not, it is more than likely that the Revolutionary Guard has its 'military observers' in the country. Because Tehran can't lose Damascus. It may well be that the true Pasdaran are elsewhere, but with the kidnapping the radical Sunnis want to expose the role of Tehran in the conflict."
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Libération - France | Sunday, 5. August 2012
The situation in the Syrian city of Aleppo is coming to a head: » more
The situation in the Syrian city of Aleppo is coming to a head: the army is reinforcing its troops in the fight against the rebels and there are media reports of violent excesses on both sides. The international community can no longer sit back and watch the cruelty of the Assad regime, writes the left-liberal daily Libération: "Nothing seems to be able to stop the massacre in the country's second largest city. ... Diplomacy threw in the towel long ago, as Kofi Annan's resignation last week demonstrated. Russia and China continue to protect Assad's hold on power. Can the world really do nothing to save Aleppo and the people of Syria? Can we remain passive while the Russian and Iranian patrons continue to arm and finance the regime? Is it not possible for the world in general and the France of François Hollande in particular to choose a third path between inactivity and a legally impossible and strategically perilous foreign intervention, namely to provide the opposition with political and military support? If only to avoid handing the final victory to the Islamists."
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Der Standard - Austria | Monday, 6. August 2012
Assad's regime is locked in a firm embrace with Iran that in the end will be its downfall, the left-liberal daily Der Standard comments: » more
Assad's regime is locked in a firm embrace with Iran that in the end will be its downfall, the left-liberal daily Der Standard comments: "In political terms the conflict in Syria may still be termed a 'non-international armed conflict' - that is, a civil war: international participation is still limited to external support for the government or the rebels. However the climate is changing, particularly regarding the role played by Iran. Tehran admits outright that it is defending its own interests in Syria; that it's about the 'resistance' in the region. That's why Iran supports Assad. But the opposite is also true: Assad is fighting for Iran. Contrary to what Western and Arab diplomats have been trying to achieve for years, he has not let himself be disentangled from Iran's embrace. Ultimately that will be his undoing, because it is the prime motive for action on the part of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.”
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Salzburger Nachrichten - Austria | Friday, 3. August 2012
Kofi Annan on Thursday announced his resignation as the joint special envoy to Syria of the UN and the Arab League. Annan's mission is not only a failure, it has also aided the Assad regime, the Christian-liberal daily Salzburger Nachrichten comments: » more
Kofi Annan on Thursday announced his resignation as the joint special envoy to Syria of the UN and the Arab League. Annan's mission is not only a failure, it has also aided the Assad regime, the Christian-liberal daily Salzburger Nachrichten comments: "The Syrian conflict will forever remain a chapter of shame for the international community. If it had gathered all its force together naturally Assad would have been timely put in his place. But conflicting interests have prevented this. Kofi Annan's resignation as UN special envoy to Syria is above all an admission of failure. His mission only bought more time for the regime in Damascus and served as a cover for an immorally inexcusable policy of turning a blind eye to the butchery. The divided world powers have allowed the local rebellion in this key state in the Middle East to turn into a wildfire. The internationalisation of the Syria conflict can no longer be avoided."
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Corriere della Sera - Italy | Tuesday, 31. July 2012
In view of the ongoing conflict in Syria UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday warned of the danger of a religiously motivated civil war spreading and posing a serious threat to neighbouring countries. The West needs to prevent this wildfire with a plan for the time after Assad's fall, the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera writes: » more
In view of the ongoing conflict in Syria UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday warned of the danger of a religiously motivated civil war spreading and posing a serious threat to neighbouring countries. The West needs to prevent this wildfire with a plan for the time after Assad's fall, the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera writes: "The Sunnis of al-Qaeda make no secret of their intentions: they want to help free Syria of Assad to establish a broad Islamist and jihad front that includes both Iraq and Syria. According to reliable sources, the operation is already underway, which is why Russia should be heeded when it warns of the advance of Islamist terrorists or the possibility of the country being divided and the rise of an Islamist mini-state in Syria. … The terrible war could be followed by a wildfire in the region if Assad's fall coincides with the failure of the West (and Russia) to control the geopolitical consequences and the new players."
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Večer - Slovenia | Monday, 30. July 2012
Syrian government troops stepped up the attack on the commercial capital Aleppo over the weekend. The International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement estimate that roughly 200,000 people have already fled the city. The conservative daily Večer condemns the inaction of the international community: » more
Syrian government troops stepped up the attack on the commercial capital Aleppo over the weekend. The International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement estimate that roughly 200,000 people have already fled the city. The conservative daily Večer condemns the inaction of the international community: "The most diverse strategic interests are at play in Syria, so that no one really holds anything against anyone. The Western world is not taking Russia and China to task for blocking the resolution in the UN Security Council that would at least do some damage to Assad's regime, nor is it pressuring Israel, the only nuclear power in the region, because the country obviously has a trump up its sleeve for a potential attack against Iran. And the strongest Arab countries are not openly accusing anyone because they don't want an open conflict between the Sunnis led by Saudi Arabia and Shiites supported by Iran. … A lot more blood will flow, but the main players on the international diplomatic stage will continue to dance their bloody tango. And no one will ask them what price those in Syria have to pay for this."
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Lietuvos rytas - Lithuania | Thursday, 26. July 2012
The civil war in Syria is a catastrophe and Russia is only making it worse, writes liberal daily Lietuvos rytas: » more
The civil war in Syria is a catastrophe and Russia is only making it worse, writes liberal daily Lietuvos rytas: "Syria this week was even careless enough to admit that it has chemical weapons and is prepared to use them. And Moscow is prepared to support such a state. To what extent is still unclear. In the meantime the EU stepped up sanctions against Syria this week. The compulsory inspections for suspect ships can also be extended to Russian ships transporting weapons for the Syrian regime. If a EU state were to decide to inspect these ships we would not have to wait long for a Russian outburst. ... Perhaps it's no coincidence that some experts are starting to talk about the current situation in Syria in terms of a domino effect that put an end to the carefree summers of 1914 and 1939. We can only hope that these harbingers of doom are exaggerating."
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El País - Spain | Thursday, 26. July 2012
The West must intervene in Syria to prevent a power vacuum, warns the left-liberal daily El País, and points out that the conflict in Syria is increasingly turning into a war between religious communities: » more
The West must intervene in Syria to prevent a power vacuum, warns the left-liberal daily El País, and points out that the conflict in Syria is increasingly turning into a war between religious communities: "The danger is not only that the escalation of this sectarian war spreads to the neighbouring countries. The massive exodus of refugees could also have unforeseen consequences. The arsenal of chemical and biological weapons, which Damascus confirmed possession of this week, is a further factor that will weigh on the decision of the Western powers and neighbouring Israel. ... The situation forces the democratic powers and the affected Arab states to create a political framework to prevent Syria from becoming a ticking time bomb for the region. In the worst of all cases it would give rise to a power vacuum in a country entirely lacking structures, but full of weapons and people who until recently saw themselves as Syrians but all of a sudden now regard themselves as first and foremost Sunnis, Alevi, Druses or Christians."
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Il Sole 24 Ore - Italy | Thursday, 26. July 2012
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's appeal to the international community is urgently needed because the war in Syria is on the verge of spreading to other countries, writes the liberal-conservative business paper Il Sole 24 Ore : » more
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's appeal to the international community is urgently needed because the war in Syria is on the verge of spreading to other countries, writes the liberal-conservative business paper Il Sole 24 Ore : "In Aleppo in northern Syria, near the Turkish border, the civil war could take on international dimensions - particularly since the war in Syria is already a conflict by proxy in which the Arab-Sunni monarchies, with concrete support from Turkey, the US and France, are fighting the Shiite alliance consisting of Syria, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah. In the north of Syria Assad's opponents could be tempted to resort to using special task forces and secret services - less to prevent a blood bath than to prevent the conflict from spreading to Lebanon or Iraq. … After all the West's vehement promises that Syria is no Libya, any intervention in Syria, no matter how indirect, would be a worrying prospect for Putin's Russia, which although it warned Damascus yesterday not to use chemical weapons at the same time scolded the US for supporting terrorism."
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The Independent - United Kingdom | Thursday, 26. July 2012
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad should recognise that he cannot hold onto power and start talks about stepping down, as the US has suggested, according to left-liberal The Independent: » more
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad should recognise that he cannot hold onto power and start talks about stepping down, as the US has suggested, according to left-liberal The Independent: "The only other realistic course would be for the outside world to arm and train the opposition. This may already be happening in a modest way, which could be one reason why the opposition appears to be growing stronger. But the perception that, after last week's attack on the security ministry, anti-Assad forces are in the ascendancy may offer the hint of another solution. In Libya, Muammar Gaddafi never seemed to acknowledge that his regime was doomed, and the West's messages about his future were mixed. As the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said pointedly this week, there is still time for President Assad to negotiate his departure. That time is short, but such an outcome would be infinitely better than a protracted civil war, and the crux is that no transition can begin until Mr Assad is gone."
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Corriere del Ticino - Switzerland | Tuesday, 24. July 2012
US President Barack Obama has issued a warning to Syria about committing the "tragic mistake" of using chemical weapons. Behind the scenes, however the US has long been pulling strings to "gently" topple Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, according to the liberal daily Corriere del Ticino: » more
US President Barack Obama has issued a warning to Syria about committing the "tragic mistake" of using chemical weapons. Behind the scenes, however the US has long been pulling strings to "gently" topple Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, according to the liberal daily Corriere del Ticino: "Since the diplomatic solution has definitively failed, Washington is working behind the scenes and pulling strings on two fronts, with the opposition and with the allied nations Israel and Turkey, to get them to help oust Assad. All on tiptoes, because the last thing the US government needs now is a military operation. Obama cannot afford the luxuries of his predecessors... But he can afford an emergency plan firstly to help secure the chemical weapons arsenal before Assad uses it against the rebels, as Saddam did with the Kurds. And secondly to prevent the violence from escalating on both sides of the conflict and turning Syria into the scene of a mass extermination."
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Le Nouvel Observateur - France | Saturday, 21. July 2012
The French UN representative accused Russia on Thursday of being an accessory to the Assad regime. But the contract for the delivery of ultra-modern war ships to Moscow, which still holds, shows that the French government has not acted on its word, admonishes Vincent Jauvert in his blog Affaires étrangères in Le Nouvel Observateur magazine: » more
The French UN representative accused Russia on Thursday of being an accessory to the Assad regime. But the contract for the delivery of ultra-modern war ships to Moscow, which still holds, shows that the French government has not acted on its word, admonishes Vincent Jauvert in his blog Affaires étrangères in Le Nouvel Observateur magazine: "This realpolitik is obviously linked to domestic policy. The contract with Russia secures thousands of jobs for four years at the STX shipyard [in Saint-Nazaire]. ... It is not clear whether an annulment of the contract - or its suspension - would change Putin's policy on Syria. Is it worth putting thousands of jobs on the line? In the midst of the financial crisis this is no easy question. Jacques Chirac said 'no' to the war in Iraq in the face of US threats of economic repression. His symbolic gesture did not prevent the invasion, but the world still remembers it ten years on."
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The Guardian - United Kingdom | Friday, 20. July 2012
The bomb attack on members of President Bashar al-Assad's inner circle has hit the Syrian government on a sore spot, the left-liberal daily The Guardian comments. Now representatives of Syrian society must slowly but surely prepare for a change of government: » more
The bomb attack on members of President Bashar al-Assad's inner circle has hit the Syrian government on a sore spot, the left-liberal daily The Guardian comments. Now representatives of Syrian society must slowly but surely prepare for a change of government: "Despite the weakening of the regime evidenced by the recent events, the Syrian conflict remains at an impasse. On one hand, the regime continues to pursue the military-security approach aiming to crush the popular uprising at all costs. On the other hand, some rebel groups on the ground and the organised opposition in exile have come predominantly to uphold the military option as the means of bringing down the regime. To break out of this impasse, Syrians from all sectors of society will have to come to agree that a solution cannot be achieved through military means, but that they have to negotiate a political settlement for a post-Assad government and a programme of national reconciliation."
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Main focus of Thursday, 19. July 2012
For the first time since the start of the revolt in Syria, rebels have succeeded in killing members of the Assad regime. The defence minister, ... » more
For the first time since the start of the revolt in Syria, rebels have succeeded in killing members of the Assad regime. The defence minister, his predecessor and a brother-in-law of the president all died in a suicide bomb attack on Wednesday. Commentators fear the attack will lead to further escalation, and disagree on whether the violence should be ended through a diplomatic solution involving Russia or through military intervention.
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La Stampa - Italy | Thursday, 19. July 2012
Shortly after Wednesday's attack on close confidantes of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, a bomb attack in Bulgaria killed several Israeli tourists. The two incidents may be connected, which could mean the Syria crisis spreading like wildfire, the liberal daily La Stampa warns: » more
Shortly after Wednesday's attack on close confidantes of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, a bomb attack in Bulgaria killed several Israeli tourists. The two incidents may be connected, which could mean the Syria crisis spreading like wildfire, the liberal daily La Stampa warns: "It is possible that there is no relation between the attack in Bulgaria and events in Syria. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claims that Tehran is responsible and the emphasis that it occurred precisely on the 18th anniversary of the attack on the Jewish community in Buenos Aires creates a fateful connection between the attacks. … It is very possible that Iran and the Hezbollah carried out the attack in Bulgaria deliberately to warn the international community what price it will pay should it intervene in the Syria conflict. It is also possible that Israel has drawn its conclusions prematurely. But the fact is that the danger of the unresolved Israel-Palestine question becoming bound up with the Arab rebellions, the fighting between Sunnis and Shiites and the nuclear dispute with Iran has never been as concrete as it is now."
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El País - Spain | Thursday, 19. July 2012
The rebels' successful bomb attack on Wednesday has further dented the confidence of the Syrian regime, the left-liberal daily El País notes, concluding that this could push the government troops to take extreme action and use chemical weapons: » more
The rebels' successful bomb attack on Wednesday has further dented the confidence of the Syrian regime, the left-liberal daily El País notes, concluding that this could push the government troops to take extreme action and use chemical weapons: "The crisis in Syria has escalated another notch, this time spectacularly. … The strike has shown for the first time that despite their lack of organisation the rebels are capable of rocking the very centre of power. These deaths will undermine the morale of a regime that is now accosted by fighting in the country's capital, Damascus. The number of political and military desertions within the regime's ranks is beginning to multiply. … This is not a confrontation between two opposing armies but a guerilla offensive against a regime that is fighting for survival. It is to be feared that the regime will deploy its entire arsenal in its response against the rebels and the civil population. France and the US - which yesterday talked of the 'situation spinning out of control' in Syria - have already issued an alarm about the potential use of chemical weapons by government troops."
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L'Express - France | Wednesday, 18. July 2012
The bomb attack that killed three top aides to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday was only a partial victory because the international community has still failed to achieve a diplomatic victory over Russia, according to the liberal weekly L'Express. This week Russia reconfirmed its veto against a resolution in the UN Security Council. The magazine comments: » more
The bomb attack that killed three top aides to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday was only a partial victory because the international community has still failed to achieve a diplomatic victory over Russia, according to the liberal weekly L'Express. This week Russia reconfirmed its veto against a resolution in the UN Security Council. The magazine comments: "The idea of an ungovernable, chaotic Syria in which the Islamists play a key role for the first time is extremely unpleasant to Moscow. Since the start that has no doubt been the biggest drawback of the American and French position on Syria. Acting as if the Russians didn't count and then casting them as the bad guys has only fanned the embers of conflict. Moscow has regularly been obstructive and abused its position, notably by increasing its weapons deliveries to Assad. There will be no solution in Damascus without an agreement with the Russians. And that is the final trump - and a powerful one at that - of Bashar al-Assad. Unless, that is, the ever-changing reality on the ground produces a different solution."
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Diena - Latvia | Thursday, 19. July 2012
Since Wednesday's attack on key figures of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Damascus the president has little hope of maintaining his grip on power, writes the liberal daily Diena, but adds that the bloodshed in Syria will continue if the West doesn't resort to military force: » more
Since Wednesday's attack on key figures of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Damascus the president has little hope of maintaining his grip on power, writes the liberal daily Diena, but adds that the bloodshed in Syria will continue if the West doesn't resort to military force: "There is still not much hope that the UN Security Council will be able to agree on any measures whatsoever. As in that other Arab state, Libya, the no-fly zone and the use of Nato air combat forces played an important role in ending the bloody fighting. In Syria there is no repeat of this scenario and now we can see that without the use of the military the violence will continue. In the meantime all the international community has managed to do is recognise that there is a civil war in Syria."
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Vilniaus diena - Lithuania | Tuesday, 17. July 2012
Against the backdrop of continued fighting in Syria and the failed attempts at mediation in Russia and China the daily Vilniaus diena warns of a potential scenario like that in Iraq: » more
Against the backdrop of continued fighting in Syria and the failed attempts at mediation in Russia and China the daily Vilniaus diena warns of a potential scenario like that in Iraq: "A forced change of regime, as proposed by the so-called friends of Syria, or more precisely the 'friends of the Syrian opposition', is a dangerous affair. Because in such a case a repetition of the Iraq scenario is likely. … The fighting that is taking place in Syria right now is between different religious groups, and not, as was the case in Egypt and Libya, between the regime and society. … The change of regime in Syria could be effected in a controlled manner by using a diplomatic lever. … Both sides [Alawites and Sunnis] could deploy their representatives in a new compromise government to defuse the current confrontation. Bashar al-Assad? He could actually remain head of state, but with very limited powers."
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All available articles from » Valentinas Beržiūnas
Main focus of Monday, 16. July 2012
The United Nations has upped pressure on Russia and China over the conflict in Syria. So far the two countries have blocked stricter sanctions against ... » more
The United Nations has upped pressure on Russia and China over the conflict in Syria. So far the two countries have blocked stricter sanctions against Damascus in the Security Council. UN special envoy Kofi Annan travels to Moscow today, Monday, while UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon heads for Beijing. Commentators don't believe Russia will be persuaded to relent and warn of a second Srebrenica.
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La Stampa - Italy | Sunday, 15. July 2012
The UN special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, is visiting Moscow today, Monday, to negotiate a peace plan with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. A meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is planned for Tuesday. This is a pointless mission because the West has nothing to offer Putin in exchange for relaxing his position, writes the liberal daily La Stampa: » more
The UN special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, is visiting Moscow today, Monday, to negotiate a peace plan with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. A meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is planned for Tuesday. This is a pointless mission because the West has nothing to offer Putin in exchange for relaxing his position, writes the liberal daily La Stampa: "As cynical as the Russian position may seem to us, it's clear to the Kremlin that thanks precisely to its 'eccentric stance' on the Syria crisis it has been able to regain influence in the Middle East. Putin is aware that unconditional and indefinite support for Assad is not an option, but he is also aware that the fall of the regime will spell the end of Moscow's influence in the region. This is what makes reaching an agreement with the West so difficult. … But apart from the West's willingness to negotiate with Moscow so as not to humiliate Russia, as was the case with Libya, it can only offer Moscow the choice of either sticking to its position or accepting the loss of its power in a post-Assad Syria."
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Libération - France | Monday, 16. July 2012
Assad's system of governing is responsible for the fact that Syria has not been able to follow the example of Tunisia or Egypt, writes the left-liberal daily Libération: » more
Assad's system of governing is responsible for the fact that Syria has not been able to follow the example of Tunisia or Egypt, writes the left-liberal daily Libération: "The 'Arab Spring' is still eluding Syria. After sixteen months of rebellion and savage repression with thousands of deaths, Bashar is still in power. Diplomats talk of a Yemen-style solution where the abhorred dictator finally cedes power to his close associates after reaching an agreement with the opposition. But such a scenario seems very unlikely in today's Syria. First of all because of the very nature of the Bashar system, a perverse mix of absolute and clan-based dictatorship, massive corruption and communitarianism in which the Alawite minority controls all the levers of power: the army, the secret service, administration and militias. ... Any political resolution of the conflict continues to escape this country of minorities, where the regime has made clever use of hatred and fear. With his back to the wall, Bashar al-Assad is prepared to sacrifice his country to save his power."
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Večer - Slovenia | Monday, 16. July 2012
The recent massacre in the Syrian village of Tremseh, in which more than 150 people are said to have been killed, is further proof that a second Srebrenica is taking place in Syria, writes the conservative daily Večer: » more
The recent massacre in the Syrian village of Tremseh, in which more than 150 people are said to have been killed, is further proof that a second Srebrenica is taking place in Syria, writes the conservative daily Večer: "Before his visit to Slovenia on Thursday, UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon promised that the international community would do everything in its power to prevent a repetition of Srebrenica (whose more than 8,000 victims were commemorated a few days ago). But Srebrenica is being repeated in Syria. The UN and its Security Council, in which every serious resolution against the Syrian regime is blocked by a veto from Russia and China, are nothing but ineffectual actors on the international stage. ... The presence of the UN observers in Syria is also increasingly reminiscent of the Balkan War, just as Assad's attitude is ever more reminiscent of that of Slobodan Milošević. As long as no Nato planes were circling over Bosnia and Serbia, Milošević couldn't have cared less about what the world thought, with the exception of Russia. ... If this Balkan scenario repeats itself, Syria is in for years of fighting and thousands of deaths."
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All available articles from » Vojislav Bercko
De Morgen - Belgium | Tuesday, 3. July 2012
In a report published on Tuesday the organisation Human Rights Watch has accused Syria's leadership under President Bashar al-Assad of systematic torture. Europe's sanctions will be ineffectual as long as Russia and China refuse to turn their back on Assad, writes the left-liberal daily De Morgen: » more
In a report published on Tuesday the organisation Human Rights Watch has accused Syria's leadership under President Bashar al-Assad of systematic torture. Europe's sanctions will be ineffectual as long as Russia and China refuse to turn their back on Assad, writes the left-liberal daily De Morgen: "As Europeans we could accuse ourselves of taking little interest in the Syrians' fate. And to a certain extent that's correct. ... On the other hand it's also true that the EU has exhausted practically all the means at its disposal for exerting pressure on the Assad regime. Europe's many sanctions have been in place for months, and preclude any military, financial or economic support. If Europe had its way the regime would already be out of alternatives. The problem remains China and Russia. Above all Moscow continues to act like an ally to Assad. Two weeks ago the Russians were still trying to transport combat helicopters to Syria. ... The time has yet to come when Putin et al take a shocking human rights report seriously and act accordingly."
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All available articles from » Koen Vidal
Neue Zürcher Zeitung - Switzerland | Monday, 2. July 2012
At its meeting in Geneva on Saturday, the conference of the Action Group on Syria agreed on plans for a potential transition government in Syria which would include the present government and opposition. While the Syrian opposition has rejected the proposal, the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung sees in it a glimmer of hope: » more
At its meeting in Geneva on Saturday, the conference of the Action Group on Syria agreed on plans for a potential transition government in Syria which would include the present government and opposition. While the Syrian opposition has rejected the proposal, the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung sees in it a glimmer of hope: "Whether the final statement of the Geneva conference is practicable won't be clear for weeks, or more likely months. Right now both the regime and the opposition feel secure in the belief that they have won. Russia has the clout to force Assad's regime to relent and enable the most culpable figures to make a discreet exit. And the US, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have the power to make the rebels they armed fulfil their obligations. ... The Geneva conference as a last chance to halt an apparently unstoppable chain of events? Let us hope this is the case."
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Avvenire - Italy | Wednesday, 27. June 2012
Nato on Tuesday condemned the shooting down of a Turkish fighter jet by Syria last Friday, but did not pledge to give Turkey military support. Meanwhile Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has openly threatened Syria with retaliatory strikes. Ankara is flexing its muscles but it will never convince the international community to go beyond verbal agreement, the Catholic daily Avvenire writes: » more
Nato on Tuesday condemned the shooting down of a Turkish fighter jet by Syria last Friday, but did not pledge to give Turkey military support. Meanwhile Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has openly threatened Syria with retaliatory strikes. Ankara is flexing its muscles but it will never convince the international community to go beyond verbal agreement, the Catholic daily Avvenire writes: "Erdoğan can celebrate his diplomatic victory, all the more because he wasn't properly admonished to be more restrained with his threats against Bashar al-Assad's regime, which until just a few months ago was treated amicably and with reverence by the Turkish government. … The international community is not far off from giving Turkey's struggle for power in the region its blessing. … But quite apart from that, despite all its threats Ankara doesn't really want a military escalation of the conflict. Nor does Damascus, not to mention Nato. No country within the alliance wants to get involved in a conflict with unforeseeable consequences."
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Der Standard - Austria | Wednesday, 27. June 2012
After a Turkish military aircraft was shot down on the coast of Syria a military escalation of the situation seems increasingly likely, the left-liberal daily Der Standard fears, and warns of clashes in the border area separating Turkey and Syria: » more
After a Turkish military aircraft was shot down on the coast of Syria a military escalation of the situation seems increasingly likely, the left-liberal daily Der Standard fears, and warns of clashes in the border area separating Turkey and Syria: "In the 15 months since the Syria crisis started, both sides have blurred the dividing lines between military observation and exerting influence. Fighters for the rebel army walk in and out of Turkish refugee camps every day to receive medical treatment there and plan their operations. For their part Syrian military units have in the past come within sight of the Turkish border facilities when pursuing refugees and armed rebels. Unacceptable in times of peace, dangerous in times of internal war. At least once, Syrian soldiers have shot at civilians who were already on Turkish soil. Erdogan has now declared such situations a cause for retaliatory action. Battles at the border area have become possible."
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La Stampa - Italy | Tuesday, 19. June 2012
At the G20 summit in Mexico US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin called in a joint declaration for an end to the bloodshed in Syria. Obama has understood that the best strategy in the dispute over how to react to Damascus is to show Putin his appreciation of Russia's role, writes the liberal daily La Stampa: » more
At the G20 summit in Mexico US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin called in a joint declaration for an end to the bloodshed in Syria. Obama has understood that the best strategy in the dispute over how to react to Damascus is to show Putin his appreciation of Russia's role, writes the liberal daily La Stampa: "Obama has played the card of recognising the important of Russian-Syrian relations. In other words, Washington would have nothing against this alliance even in a post-Assad phase. Ultimately this means that Moscow will be allowed to keep its military base in the Syrian port of Tartus in the future. And this is precisely what the Kremlin was most concerned about since this is the only friendly port its Mediterranean fleet has left. We must wait and see if the compromise on the Annan peace plan can go along with Putin's desire to heighten his profile in the Middle East. … Quite apart from the fact that the joint declaration makes no mention of the planned missile defence shield in Europe which remains a main bone of contention between Moscow and Washington."
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All available articles from » Maurizio Molinari
La Repubblica - Italy | Sunday, 17. June 2012
The UN observers' mission in Syria is about to end its work in the country owing to the escalating violence in the country. The West must skilfully increase pressure on Moscow, which so far has successfully hindered a UN resolution, writes historian Timothy Garton Ash in the left-liberal daily La Repubblica: » more
The UN observers' mission in Syria is about to end its work in the country owing to the escalating violence in the country. The West must skilfully increase pressure on Moscow, which so far has successfully hindered a UN resolution, writes historian Timothy Garton Ash in the left-liberal daily La Repubblica: "The Russian position on Syria is shocking, mendacious and indefensible. The Russians have repeatedly blocked efforts to get UN authority for stronger peace-making measures, using hypocritical arguments that barely conceal their own national interest in keeping their military, economic and political foothold in the Middle East. They trained the Syrian army that is killing civilians and now - if [US Secretary of State] Clinton is to be believed - they are supplying attack helicopters to help Assad's forces kill even more. Have they no shame? In the case of Putin's Russia, this question answers itself. Have they no other national interests, which might eventually outweigh this one? Now that's a question worth asking. If we are really serious about our commitment to stopping the slaughter in Syria, we in the West have to consider if there are any larger carrots and sticks we can still show Russia, even at some cost to ourselves. ... The road to Damascus goes through Moscow."
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Il Sole 24 Ore - Italy | Wednesday, 13. June 2012
According to UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping, Hervé Ladsous, the 15-month uprising in Syria has now turned into a full-blown civil war. Syria is sinking into savagery while the international community looks on passively, complains the liberal-conservative business paper Il Sole 24 Ore: » more
According to UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping, Hervé Ladsous, the 15-month uprising in Syria has now turned into a full-blown civil war. Syria is sinking into savagery while the international community looks on passively, complains the liberal-conservative business paper Il Sole 24 Ore: "Can international diplomacy, which from Moscow to Washington is frantically putting together a list of invitees to a new major Syria conference, continue to look on impassively faced with the tragedy unfolding and the eye-witness accounts [of child soldiers]? … When they fall, authoritarian regimes drag down with them not just political systems - in the case of Syria the president's Alawite clan and the Ba'ath Party - but also annul the rules that govern human coexistence. … This is precisely what is happening now in Assad's Syria, where perhaps all solutions for ending the bloody anarchy come too late. … The UN peace plan is increasingly being exposed as a useless diplomatic gesture."
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El País - Spain | Tuesday, 12. June 2012
Faced with ongoing fighting in Syria the international community is discussing how to react to the conflict. In an article published in the left-liberal daily El País former US secretary of state Henry A. Kissinger warns against military intervention in the country: » more
Faced with ongoing fighting in Syria the international community is discussing how to react to the conflict. In an article published in the left-liberal daily El País former US secretary of state Henry A. Kissinger warns against military intervention in the country: "Military intervention, humanitarian or strategic, has two prerequisites: First, a consensus on governance after the overthrow of the status quo is critical. If the objective is confined to deposing a specific ruler, a new civil war could follow in the resulting vacuum, as armed groups contest the succession, and outside countries choose different sides. Second, the political objective must be explicit and achievable in a domestically sustainable time period. I doubt that the Syrian issue meets these tests. We cannot afford to be driven from expedient to expedient into undefined military involvement. ... In reacting to one human tragedy, we must be careful not to facilitate another."
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Die Presse - Austria | Monday, 11. June 2012
Fighting in Syria between the rebels and troops of the Assad regime resulted once more in dozens of deaths over the weekend. Now that Kofi Annan's peace plan has turned out to be a waste of time the West's only alternative is military intervention, the liberal-conservative daily Die Presse writes: » more
Fighting in Syria between the rebels and troops of the Assad regime resulted once more in dozens of deaths over the weekend. Now that Kofi Annan's peace plan has turned out to be a waste of time the West's only alternative is military intervention, the liberal-conservative daily Die Presse writes: "It's time to say goodbye to the illusion that Assad will ever reach a compromise with his opponents. The man wants to leave behind scorched earth, not a united country. [Kofi] Annan's peace plan was well intended but a waste of time. The West has three options: first, to stay out of the conflict and hope that the problem solves itself. This could be a bloody path, as we have already seen. Secondly, Europe and the US can try to convince Moscow to approve sanctions, at least a weapons embargo. But this hope has also proved illusory so far. The third option is the military one. The West should prepare for this, because until the threat of this scenario becomes tangible Assad won't even consider giving up."
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Der Spiegel - Germany | Sunday, 3. June 2012
The EU wants to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to approve sanctions against Syria at the EU-Russia summit in St. Petersburg today, Monday. But there can be no talk of a military intervention, writes the journalist Ullrich Fichtner in the weekly magazine Der Spiegel: » more
The EU wants to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to approve sanctions against Syria at the EU-Russia summit in St. Petersburg today, Monday. But there can be no talk of a military intervention, writes the journalist Ullrich Fichtner in the weekly magazine Der Spiegel: "After the Arab Spring, in whose turbulence Moscow lost much of its influence, Russia is 'literally fighting for its last anchoring ground in the Middle East'. ... This is about more than protecting a key arms customer or jointly exploiting a Syrian oil field. ... A further dramatic insight from the events in Syria: one legacy of the lies used to justify the Iraq War is that the US has lost its authority to establish a moral order in the Middle East. For that reason the UN, Nato and the West will not lead a military intervention against the Syrian regime. ... As agonising as the news, images and cries for help from Syria are, we must accept that it is just as crazy to think that this bloody chaos can be quelled with even more weapons."
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Berlingske - Denmark | Thursday, 31. May 2012
After the massacre in Houla and news of further victims in Syria the conservative daily Berlingske hopes Russia and China will relent, and calls for military intervention to protect the civilian population: » more
After the massacre in Houla and news of further victims in Syria the conservative daily Berlingske hopes Russia and China will relent, and calls for military intervention to protect the civilian population: "One can only hope that Russia and China come to their senses. Protection zones must be set up for refugees within Syria. And food and medical supplies must be provided in places that are suffering the consequences of the incipient civil war. That can only be done with a military intervention. Ensuring that the Syrians are protected from further attacks in secure zones is the very least that should be done. This is nothing more than protecting the civilian population. But for the Russians, even that seems to be too much to swallow."
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Helsingin Sanomat - Finland | Thursday, 31. May 2012
Military intervention in Syria remains out of the question even after the statement by François Hollande and despite the fact that international pressure has had ... » more
Military intervention in Syria remains out of the question even after the statement by François Hollande and despite the fact that international pressure has had no effect on the country so far, the liberal daily Helsingin Sanomat writes. "Military measures are still not an option, even if French President François Hollande did say on Tuesday that he was giving the matter some thought. The expulsion of Syrian diplomats from many countries is a fitting reaction to the massacre, but it doesn't solve a thing. The first step must be to convince Russia to withdraw its support for al-Assad. China will hardly resist new sanctions against Syria in the UN Security Council on its own. Syria's plight is neither the fault of Kofi Annan nor that of the peace plan that bears his name. Nevertheless the West must be ready to give up the peace plan if it proves ineffective and only serves to enable Russia to keep face in Syria while the blood bath continues."
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Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Thursday, 31. May 2012
Now that French Presient François Hollande no longer rules out the option of military intervention in Syria, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung defends Germany's more ... » more
Now that French Presient François Hollande no longer rules out the option of military intervention in Syria, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung defends Germany's more cautious foreign policy and writes that the president is "naïve if he seriously believes he can bring Putin to relent. Calculating, because all he cares about is the fleeting impact this could have ahead of the French parliamentary elections. … It would be unfair to accuse the German government of passivity. In the UN Security Council Germany is among those states that for a year now have been trying to break through the wall China and Russia have erected to protect the Syrian regime. … This stance is the result of the sense of horror of a nation that in recent years found itself in the role of a warring party first in the Balkans and then in Afghanistan and didn't recognise itself in this role. … But which circumstances would bring it to give up [its military reserve] remain a German secret."
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Le Figaro - France | Wednesday, 30. May 2012
Russian President Putin is a key figure for the French President because with Moscow's consent François Hollande could bring about a change of regime in Damascus, the conservative daily Le Figaro writes: » more
Russian President Putin is a key figure for the French President because with Moscow's consent François Hollande could bring about a change of regime in Damascus, the conservative daily Le Figaro writes: "The French President's intention is to 'convince' his Russian counterpart that he would do well to drop an ally with no future so as to preserve his own interests in Syria. But others have tried and failed before him. The strong man in the Kremlin is a tough customer. ... He believes that the West is taking advantage of the Arab revolts to dislodge Russia from the Mediterranean. But he's also a pragmatist who knows how far he can go. Will François Holland find suitable arguments to set in motion a change of regime in Syria with Moscow's support even before Putin and Obama meet at the G20 Summit in June? Getting Putin to bend on the issue is a tall order. It would be an incredible start for the foreign policy of this new French president."
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Le Temps - Switzerland | Wednesday, 30. May 2012
Following the massacre in Houla French President François Hollande is no longer excluding the possibility of military intervention in the country. But such a mission is far too risky, writes the daily Le Temps: » more
Following the massacre in Houla French President François Hollande is no longer excluding the possibility of military intervention in the country. But such a mission is far too risky, writes the daily Le Temps: "For the last fifteen months the entire world has been overtaken by events, and looking on as Syria descends into civil war. The civilian massacre in Houla which Damascus is denying despite the evidence has all but doomed Kofi Annan's plan to failure. … An external intervention along the lines of the Nato mission in Libya - something the opposition has been clamouring for - is simply too risky: Syria is more densely populated than Libya and its army is far fiercer. Opinion continues to be divided over the possibility of supplying the rebels with arms; by balancing the forces it would send the country even further along the path of violence. … At the moment no solution seems able to protect Syria from a major, enduring conflict that could destabilise the entire sub-region."
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Politiken - Denmark | Tuesday, 29. May 2012
Following the massacre in Houla that was played out before the eyes of UN observers, the left-liberal daily Politiken calls above all on the EU and Russia to press ahead with a solution to the Syria conflict: » more
Following the massacre in Houla that was played out before the eyes of UN observers, the left-liberal daily Politiken calls above all on the EU and Russia to press ahead with a solution to the Syria conflict: "It looks like Russia is still refusing to accept the fact that Assad's departure is a precondition for solving the Syria conflict. … The EU must be aware that a solution can't be found together with the current Syrian regime, which is responsible for the massacre. However that shouldn't stop the EU from preventing the escalation of violence. … The conflict must be resolved in Syria, but Moscow plays a decisive role here. And Moscow, too, must be aware that the regime bears the responsibility for the massacre of Houla."
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Neue Zürcher Zeitung - Switzerland | Monday, 28. May 2012
The international community is simply unable to find a solution to the conflict in Syria, the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung writes with an eye to the massacre in Houla: » more
The international community is simply unable to find a solution to the conflict in Syria, the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung writes with an eye to the massacre in Houla: "One option could be the establishment of so-called security zones for civil refugees. Such humanitarian corridors would mean controlling the airspace. ... However the tight intertwinement between supporters and opponents of the regime within the Syrian population makes such a plan seem unpracticable. Arming the opposition could very easily turn the conflict into an all-out civil war. ... Above all the religiously blinded suicide attackers with ties to al-Qaida would benefit from such an escalation. Ultimately much onus lies with Turkey, which could greatly improve its position in the region as a new order-imposing force. But that too appears unlikely, if only because Prime Minister Erdoğan does not want to give the army whose wings he has clipped any chance to improve its standing. ... So as it seems 'Houla' will not be a turning point, but merely a sad signpost in the tenacious battle for survival of a murderous regime whose time has definitely run out."
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Delo - Slovenia | Tuesday, 29. May 2012
The UN failed to do its job during the massacre in Houla, the left-liberal daily Delo writes, and draws parallels with the » more
The UN failed to do its job during the massacre in Houla, the left-liberal daily Delo writes, and draws parallels with the
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Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Tuesday, 29. May 2012
The massacre of more than 100 people in the Syrian town of Houla has rendered UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan meaningless, writes the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung: » more
The massacre of more than 100 people in the Syrian town of Houla has rendered UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan meaningless, writes the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung: "After a year of fruitless suffering the armed rebels are edging ever closer to the methods of the regime: executions of persons suspected of being loyal to the regime bode ill for the time after Assad. And the fact that the fighters in Houla apparently withdrew to army posts, leaving the town's inhabitants at the mercy of the regime's rage, seems like a calculated move. … Already the fighters are receiving money from America and Saudi Arabia with which they buy weapons, so how is Annan supposed to achieve a ceasefire in such circumstances? The fervent calls for Russia and China to relent on the UN Security Council have something false about them. In truth the veto powers are not just buying time for Damascus, but also for Washington and Brussels. Because if they did turn around and condemn Syria the question that followed would be the most difficult one: What's the next step?"
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Corriere della Sera - Italy | Friday, 11. May 2012
After a bomb attack that left at least 70 dead in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Thursday, the UN Security Council has called for the implementation of special envoy Kofí Annan's peace plan. But this appeal only highlights the West's impotence, the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera writes: » more
After a bomb attack that left at least 70 dead in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Thursday, the UN Security Council has called for the implementation of special envoy Kofí Annan's peace plan. But this appeal only highlights the West's impotence, the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera writes: "Can we hide behind Annan's peace plan? Despite all the good intentions the plan has failed and there are only two options left: either to give up silently or, as Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan has demanded, to deploy thousands of UN peacekeeping soldiers to Syria with a UN mandate, as was done in Libya. But Russia and China won't approve the deployment of UN troops and it would without doubt be the first step towards a new war. This explains the West's powerlessness. But Bashar al-Assad and other potential authors of yesterday's attacks should not underestimate the power of the blood-soaked images. It wouldn't be the first time such horrors made possible tomorrow what seems impossible today."
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Le Nouvel Observateur - France | Sunday, 15. April 2012
The UN Security Council on Saturday unanimously passed a resolution to send unarmed observers to Syria to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire. This mission is nothing more than an alibi for the West, the left-liberal weekly Le Nouvel Observateur writes disparagingly: » more
The UN Security Council on Saturday unanimously passed a resolution to send unarmed observers to Syria to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire. This mission is nothing more than an alibi for the West, the left-liberal weekly Le Nouvel Observateur writes disparagingly: "Thirty miserable civilian observers, in anticipation of the arrival of a small contingent of 'blue helmets' - they too unarmed. They are tasked with monitoring throughout the country the fragile ceasefire, established in line with the peace plan thought up by Kofi Annan, between a desperate population and a heavily armed army. ... More concerned than perplexed, we must ask the extremely serious question: just who is the butt of this revolting and hypocritical joke, the sole aim of which is apparently to serve as an alibi for washing clean the dirty hands - as Sartre put it in his eponymous play - of our most cowardly West?"
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Dnevnik - Slovenia | Friday, 13. April 2012
Peace is still a long way off in Syria despite the ceasefire, the left-liberal daily Dnevnik comments, drawing parallels with the War in Bosnia: » more
Peace is still a long way off in Syria despite the ceasefire, the left-liberal daily Dnevnik comments, drawing parallels with the War in Bosnia: "Although most of the weapons in Syria fell silent yesterday, the country remains split domestically. The healing of the wounds left by civil war remains a pious wish on the part of Kofi Annan and his peace plan. It will already be a major victory if the ceasefire lasts. ... 20 years after the War in Bosnia, only 400 kilometres from Ljubljana, we can see what deep social rifts were left by the civil war, which the international community sat back and watched for so long. From the experience there it is clear that a Balkanisation of Syria must be prevented at any cost. Nevertheless the overheated geopolitical situation in the Middle East makes one wonder whether the West - and the Arab countries that long for peace - can learn from the mistakes made in the Balkans."
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Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung - Germany | Friday, 13. April 2012
The post-Assad era in Syria must allow for the participation of all of the various social forces in the country, the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung writes commenting on the ceasefire: » more
The post-Assad era in Syria must allow for the participation of all of the various social forces in the country, the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung writes commenting on the ceasefire: "It's now time to work out a political process for after Assad's departure. He is entirely capable of using the ceasefire to crush the opposition in other ways in an effort to prop up his regime. This opposition is multifaceted and many-voiced and even includes jihadists, although they still make up the smallest part. The Syrian people alone should decide Assad's fate, Annan says. And he's right. Nevertheless they have to be in a position to do so. Since domestic tensions won't disappear in Syria even in the best of cases, the post-Assad order must allow the participation of all political, social, religious and ethnic forces. It must diffuse the tensions, not exacerbate them to the point of causing an explosion."
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El País - Spain | Friday, 13. April 2012
The ceasefire in Syria is so unstable that the US and Europe urgently need to draw up a plan in case it fails, writes the left-liberal daily El País: » more
The ceasefire in Syria is so unstable that the US and Europe urgently need to draw up a plan in case it fails, writes the left-liberal daily El País: "In a few days we will find out whether Annan's plan has any chance of survival. But this emergency attempt will only make sense if it builds a bridge for dialogue and political change. For a deal that no longer demands the resignation of the despot, but inexorably leads to precisely that outcome. Assad and his supporters have too much blood on their hands for anyone - including those who back him - to consider a continuation of his regime. … This time the US and Europe, which have the support of Turkey and the Arab League, should have a convincing alternative at hand to put an end to the terror in Syria in case diplomacy once again fails and the dictatorship tries to take advantage of the time-out to consolidate its brutal military control."
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Público - Portugal | Wednesday, 11. April 2012
In recent months amidst the euro crisis Germany has been accused of dictating Europe's policies. This may be partially true as regards the efforts to fight the euro crisis but when it comes to European foreign policy the small EU states are coming into their own, write the Portuguese ex-EU commissioner António Vitorino and the Latvian ex-president Vaira Vike-Freiberga in the daily Público: » more
In recent months amidst the euro crisis Germany has been accused of dictating Europe's policies. This may be partially true as regards the efforts to fight the euro crisis but when it comes to European foreign policy the small EU states are coming into their own, write the Portuguese ex-EU commissioner António Vitorino and the Latvian ex-president Vaira Vike-Freiberga in the daily Público: "In this Europe, the important moves are now sometimes made in Stockholm or Warsaw, not only in Berlin, Paris, or London. And, with major foreign-policy issues on Europe's doorstep - whether in Egypt, Belarus, or now Syria - useful European initiatives are to be welcomed, regardless of where they originate. ... Germany might be getting all of the attention in this time of crisis, but the last year has been a reminder that Europe is most effective and influential when the small countries get involved and join forces with - and even lead - the big ones. ... So, Poland and Sweden: Europe needs your leadership. ... Other EU states need to follow their example in order to make European foreign policy truly effective and influential."
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Die Presse - Austria | Wednesday, 11. April 2012
Since no solution to the devastating Syrian conflict is currently in sight, protecting the civilian population must take top priority, the liberal-conservative daily Die Presse demands: » more
Since no solution to the devastating Syrian conflict is currently in sight, protecting the civilian population must take top priority, the liberal-conservative daily Die Presse demands: "There is at present no viable solution to Kofi Annan's diplomatic initiative. ... For that reason the establishment of a protection zone, as proposed by Turkey, is the most probable and feasible solution. In Northern Iraq a protection zone for Kurds fleeing Saddam Hussein served its purpose well. And as long as the international community can't agree on mutual action against the Assad regime it must ensure that the suffering of the Syrian civilian population is at least kept to a minimum. A veto by China or Russia against such a proposal would be unforgivable."
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Corriere del Ticino - Switzerland | Wednesday, 11. April 2012
Because so far all diplomatic negotiations have failed the liberal daily Corriere del Ticino hopes that Assad's regime will simply self-destruct: » more
Because so far all diplomatic negotiations have failed the liberal daily Corriere del Ticino hopes that Assad's regime will simply self-destruct: "Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has made a principle of not adhering to agreements or deadlines. In doing so he is pursuing the strategy of deceit in which his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is world champion. ... Yet it's obvious that the Syrian regime is in a hopeless situation and simply struggling to survive now. … For lack of military and diplomatic solutions the West can only hope that the regime implodes. The military chiefs could give Assad the coup de grâce if they rise up against him."
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The Guardian - United Kingdom | Tuesday, 10. April 2012
The Nato states must intervene more decisively in the Syria conflict before it spreads any further, the left-liberal daily The Gurdian urges: » more
The Nato states must intervene more decisively in the Syria conflict before it spreads any further, the left-liberal daily The Gurdian urges: "Strategically speaking, the western rationale for non-intervention in Syria has sprung some Titanic-size holes. The Turkish and Lebanese incidents are a measure of how one justification for inaction - that direct western involvement could precipitate a wider conflict - is now very much beside the point. Syria is burning out of control. The fire is already spreading. ... All these various [horror] scenarios remain dangerous, worrisome and unpredictable. But the point is, they move closer to being the reality with every rebellious day that passes."
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Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Wednesday, 11. April 2012
If peace still eludes Syria it is due to its false friends, writes the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung: » more
If peace still eludes Syria it is due to its false friends, writes the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung: "The billions in funding for the rebellion to be supplied by Saudi Arabia and Qatar and perhaps supplemented by America and dozens of other countries will be more decisive in determining whether Assad falls and what happens afterwards. It is just one of the many flagrant contradictions of this project that with their petro-dollars the Gulf kings plan to finance an uprising that they have paid much higher sums to their subjects to quell at home. ... Already the rebels suspect each other of trying to line their own pockets. And now more of this money is to flow into the country? … Saudi Arabia and Qatar are sowing discord among the already divided ranks of the fighters. They are promoting the brutalisation of a confrontation in which with each week that passes it becomes more difficult to distinguish between the victims and the perpetrators. But one thing they are not doing: contrary to the accusations they often face, this time they're not buying their way out of the conflict but buying in to it."
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Diário de Notícias - Portugal | Monday, 9. April 2012
Syrian troops are to withdraw from militarily contested cities today, Tuesday, in line with the peace plan mediated by UN special envoy Kofi Annan. However President Bashar al-Assad has stipulated that the opposition must give written guarantees that it will refrain from any more violence as a condition for his troops' withdrawal. This comes as no surprise, writes the daily Diário de Notícias: » more
Syrian troops are to withdraw from militarily contested cities today, Tuesday, in line with the peace plan mediated by UN special envoy Kofi Annan. However President Bashar al-Assad has stipulated that the opposition must give written guarantees that it will refrain from any more violence as a condition for his troops' withdrawal. This comes as no surprise, writes the daily Diário de Notícias: "The demand fits in with the earlier statements from Damascus and its two key allies, Russia and China. Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria these two UN Security Council heavyweights have stressed the need for the same demands to be made from both parties. And with this argument they have blocked the UN resolutions against Damascus. This is why Assad's stance was only to be expected. But the timing of its announcement, 48 hours before the withdrawal begins, reinforces the critics' view that the ruler of Damascus has no intention of fulfilling his promise to Kofi Annan but is just trying to buy time. ... But this strategy can only succeed if Moscow and Beijing stick to their stance."
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Turun Sanomat - Finland | Tuesday, 3. April 2012
According to media reports Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States plan to supply the rebels in Syria with 74.9 million euros in funding for the coming three months. The liberal daily Turun Sanomat fears that the conflict could spread as a result: » more
According to media reports Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States plan to supply the rebels in Syria with 74.9 million euros in funding for the coming three months. The liberal daily Turun Sanomat fears that the conflict could spread as a result: "The Sunni states of Saudi Arabia and Qatar want to isolate Syria, which is led by Alawite Shia, and arm the Sunni opposition fighting against Al-Assad. This is the aim of the resolution passed by Saudi Arabia and other Arab states on the Persian Gulf that will set up millions in funding to reward soldiers who defect to the rebel side. ... Providing arms to the rebels, who are currently at a military disadvantage, is a 'creative compromise' because the unity of the international community won't stretch to anything more at present. The danger with this solution is that it will prolong the violent conflict in Syria, causing it to escalate into a full-blown civil war."
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Financial Times Deutschland - Germany | Wednesday, 28. March 2012
At last the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has ceded ground, the liberal Financial Times Deutschland comments with delight, but goes on to warn that the dictator should be treated with utmost caution: » more
At last the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has ceded ground, the liberal Financial Times Deutschland comments with delight, but goes on to warn that the dictator should be treated with utmost caution: "Assad now has two possibilities: either he is serious about his peace intentions and will implement the Annan plan, the details of which have yet to be worked out. In that case he must negotiate with the opposition, tolerate journalists in the country and above all order a ceasefire. Or he continues using his soldiers and police to attack the demonstrators and reaffirms the distrust with which he is regarded even by his loyal allies in Moscow and Beijing. For Russia and China, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, are backing the peace plan. … Nonetheless Assad still cannot be trusted. It's conceivable that he's just buying time to save his position as head of state or even just his own head: counter to the demands of numerous heads of state and government - and naturally the Syrian opposition - Annan has not mentioned the possibility of resigning."
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La Stampa - Italy | Wednesday, 28. March 2012
By agreeing to the peace plan Bashar al-Assad has the reins in his hand once more and can dictate his conditions to the UN, the liberal daily La Stampa writes, complaining about the deal: » more
By agreeing to the peace plan Bashar al-Assad has the reins in his hand once more and can dictate his conditions to the UN, the liberal daily La Stampa writes, complaining about the deal: "Assad has achieved what Gaddafi failed to accomplish because of the Nato operation. The Syrian president can now calmly turn his attention to the political side of the conflict. He has emerged strengthened and can afford to open up because the UN's six-point plan lacks the one point that would have met with resistance in Damascus: a demand for Assad's resignation. At the end of the day all the regime has done is to commit - and only on paper - to some not overly stringent conditions that will allow the United Nations to play the role of credible mediator once more."
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The Guardian - United Kingdom | Wednesday, 28. March 2012
Although the peace plan has little chance of success it may offer the opportunity to reduce the suffering of the Syrian people somewhat, writes the left-liberal daily The Guardian: » more
Although the peace plan has little chance of success it may offer the opportunity to reduce the suffering of the Syrian people somewhat, writes the left-liberal daily The Guardian: "The success of such a plan, in other words, depends on persuading both sides that it will allow them to set a trap for the other. It also depends on the outside powers continuing to feel that their purposes are served by such a process. Russian and Chinese obstruction has been driven by two perceptions, the first that it was not realistic to expect a rebel victory, even with outside aid, and the second that the United States should not be allowed to get away with another unilateral, domineering act in the Middle East. America, on the other hand, may feel it has gone too far out on a limb in insisting on Assad's departure without being able to compel it. If the plan falls, that would not be a surprise. If it, or something like it, succeeds, it will only extend the conflict in a new form, but one which might reduce its human costs."
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Die Presse - Austria | Friday, 16. March 2012
The British daily The Guardian revealed on Wednesday night that it is in possession of more than 3,000 private emails purportedly written by Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and his inner circle. The emails were allegedly leaked to the newspaper by members of the Syrian opposition. But the content of the mails is rather trivial, the liberal-conservative daily Die Presse writes: » more
The British daily The Guardian revealed on Wednesday night that it is in possession of more than 3,000 private emails purportedly written by Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and his inner circle. The emails were allegedly leaked to the newspaper by members of the Syrian opposition. But the content of the mails is rather trivial, the liberal-conservative daily Die Presse writes: "Put together, the pieces of the email puzzle don't reveal the mosaic of a monster but of a man who buys music and apps at the Apple iTunes store and doesn't forget to compliment his wife by sending her a song by Blake Shelton: 'Cos God gave me you for the ups and downs'. When you read the text of the song it's difficult to reconcile this picture of the man with the images of the horrors of Homs for which Assad bears direct responsibility. The question of 'cui bono' therefore appears to support the claims that the emails are genuine."
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Frankfurter Rundschau - Germany | Wednesday, 14. March 2012
Critics accuse the International Criminal Court (ICC) of concentrating too much on African countries. The court is nevertheless a success, writes the left-liberal daily Frankfurter Rundschau: » more
Critics accuse the International Criminal Court (ICC) of concentrating too much on African countries. The court is nevertheless a success, writes the left-liberal daily Frankfurter Rundschau: "The prosecutors at the ICC point out that only in the rarest cases were they the ones who brought cases before the court, and that in four cases (Uganda, Congo, Central African Republic and Ivory Coast) African governments themselves were the ones who wanted to see their adversaries on trial. ... So accusations of hypocrisy must be aimed not at the prosecutor's office in The Hague but at the African heads of state. They call on the ICC when it them suits them, and when it doesn't they bad-mouth it or simply ignore it. ... Like Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, a growing number of governments want to join the 120 states that have already signed the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Nevertheless the real triumph will only come when the despot-hunters also aim their sights at other regions of the world. Syria for a start."
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Der Standard - Austria | Thursday, 15. March 2012
Russia and China continue to block UN intervention in Syria with their vetos. The French intellectual André Glucksmann denounces the EU's hesitant diplomacy and its dependence on Beijing and Moscow in the left-liberal daily Der Standard: » more
Russia and China continue to block UN intervention in Syria with their vetos. The French intellectual André Glucksmann denounces the EU's hesitant diplomacy and its dependence on Beijing and Moscow in the left-liberal daily Der Standard: "It's high time Europe remembered its anti-totalitarian foundations and supported all those people who today seek to emulate the examples it gave them in the past. What form should help take? And how can we help each other? By starting to voice our opinions loud and clear, by exposing false excuses and pretexts on decisive matters. Today's paradox: the despot arms himself to the teeth and his friends supply him with all he needs. Meanwhile the oppressed are being denied any means to defend themselves. Can we allow their protection to depend on a non-intervention resolution? Must we accept that the murderers should avail themselves of the free market while their victims are forced to submit without resistance? ... Once more we must say with calm resolve that these two major powers are trampling the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - and with it the United Nations - underfoot."
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Avvenire - Italy | Thursday, 15. March 2012
The protests against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad began with student rallies in Damascus on March 15, 2011. A year later the country is caught up in a civil war that according to the UN has already cost 8,000 lives. The international community is vacillating, Washington issues threats and Moscow warns of the danger of the internationalisation of the conflict, whereby paradoxically Russia's stance seems the most convincing in the present situation, writes the Catholic daily Avvenire: » more
The protests against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad began with student rallies in Damascus on March 15, 2011. A year later the country is caught up in a civil war that according to the UN has already cost 8,000 lives. The international community is vacillating, Washington issues threats and Moscow warns of the danger of the internationalisation of the conflict, whereby paradoxically Russia's stance seems the most convincing in the present situation, writes the Catholic daily Avvenire: "The problem is that Moscow - unfortunately - is right. Russia, which despite defending Syria doesn't dispute Assad's excesses, seems to have better arguments than the US and the West, even if its motivations derive from an anachronistic, 19th century view of the world and a blatantly callous pursuit of its own interests. The surprising thing about the explanations of the White House and the Foreign Ministry is how they always relapse into monotonousness every time a crisis escalates beyond a certain point. At that point America seems no longer able to withstand the pressure. It loses its patience and starts nervously stroking its revolver."
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Diário de Notícias - Portugal | Tuesday, 13. March 2012
The UN Security Council once again failed to reach a decision on how to deal with the violence in Syria at its meeting in New York on Monday. The Syrian opposition reported 92 deaths on the same day and urgently called for military intervention from abroad. The UN members must finally defend the value of human life, the daily Diário de Notícias demands: » more
The UN Security Council once again failed to reach a decision on how to deal with the violence in Syria at its meeting in New York on Monday. The Syrian opposition reported 92 deaths on the same day and urgently called for military intervention from abroad. The UN members must finally defend the value of human life, the daily Diário de Notícias demands: "For a year now Bashar al-Assad has faced the growing opposition of his people that has lead to 8,550 deaths and barbaric deeds - like the massacre in Homs that was revealed on Monday. But the 'Syrian problem' has long since ceased to be an internal affair. In their various aspects the ethnic and religious factors that define Syrian society have repercussions for the entire region. A region that is burdened with problems like the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the insecurities in Iraq, the Iranian nuclear programme, the future of Afghanistan - and even that of Pakistan. … Meanwhile the major powers in New York point to general principles to justify their strategies, in which there is no place for the 'human factor'. But there are times when the diplomats should remember that there are no geopolitical equations without people - and that their lives have a value."
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The Independent - United Kingdom | Friday, 9. March 2012
The Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad may be rapidly losing supporters but his downfall is still a long way off, according to the liberal paper The Independent: » more
The Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad may be rapidly losing supporters but his downfall is still a long way off, according to the liberal paper The Independent: "There are some optimistic straws in the wind, not the least of which is that several senior figures in the military have now switched to the opposition. ... There are subtle shifts in the international community, too. Washington is talking of supplying the rebels with non-lethal aid and President Obama has asked the Pentagon to set out military options. China's envoy has told President Assad to stop the violence. And even Russia's President-elect, Vladimir Putin, has said he has no intention of providing asylum for the dictator if he is forced out. But Syria's rebels are fragmented and poorly equipped. They have no tanks or artillery and their leaders are disorganised. It is a long road to the end of the Assad regime, and this week's developments are just a few tiny steps along it."
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Die Presse - Austria | Friday, 9. March 2012
Syria's deputy oil minister Abdo Hussameddin defected from the government to join the rebels and publicly distanced himself from Bashar al-Assad's government in a video-taped message on Thursday. Now is the time for the international community to step up the pressure and ensure that the conflict ends soon and without bloodshed, writes the liberal-conservative daily Die Presse: » more
Syria's deputy oil minister Abdo Hussameddin defected from the government to join the rebels and publicly distanced himself from Bashar al-Assad's government in a video-taped message on Thursday. Now is the time for the international community to step up the pressure and ensure that the conflict ends soon and without bloodshed, writes the liberal-conservative daily Die Presse: "Assad no longer has the situation under control; the first cracks are starting to show in his regime, and economically it can't hold out for much longer. … So the top priority now is to crank up the pressure on Assad. And this means at least implying the military option, as the Americans are cautiously doing for the first time. … The strategic goal must be the resignation of the Syrian president. … To make the decision easier for Assad he should be urged more clearly than before to consider the option of fleeing the country and seeking asylum. He must be aware by now, given the warning examples in his neighbouring countries, that if he refuses, pretty soon he is likely to end up on trial before the International Court of Justice - or worse."
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Die Zeit - Germany | Thursday, 1. March 2012
The Syrian army has continued its attacks on the rebel stronghold city of Homs. The situation in Homs reminds Bosnian journalists Reuf Bajrović and Emir Suljagić of the siege war in Bosnia in the 1990s and prompts them to call for Western intervention in the liberal weekly Die Zeit: » more
The Syrian army has continued its attacks on the rebel stronghold city of Homs. The situation in Homs reminds Bosnian journalists Reuf Bajrović and Emir Suljagić of the siege war in Bosnia in the 1990s and prompts them to call for Western intervention in the liberal weekly Die Zeit: "The crimes against humanity that Bashar al-Assad's regime is committing in Syria are nothing more than a repeat of the ethnic cleansing practices carried out in the 1990s on the Balkans. … The Free Syrian Army was founded to protect unarmed demonstrators from Assad's soldiers. Arming them would help to end the bloodshed. … To leave the Free Syrian Army to its own devices would only increase its vulnerability to radical ideologies and questionable allies. ... This could prevent the formation of a democratic and prospering society in Syria for decades. Here, too, the Bosnian experience can teach a lesson: even in an environment that was far less favourable for extremists, certain sections of Bosnian society turned to extremist ideologies two decades ago."
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Der Standard - Austria | Monday, 27. February 2012
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had the people of Syria vote on a constitutional reform on Sunday, while his brutal treatment of the rebels continues. A quick end to the conflict is not in sight given how divided the opposition is, the left-liberal daily Der Standard comments: » more
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had the people of Syria vote on a constitutional reform on Sunday, while his brutal treatment of the rebels continues. A quick end to the conflict is not in sight given how divided the opposition is, the left-liberal daily Der Standard comments: "The Syrian opposition, both inside and outside the country, has proven completely incapable of doing what the Libyan rebels did so well, regardless of how fragmented they have been since Muammar al-Gaddafi's overthrow, namely transcending their differences during the uprising in the name of a common goal. Of course the comparison is unfair. Libyan society is homogeneous at least religiously, and the country's territory was not the stage of a religious power struggle like that between Iran and Saudi-Arabia in Syria. But the Syrian handicap still doesn't explain the sorry picture painted by the opposition Syrian National Council (SNC). Nevertheless at some point the Europeans and the US will have to take action and recognise it, simply for lack of an alternative. But a lot will have to happen for the SNC to be trusted with managing the Syrian transition."
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The Times - United Kingdom | Friday, 24. February 2012
Representatives from 60 countries will meet with the Syrian opposition today in Tunis today, Friday, to discuss solutions to the violence and the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Following the death of the two Western journalists Marie Colvin and Rémi Ochlik the West is obliged to act, writes the conservative daily The Times: » more
Representatives from 60 countries will meet with the Syrian opposition today in Tunis today, Friday, to discuss solutions to the violence and the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Following the death of the two Western journalists Marie Colvin and Rémi Ochlik the West is obliged to act, writes the conservative daily The Times: "The practical arguments against military intervention in Syria are overwhelming. But there is a lot that can be done short of marching in. The success of our intervention in Libya and the absence of intervention in Syria is redeeming the argument that was lost in Iraq. The lesson is simple. If you take on a fascist you get chaos. If you don't take on a fascist you get chaos. It's the nature of the beast and sometimes we forget that it's the fascist that's the beast, not us. We're better than that and in our actions we will show it."
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Libération - France | Thursday, 23. February 2012
The reporters' deaths highlight how important journalists are in the fight against dictatorial oppression, the left-liberal daily Libération writes: » more
The reporters' deaths highlight how important journalists are in the fight against dictatorial oppression, the left-liberal daily Libération writes: "It is clear from the deaths of Marie Colvin and Rémi Ochlik that in his effort to cling on to power, Bashar al-Assad is deliberately targeting the witnesses of his barbarity. The Syrian dictator's artillerymen fired on the improvised 'press centre' that served to report on the horrific massive bombardments of the civilian population. ... The death of these reporters reminds critics of the media, as well as those who believe that everything is available on the web, that there are men and women who are ready to risk their lives to keep people informed. Without their reports Assad - like so many others before him - could have continued killing and torturing his people with impunity. Their stories and their images may seem like weak barricades against the flood of barbarity. But this makes them all the more important."
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De Morgen - Belgium | Thursday, 23. February 2012
At least 120 people have been killed in the past two days in attacks on the Syrian city of Homs, including two Western journalists. The left-liberal daily De Morgen accuses the West of passivity: » more
At least 120 people have been killed in the past two days in attacks on the Syrian city of Homs, including two Western journalists. The left-liberal daily De Morgen accuses the West of passivity: "The political leaders have harshly condemned Assad and lamented the number of civil victims. But lamenting won't save lives. Since the failed resolution in the UN Security Council almost a month ago Western politicians have done little or nothing to break through the blockade. Russia and China are the scapegoats behind which everyone can hide. The debate is marked by a lack of resolution and sense of urgency. And this despite the fact that in such an urgent situation one could expect every possible step that could lead to concrete action to be considered: resuming negotiations with Russia, shuttle diplomacy, direct talks with Assad, cutting off Damascus militarily. But nothing is happening."
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The Guardian - United Kingdom | Thursday, 23. February 2012
Marie Colvin, the US war correspondent killed in Homs, was convinced of the importance of the job she was doing. The left-liberal daily The Guardian reprints a speech given by Colvin at a service for disabled war veterans in London in November 2010: » more
Marie Colvin, the US war correspondent killed in Homs, was convinced of the importance of the job she was doing. The left-liberal daily The Guardian reprints a speech given by Colvin at a service for disabled war veterans in London in November 2010: "Covering a war means going to places torn by chaos, destruction and death, and trying to bear witness. It means trying to find the truth in a sandstorm of propaganda when armies, tribes or terrorists clash. And yes, it means taking risks. ... Our mission is to report these horrors of war with accuracy and without prejudice. We always have to ask ourselves whether the level of risk is worth the story. What is bravery, and what is bravado? Journalists covering combat shoulder great responsibilities and face difficult choices. Sometimes they pay the ultimate price."
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Der Standard - Austria | Wednesday, 22. February 2012
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu complained to the US government on Monday about the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey, who during an interview expressed doubts about the wisdom of Israel launching a military attack against Iran. Instead of strategising Israel should be open and above all realistic about potential scenarios of attack, the left-liberal daily Der Standard asserts: » more
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu complained to the US government on Monday about the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey, who during an interview expressed doubts about the wisdom of Israel launching a military attack against Iran. Instead of strategising Israel should be open and above all realistic about potential scenarios of attack, the left-liberal daily Der Standard asserts: "The Israelis' annoyance could mean that they don't want an open critical debate because it would weaken public support for an attack that is already in planning. This makes a radical exposure of all potential scenarios all the more urgent. The Middle East's recent past is peppered with cases in which leading politicians have made mistakes when it came to predicting what turn events would take. The most glaring example of this is of course the 2003 Iraq war, but Israel's Lebanon War in 2006 also falls into this category. So this should prompt people to stop talking of a 'military strike'. It would be a prolonged military operation, a war that would not be confined to Iran but would also involve its allies in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza."
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Le Figaro - France | Tuesday, 14. February 2012
Russia and China have blocked a resolution against the Syrian regime with their veto in the UN Security Council. The politician Bruno Tertrais criticises veto rights as obsolete in the conservative daily Le Figaro: » more
Russia and China have blocked a resolution against the Syrian regime with their veto in the UN Security Council. The politician Bruno Tertrais criticises veto rights as obsolete in the conservative daily Le Figaro: "Today the international community is at the mercy of political decisions taken by two authoritarian regimes: in one the tone is set by a mafia-like oligarchy and all-powerful secret service, while the other is ruled by a corrupt political-military elite whose highest goal is to hold on to power. Must the fate of nations under threat be held hostage by institutions like the FSB, Russia's internal secret service, the Communist Party of China and the People's Liberation Army? That's what comes of the golden rule of only acting on the basis of a resolution by the Security Council."
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De Standaard - Belgium | Tuesday, 14. February 2012
Around 500 Syrians have fled to Belgium to escape the bloody fighting in Syria so far. But their applications for asylum are not being processed owing to the unclear situation in the country, the liberal daily De Standaard reports, explaining the dilemma faced by the authorities: » more
Around 500 Syrians have fled to Belgium to escape the bloody fighting in Syria so far. But their applications for asylum are not being processed owing to the unclear situation in the country, the liberal daily De Standaard reports, explaining the dilemma faced by the authorities: "Is the uncertainty a disgrace? Is it inhumane? At first glance, yes. But the matter is more complex. Countries who we trust more when it comes to immigration, like Norway and Sweden, are doing the same. Once the applications of the Syrians are processed officially this will mean that those who can furnish enough evidence will be allowed to stay, while the rest are sent back. Judging by the unclear situation in the country, the latter group will not be a small one. But to send people back would be completely inhumane. Until we can make clear decisions, processing the applications for asylum will have cruel repercussions. … Years ago the special status of limited residency was created when a similar situation arose with the former Yugoslavia. … It seems the time has come to do the same for the Syrians."
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Der Standard - Austria | Monday, 13. February 2012
The Arab League on Sunday called on the UN to create a common peace force to put an end to the violent conflict between Syrian rebels and the regime. The left-liberal daily Der Standard finds the idea of such a joint mission completely illusory: » more
The Arab League on Sunday called on the UN to create a common peace force to put an end to the violent conflict between Syrian rebels and the regime. The left-liberal daily Der Standard finds the idea of such a joint mission completely illusory: "Syria won't agree and the UN Security Council will not be able to pass a corresponding resolution. Military intervention is out of the question for all parties: the groups fighting the regime are far too fragmented and untransparent. One could easily find oneself on the same side with Jihadists who have infiltrated the country from Iraq. Supplying weapons is problematic for the same reason. And it is also wishful thinking to believe the Arab Gulf States calling for an Arab Front against Syria have suddenly adopted the principles of democracy and a 'responsibility to protect'. All of that doesn't make the regime in Syria one whit better. But it shows that the opposite of evil is not necessarily good."
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The Times - United Kingdom | Friday, 10. February 2012
According to reports in the media, more than 50 people were killed on Thursday in the western Syrian protest stronghold of Homs. The West must decide now whether to arm the rebels, demands the liberal-conservative daily The Times: » more
According to reports in the media, more than 50 people were killed on Thursday in the western Syrian protest stronghold of Homs. The West must decide now whether to arm the rebels, demands the liberal-conservative daily The Times: "The limits of Western rhetoric are now becoming increasingly apparent. A powerful alliance is emerging, led by the Arab League but including the United States, France and the UK. If the calls to help the rebels end even with the provision of arms, a threshold will have been crossed into a conflict. The West will have taken sides. This is a momentous decision and it cannot be taken casually or reactively. It needs a considered plan and it is now past time that the American and French Presidents and the British Prime Minister met the Arab League, at a place of the latter's choosing, to hold a summit on Syria at which they lay out their plans for action."
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Corriere della Sera - Italy | Wednesday, 8. February 2012
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to Syria on Tuesday has made it clear that the Western and Arab world have resignedly left the field to Russian diplomacy, writes the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera: » more
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to Syria on Tuesday has made it clear that the Western and Arab world have resignedly left the field to Russian diplomacy, writes the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera: "When even EU foreign minister Ashton is now vociferously demanding Assad's departure nothing can conceal the powerlessness of the West and the Arab League after the Russian-Chinese veto at the UN. Assad feels protected by an invisible armour, namely the repeated declarations that there will be no military intervention in Syria. Libya was a tough lesson and still is, even if few in the West are ready to admit this. It cannot be repeated. ... Damascus could trigger a chain reaction with unforeseeable consequences. Against this backdrop Russia is manoeuvring with all the deftness of a bear. Lavrov achieved next to nothing, and yet it would be wrong to describe his mission as insignificant. Russia is relying on a 'Yemeni solution' - a transitional phase after which Assad will be succeeded by someone agreeable to the Kremlin, who will protect its interests in the region."
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Göteborgs-Posten - Sweden | Tuesday, 7. February 2012
The Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov travels to Damascus today to hold talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The liberal daily Göteborgs-Posten doubts that the ... » more
The Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov travels to Damascus today to hold talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The liberal daily Göteborgs-Posten doubts that the talks will end the bloodshed in Syria. "Russia has a unique opportunity to exert pressure on Syria's dictator. ... But there is not much hope. Lavrov is seeking political dialogue. But Assad is literally fighting for his survival after having rejected all the options for a compromise. Everything points to the civil war continuing and the situation further deteriorating in Syria before it finally improves. ... Russia and China bear a heavy burden of responsibility for this, having consistently ignored the suffering and acted solely according to the principle that nations don't have friends, only interests."
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Welt am Sonntag - Germany | Sunday, 5. February 2012
The Middle East has still not calmed down since the launch of the freedom movement last year. But it took other democracies up to 200 years to stabilise themselves, Richard Herzinger writes consolingly in the conservative Welt am Sonntag: » more
The Middle East has still not calmed down since the launch of the freedom movement last year. But it took other democracies up to 200 years to stabilise themselves, Richard Herzinger writes consolingly in the conservative Welt am Sonntag: "Nevertheless it is worth remembering that revolutionary upheavals like those which have gripped the Middle East generally tend to result in many decades of bloody confusion, terrible mistakes and cruel wars. Yet the central problem posed by revolutions has always been how to rein in the violence they generate and curtail it through institutions. The American Revolution was to a certain extent exemplary in achieving this while the terrorism of the French Revolution initially got out of hand - not to mention the Russian Revolution. In total 200 years passed before democracy was firmly established in the Western world. Remembering to think along the long lines of history can at least help us not to despair at the current atrocities unfolding in the Middle East - and to focus on doggedly fighting the worst inhumanities instead of hankering after visions of an ideal democratic future."
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Le Figaro - France | Sunday, 5. February 2012
Russia and China opposed a resolution on Saturday in the UN Security Council meant to end the bloody suppression of the Syrian opposition and bring about the resignation of dictator Bashar al-Assad. With this strategy reminiscent of the Cold War era Russia is merely trying to regain its lost power, the conservative daily Le Figaro affirms: » more
Russia and China opposed a resolution on Saturday in the UN Security Council meant to end the bloody suppression of the Syrian opposition and bring about the resignation of dictator Bashar al-Assad. With this strategy reminiscent of the Cold War era Russia is merely trying to regain its lost power, the conservative daily Le Figaro affirms: "Russia and China are exposing themselves to the criticism that they care more about defending authoritarian regimes than for these countries' populations or their desire for freedom. The Kremlin's alliance with the Syrian regime is a legacy from Soviet times. By aiding the foundering dictatorship, Moscow hopes to secure weapons sales to ensure its warships' access to the Mediterranean harbour of Tartus and to counter Western influence in the Middle East. But such Cold War logic will hardly help Russia regain its superpower status."
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Libération - France | Wednesday, 1. February 2012
The UN Security Council failed to reach agreement on Tuesday evening over a resolution on an end to violence in Syria. To prevent a civil war the Syrian people must be freed from dictator Bashar al-Assad, the left-liberal daily Libération demands: » more
The UN Security Council failed to reach agreement on Tuesday evening over a resolution on an end to violence in Syria. To prevent a civil war the Syrian people must be freed from dictator Bashar al-Assad, the left-liberal daily Libération demands: "The Arab League, until now considered a club of tyranny, has called for the resignation of the Syrian torturer and is now working to achieve this goal. This confirms that dictators in the Middle East may no longer torture and kill their populations with impunity. Nevertheless Assad's departure is not yet a sure thing. Assad is now fuelling ethnic conflict in his fragile, fragmented country, and fanning the flames of civil war. Nothing can be worse than Bashar al-Assad remaining in power. The transition will be difficult and dangerous, but thousands of Syrians have laid down their lives in the fight for freedom, and the people have a right to democracy."
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The Times - United Kingdom | Monday, 30. January 2012
The Arab League suspended its observer mission in Syria on Saturday, after which the Syrian military cracked down harder on the opposition on Sunday. The UK and its allies must now persuade China and Russia to introduce sanctions, the liberal-conservative daily The Times demands: » more
The Arab League suspended its observer mission in Syria on Saturday, after which the Syrian military cracked down harder on the opposition on Sunday. The UK and its allies must now persuade China and Russia to introduce sanctions, the liberal-conservative daily The Times demands: "A regime that murders civilians by the thousand loses its presumption of sovereignty. The genocide committed by Saddam Hussein against the Iraqi Kurds and attempted by Slobodan Milosevic against Kosovan Albanians ought to have demonstrated that lesson. Britain and its allies on the Security Council should impress on Russia and China, who have thus far been averse to sanctions against Syria, that Mr Assad must stand down. The Arab League, having inadvertently provided cover for the repression, should be at the forefront of that diplomatic effort. The longer Mr Assad remains, the greater the risk that the eventual reckoning for his regime will be terrible."
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The Times - United Kingdom | Wednesday, 18. January 2012
By closing down its English version Wikipedia has acted arbitrarily and done a disservice to millions of users, writes the conservative daily The Times: » more
By closing down its English version Wikipedia has acted arbitrarily and done a disservice to millions of users, writes the conservative daily The Times: "First, it's self-serving. Wikipedia has not used its capacity to 'raise awareness' on behalf, say, of the protesters of Syria, but in defence of its own interests - even if you accept the broader threat that Mr Wales perceives. Second, it's arbitrary. Millions of people use the site and many thousands, encouraged to contribute to it, add their democratic dime's worth. Yet in furtherance of a pet cause that is close to their hearts, the core Wikipedia folk can decide to switch the whole thing off. And by doing so they don't only affect those American users who might be in a position to affect the decisions of Congress, but God (or a visitometer) knows how many Britons and other Anglophones who can do nothing about it."
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Helsingin Sanomat - Finland | Saturday, 31. December 2011
Criticism of Arab League observers in Syria is growing in view of the Syrian security forces' continued use of violence against members of the opposition. But other measures also stand little chance of success, writes the liberal daily Helsingin Sanomat: » more
Criticism of Arab League observers in Syria is growing in view of the Syrian security forces' continued use of violence against members of the opposition. But other measures also stand little chance of success, writes the liberal daily Helsingin Sanomat: "The observers should take their work seriously because they have an important task to fulfil. If the Arab League defends the international measures in Syria as it did for Libya in the spring, Russia and China will have a hard time reducing the pressure on Syria in the UN Security Council. Otherwise it seems the international community has little prospect of helping the Syrian opposition. Turkey has proposed setting up a protection zone for refugees within Syria, controlled militarily from abroad. France has spoken out in favour of humanitarian aid to help the civilians trapped in the country. It remains unclear how widespread the support is for such measures. Also uncertain is whether they will really do any good, or merely lead to renewed clashes."
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Neue Zürcher Zeitung - Switzerland | Wednesday, 30. November 2011
Following the Western states' lead the Arab League also imposed sanctions against Syria on Sunday. This makes a peaceful solution to the conflict even less likely, writes the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung: » more
Following the Western states' lead the Arab League also imposed sanctions against Syria on Sunday. This makes a peaceful solution to the conflict even less likely, writes the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung: "If neither a putsch can be expected nor the Syrian ruler can be convinced to initiate a serious dialogue and gradual transferral of power, the most likely scenario is the country slipping further into a civil war with unforeseeable consequences and far-reaching implications. The regime has actively contributed to this by pitting different groups against each other, giving civilian gangs of thugs free rein and allowing the security forces to take control with complete impunity. A civil war that to all appearances is already a reality in certain parts of Syria but represents a threat not just for the Syrian population but for the entire region."
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Blog Un œil sur la Syrie - France | Thursday, 17. November 2011
According to their own accounts, deserters of the Syrian army attacked a secret service base north of Damascus on Wednesday. The West should supply them with weapons, writes the former diplomat Ignace Leverrier in his blog Un oeil sur la Syrie in the daily Le Monde: » more
According to their own accounts, deserters of the Syrian army attacked a secret service base north of Damascus on Wednesday. The West should supply them with weapons, writes the former diplomat Ignace Leverrier in his blog Un oeil sur la Syrie in the daily Le Monde: "The demonstrators are begging the international community - or at least those countries that have declared their solidarity - to give the Free Syrian Army what it needs to continue its mission. There is no one else who can defend the demonstrators. It's not a question of creating a new balance of power with these weapons. ... They simply want to be able to keep demonstrating peacefully without immediately being subjected to the brutality of troops loyal to the regime. And they have every right to do so. ... The rebels that want to make use of these arms now expect those who support their justified demands to supply 'their' army with the necessary ammunition and anti-tank weapons."
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Aamulehti - Finland | Tuesday, 15. November 2011
The Arab League resolved on Saturday to suspend Syria's membership. Even if this doesn't pave the way for a Libyan-style military intervention the international community must not remain passive, the liberal daily Aamulehti contends: » more
The Arab League resolved on Saturday to suspend Syria's membership. Even if this doesn't pave the way for a Libyan-style military intervention the international community must not remain passive, the liberal daily Aamulehti contends: "In the case of Syria foreign intervention is not foreseen. Nobody really wants it and there is not enough support for it on the UN Security Council. ... But somehow the Syrian leadership must be compelled to end its policy of oppression. Those countries that want to go beyond advocating moral and ethical values in ceremonial addresses can't simply sit back and watch while a popular movement demanding freedom and democracy is brutally quashed."
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NRC Handelsblad - Netherlands | Monday, 14. November 2011
The Arab League on Saturday announced the suspension of Syria's membership and sanctions against Bashar al-Assad's regime. This ups the pressure on the United Nations but the problem remains an Arab one, writes the liberal daily NRC Handelsblad: » more
The Arab League on Saturday announced the suspension of Syria's membership and sanctions against Bashar al-Assad's regime. This ups the pressure on the United Nations but the problem remains an Arab one, writes the liberal daily NRC Handelsblad: "The US President Barack Obama was pleased by the decision and announced that the United States would not continue to exert pressure on Assad's murderous regime together with its 'friends and allies'. But there will be no military intervention like in Libya. It would already be a major step if the Security Council were to simply pass a condemnatory resolution. But Russia and China mustn't veto this again. For now these two permanent members of the Security Council are shrouding themselves in silence. The opposition in Syria sees the Arab League's decision to suspend Syria as strengthening its cause. But this is likely to remain the only help on which it can count from abroad. Syria is an Arab problem that requires an Arab solution."
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Wprost Online - Poland | Thursday, 10. November 2011
The quashing of the protests against the Syrian regime has claimed more than 3,500 victims according to the UN. And this despite the fact that the Arab League has negotiated a deal with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad under which the government soldiers were to withdraw. The chances of peace are not good, writes news portal Wprost Online: » more
The quashing of the protests against the Syrian regime has claimed more than 3,500 victims according to the UN. And this despite the fact that the Arab League has negotiated a deal with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad under which the government soldiers were to withdraw. The chances of peace are not good, writes news portal Wprost Online: "A rapid stabilisation of the situation in Syria and an end to the crisis are not in sight. The recent Nato intervention in Libya pretty much rules out a similar operation in Syria because the alliance no longer has the will nor the money to bombard another country. Additional economic sanctions would be a bad solution. That leaves just the international community and above all the Arab League. Perhaps Assad will accept another agreement negotiated by this organisation after all."
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Il Sole 24 Ore - Italy | Tuesday, 1. November 2011
Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Monday declared the end of Nato military operations in Tripoli and stressed that there should not be a similar intervention in Syria. But Nato is actually leaving Libya at the behest of the US, which wants to concentrate on Syria and Iran, the business paper Il Sole 24 Ore suspects: » more
Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Monday declared the end of Nato military operations in Tripoli and stressed that there should not be a similar intervention in Syria. But Nato is actually leaving Libya at the behest of the US, which wants to concentrate on Syria and Iran, the business paper Il Sole 24 Ore suspects: "Libya has long since become just a minor intervention in a far bigger exchange deal. The big game is no longer in Tripoli but on the Gulf. The goal is to manoeuvre the Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad into a corner and isolate Syria's strongest ally, Iran. ... The US is leaving the fate of Libya in the hands of the Europeans and the Arabs. It has other interests to defend. It wants to install a new 'security architecture' in a region that forms the front line with Iran and contains 60 percent of the world's oil reserves. This is why it is boosting its presence in Kuwait and intensifying its military relations with the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council."
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Wiener Zeitung - Austria | Friday, 28. October 2011
The human rights organisation Amnesty International last week accused 17 European states, including Germany, of playing a role in the oppression of protest movements in various Arab countries by exporting weapons and wiretapping technology. The former head of the foreign desk at Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper, Clemens M. Hutter, accuses exporting nations of double standards in the daily Wiener Zeitung: » more
The human rights organisation Amnesty International last week accused 17 European states, including Germany, of playing a role in the oppression of protest movements in various Arab countries by exporting weapons and wiretapping technology. The former head of the foreign desk at Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper, Clemens M. Hutter, accuses exporting nations of double standards in the daily Wiener Zeitung: "Weapons for Libya, Syria and Saudi Arabia have clearly been put to use against these countries' own populations. Of the hundreds of thousands of Syrians who untiringly demonstrate against the tyranny of the Assad clan, 3,000 have paid with their lives. Yet Syria is still being supplied with the best bugging technology on the market - made in Germany. Consequently, unlike in Tunisia or Egypt the Syrian resistance can't organise itself electronically. Officially Germany proclaims its sympathy with the Syrian struggle for freedom. It just happens to be the case that technology sales also secure jobs at home."
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NRC Handelsblad - Netherlands | Wednesday, 5. October 2011
China and Russia used their veto in the UN Security Council on Tuesday night to block a resolution against the Syrian regime tabled by European members of the Security Council. Global power relations have shifted, writes the liberal daily NRC Handelsblad: » more
China and Russia used their veto in the UN Security Council on Tuesday night to block a resolution against the Syrian regime tabled by European members of the Security Council. Global power relations have shifted, writes the liberal daily NRC Handelsblad: "The European measures against the regime clarify where the West stands and who it supports, namely not the regime that has had around 2,700 people killed already this year. The measures are meaningful and aid civilian resistance in Syria. But they will probably not prove decisive. Ultimately the international balance of power is not disfavourable for Assad. The voting split in the Security Council illustrates the new global balance. Despite the fact that the US and Europe back the civilian protest, the balance is shifting to the east and south. Moral outrage in the West can do nothing to alter this. Political cooperation is called for. Unfortunately no one in the West is taking the initiative."
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