Civil War? Full on armed insurrection? You know you’re getting close to those possibilities when deaths occur day after day and members of your army are not only defecting but also announcing their decision on YouTube. That very modern twist illustrates both a commitment to the cause and a certain degree of confidence in their undertaking. It’s about momentum. So, not surprisingly, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said today that he doesn’t see a way out for Assad and company:
“This will end with the fall of the regime, it is nearly unavoidable, but unfortunately it could take time because the situation is complex, because there is a risk of civil war between Syrian factions, because surrounding Arab countries do not want us to intervene.”
So the end is almost certainly…on the horizon. Like Juppe I don’t see how the downfall of Assad can be anything but lengthy and bloody. His people’s suffering certainly won’t wear on his conscience. Perhaps the savagery of the Gaddafi capture and execution will, but I don’t really have high hopes for that either.
Recommended on Twitter: @AlexanderPageSY. Run by Syrian activist Rami Jarrah who is now based in Cairo.
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