Overview
Last Friday’s massacre in Syria near the town of Houla, which left more than 100 dead, has fueled international outrage. The attacks showed that violence continues in Syria despite the U.N.-backed Kofi Annan peace plan, enacted on April 12th. Conflict has persisted between President Bashar al-Assad’s forces and an armed opposition group, the Free Syrian Army, for nearly 16 months. The Free Syrian Army aims to bring down the Syrian government and typically deploys guerilla-style tactics in actions aimed at government and security forces in the capital of Damascus. U.N. observers appoint blame to pro-government militias, which is strongly denied by the Assad regime.
Until now, international diplomatic action has yet to alleviate tensions in Syria. However, Friday’s massacre is seen by many nations as a ‘tipping point’ in Syrian diplomatic affairs. On Tuesday, the United States along with ten other nations around the world expelled top Syrian diplomats. Many nations are calling for more severe action in Syria given the failure thus far of Annan’s six-point peace plan. While more stringent sanctions are being considered, the U.S. is unlikely to pursue a military course of action for fear of worsening the already violent and chaotic situation. Meanwhile U.N. Security Council members Russia and China also refuse to escalate violence in Syria but recommend the continued implementation of the Annan Plan.
Key Points
- The U.N. has issued a formal condemnation of Friday’s massacre and is considering intensified sanctions on Syria, but is unlikely to respond with military action.
- President Bashar al-Assad blames the Free Syrian Army for the killings while U.N. observers maintain the president’s forces were responsible.
- Many of the fatalities were women and children. The victims were found to have been summarily executed demonstrating the brutality of the massacre.
Implications
Friday’s massacre near Houla has provoked considerable international discussion as to the proper course of action in Syria. U.N.-backed military action is unlikely due to Russia and China’s threat to use their Security Council veto power. U.S. leaders have reiterated their commitment to developing a diplomatic solution. Violence in Syria is likely to continue without the full support of the international community. The conflict has already displaced refugees into surrounding countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. Officials fear that if the peace plan fails and threatens conflict across the region, the situation may require military intervention. Many western countries now seek Assad’s exit from power.
