Indeed, the rage generated by Assad’s method of fighting the war is
probably the greatest threat to the Syrian state. The governing
structures of the state are distinct from the Assad regime that now
controls them, but the longer Assad and his cohorts use state power to
slaughter civilians, the fewer the people who will make that
distinction. The collapse of the state, as opposed to an orderly
transition of the ruling regime, would be catastrophic.
Ending Assad’s systematic attacks on civilians is key to any
realistic strategy for containing Isis, rebuilding the social fabric
that is essential to countering extremism and preserving a functioning
Syrian state. Given the animosity that these attacks generate, curbing
them is probably also a prerequisite to any successful peace talks.
Unfortunately, Russia and Iran, the principal proponents of engaging
with Assad, have generated no visible pressure to stop this slaughter.
On the contrary, Russia has opposed stepped-up efforts at the
UN security council to curb Assad’s use of barrel bombs.
It is time to stop closing our eyes to these horrific crimes. Halting
Assad’s atrocities, as well as those by other groups, should be the
first item on the agenda for any negotiation.
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