This weekend's aid for innocents swap in the old city of Homs taking place under a hail of bullets, bombs and mortar fire will provide ample ammunition for finger pointing this week in Geneva. With another round of talks getting underway, hopes have already dwindled to "Why Bother" for most independent observers since the Rebels are seemingly completely out of control.
If Western powers are unable to keep the fractured Syrian opposition under one banner long enough to honor a 72 hour ceasefire, the world can expect the death toll to explode over the next few months.
While peace talks will continue this week, its difficult to see any progress being made until all fighting forces are identified, acknowledged and brought to the table as part of the overall process. Renegades and interloping jihadist types can then be exposed isolated and eventually neutralized.
While peace talks will continue this week, its difficult to see any progress being made until all fighting forces are identified, acknowledged and brought to the table as part of the overall process. Renegades and interloping jihadist types can then be exposed isolated and eventually neutralized.
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With hints of meddling in Russia's regional concerns, the Obama administration is flirting dangerously with history as it makes overtures to Ukrainian malcontents. US President Barack Obama may want to give Russian tough guy Vladimir Putin a little heartburn by egging on angry Kiev protestors, but this will only exemplify Russian Iranian Syrian Egyptian and the Chinese argument, that the US should allow internal conflicts to be managed internally. In short, many nations are telling the United States to mind its own damn business.
Instigating unprecedented sanctions against Iran, threatening air strikes in Syria, and needling China routinely over human rights abuses, the United States' so-called foreign policy is driving all of its adversaries closer together. Considering elected leaders and despots alike demand a freehand in addressing internal conflicts, few if any welcome external influence beyond money and advice.
By adopting 20th century divide and conquer tactics the United States is unwittingly forging alliances and partnerships between nations feeling compelled to push back as a collective. Since their is strength in numbers, the United States will have a difficult time pressuring one nation without others offering behind the scenes help. Inasmuch as all are keenly aware they could be pressured next, having each others back will create the space needed to keep US interventionist in check.
Bottom line: While the average Ukrainian would likely fare better hooking up a trade agreement with the EU as opposed to embracing Putin's offers, that is a fight the Ukrainians will have to win for themselves. Besides, If Vladimir Putin decides to play hardball, and he will, what is the Obama administration going to do, call for sanctions or arm the opposition? Good luck with that!
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