A Syrian opposition leader’s criticism of America’s ‘perceived ambiguity’ on the future of President Bashar Al Assad is justifiable and just. Bassma Kodmani, a member of the main opposition High Negotiations Committee which attended last month’s peace talks in Geneva, said that this ambiguity was worrying and damaging and urged Washington to make it very clear that Assad would not be ‘rehabilitated’ in a future government. Kodmani’s statement also highlights the ambiguity in US policy on Syria which has only helped the continuation of the conflict. President Barack Obama’s policy of non-intervention and the deliberate unwillingness to initiate measures for a resolution has been widely criticized in our region and even in the US, with some experts saying that Washington is relinquishing its traditional role in our region. But Obama has remained stubborn, and has justified his policies in recent interviews.
There is a contradiction in the US policy on Syria which arises from Washington’s reluctance to get involved. The White House last week said Assad should not feature in a transitional unity government, with White House spokesman Josh Earnest calling his participation a ‘non-starter’ for Washington. But at the same time, it’s not doing anything to make sure that its demand is met.
A negotiated settlement to the conflict looks highly unlikely as Assad has gained an upper hand in the conflict. For example, Syrian forces backed by Russian air strikes drove Islamic State militants out of the town of al-Qaryatain yesterday after encircling it over the past few days. Al-Qaryatain had been held by the militant group since late August. The latest victory has further strengthened Assad’s position and the opposition can win this conflict, or at least make some gains, only if it has the support of US and Arab countries.
The opposition leader’s statement also points to the predicament the rebels are facing after the advances by the government troops. Their influence on the ground is shrinking and the presence of Islamist groups has only complicated the conflict and reduced the chances of the opposition forces which actually started this uprising. Kodmani has said that “Assad’s departure must be negotiated and the end of the regime must be a controlled, not a chaotic, transition operation.’ “The opposition’s position is clear -- negotiation will occur while Assad is still in power, but the transition cannot happen with him.”
It’s time for the friends of Syrian opposition to unite and give their unconditional support before Assad dictates the terms of a final deal. The Syrian regime has made it clear that their president’s ouster is a redline. With both sides determined in their positions, chances of a negotiated settlement are receding. But letting Assad continue in power will be a cruel joke on millions of Syrians who have lost everything in this war.
A Syrian opposition leader’s criticism of America’s ‘perceived ambiguity’ on the future of President Bashar Al Assad is justifiable and just. Bassma Kodmani, a member of the main opposition High Negotiations Committee which attended last month’s peace talks in Geneva, said that this ambiguity was worrying and damaging and urged Washington to make it very clear that Assad would not be ‘rehabilitated’ in a future government. Kodmani’s statement also highlights the ambiguity in US policy on Syria which has only helped the continuation of the conflict. President Barack Obama’s policy of non-intervention and the deliberate unwillingness to initiate measures for a resolution has been widely criticized in our region and even in the US, with some experts saying that Washington is relinquishing its traditional role in our region. But Obama has remained stubborn, and has justified his policies in recent interviews.
There is a contradiction in the US policy on Syria which arises from Washington’s reluctance to get involved. The White House last week said Assad should not feature in a transitional unity government, with White House spokesman Josh Earnest calling his participation a ‘non-starter’ for Washington. But at the same time, it’s not doing anything to make sure that its demand is met.
A negotiated settlement to the conflict looks highly unlikely as Assad has gained an upper hand in the conflict. For example, Syrian forces backed by Russian air strikes drove Islamic State militants out of the town of al-Qaryatain yesterday after encircling it over the past few days. Al-Qaryatain had been held by the militant group since late August. The latest victory has further strengthened Assad’s position and the opposition can win this conflict, or at least make some gains, only if it has the support of US and Arab countries.
The opposition leader’s statement also points to the predicament the rebels are facing after the advances by the government troops. Their influence on the ground is shrinking and the presence of Islamist groups has only complicated the conflict and reduced the chances of the opposition forces which actually started this uprising. Kodmani has said that “Assad’s departure must be negotiated and the end of the regime must be a controlled, not a chaotic, transition operation.’ “The opposition’s position is clear -- negotiation will occur while Assad is still in power, but the transition cannot happen with him.”
It’s time for the friends of Syrian opposition to unite and give their unconditional support before Assad dictates the terms of a final deal. The Syrian regime has made it clear that their president’s ouster is a redline. With both sides determined in their positions, chances of a negotiated settlement are receding. But letting Assad continue in power will be a cruel joke on millions of Syrians who have lost everything in this war.
