Syria's uncertain future

Syria’s revolution shows no sign of slowing down and the government shows none of relenting either.Despite calls for reform and opening national dialogue the government has not halted in its violent methods of suppressing demonstrators. Amnesty international has hinted that the country’s leaders are facing being tried for crimes against humanity. Philip Luther from Amnesty International states the disturbing accounts they have heard including systematic and targeted abuses to crush opposition peoples, which is simply not acceptable. The international community has condemned the government; however it is the people of Syria who face an uncertain future. Such violent repressions of Syria’s own people only undermines the government’s legitimacy and make it ever more unlikely that they will accept the Al-Assad dynasty for any longer. The government need to listen to the calls of Syrian’s and move forward with real reform or face an ever increasingly precarious situation where hundreds more lives will be lost. Rights groups say that more than 1,300 civilians have been killed and 10,000 have been arrested since the uprising began in March. Opposition groups need to come together and present themselves as a coherent, unified body willing to credibly oppose the government. In addition, it is important for the international community to be on the same page over Syria. France has been at the forefront of a UN Security Council draft resolution which formally condemns the government. However, Russia, South Africa, India and Brazil have not yet voted in favour meaning that the resolution is at a standstill. Whilst it is undeniably in the hands of Syria to determine its own fate, external pressure would surely aid in pushing along the end of the violence and repression which in time, coupled with the efforts of the Syrian protestors, could bring down the Al-Assad government and bring a democratic Syria.