U.N. should not let Russia prolong the unrest in Syria

Almost a year has passed since Syrians, inspired by popular uprisings in several Arab countries, rose up against the harsh rule of President Bashar Assad. But whereas the Arab Spring brought about the toppling of leaders in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, the revolt in Syria has failed to significantly weaken Assad’s hold on power.

Indeed, the 46-year-old eye doctor who inherited the presidency from his father, Hafez al-Assad, has not only defied speculation that his days were numbered as a result of the Arab League suspending Syria’s membership, but he has grown more aggressive in dealing with those seeking to overthrow him.

He vowed recently to deal with the protesters with an “iron fist.” While that hard line sent shockwaves through the Middle East and the West, including the United States, it resulted in Assad’s allies reaffirming their support for his government.

Russia, in particular, has taken a strong stand on behalf of Damascus. This week, the Russians vowed to block Western attempts to intervene militarily.

“If some intend to use force at all cost ... we can hardly prevent that from happening,” said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. “But let them do it at their own initiative on their own conscience. They won’t get any authorization from the U.N. Security Council.”

Russia is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council and can veto any resolution that would authorize military intervention in Syria.

Given that more than 5,400 Syrians have been killed since March and that the revolt is becoming increasingly militarized as more frustrated regime opponents and army defectors arm themselves and fight back against the regime, the United Nations must not allow Russia to prolong the pain and suffering that is spreading far and wide.

The Security Council has been unable to agree on a resolution since the violence began because of strong opposition from Russia and China, another permanent member with veto power. In October, both countries blocked a Western draft resolution backed by the U.S. that condemned Assad’s attacks on his people and threatened sanctions.

Russia has sold Syria weapons systems in the past, including the advanced surface-to-air Strelets system, and its warships already have been calling on Syria’s northern port of Tartous.

The Assad regime has also received support from Iran, which had previously urged the president to end the violence against the Syrian people. The rulers in Tehran are unwilling to let the United States and other western countries get a foothold in Syria,

Foreign conspiracy?

Assad’s government blames the violence on terrorists and armed gangs that it claims are part of a foreign conspiracy to destabilize the country.

Fortunately, the attempt to deflect blame isn’t resonating in the country. The number of protesters keeps growing by the day and now the uprising is nearing Damascus.

The battle will undoubtedly get bloodier as Assad and his henchmen try to stop the protesters from gaining access to government buildings and installations.

The death toll is bound to rise, which is why the United Nations should be prepared to intervene militarily if its appeals to Assad for restraint fall on deaf ears.