Syrians pay the price

"As ferocious fighting continues in Syria, it is imperative that the international community strive for an immediate ceasefire of some kind. President Bashar al-Assad's regime is increasing its use of heavy weapons, while continuing to claim legitimacy."

The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Syrians pay the price: Since the constitutional changes are coming via a questionable referendum at a time when Syria is at war with itself, the promises held out by the new constitution seem utterly farcical.

The failure of the Arab League mission and the absence of consensus and even credibility at the U.N. Security Council mean that international options are fast disappearing. Given the interests propelling U.N.'s most powerful members, its helplessness should not surprise anyone.

A tragic impasse

"Russia and China may have vetoed a sharply worded draft UN Security Council resolution on Syria but the US, France and Britain cannot escape their responsibility for this impasse."

The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : A tragic impasse: Russia's unwillingness to go along with a U.S.-led process stems, in large measure, from its anger at western conduct over Libya. The U.N. resolution of March 2011 imposed only a no-fly zone but served, in reality, as a cover for NATO's aim of violent regime change there. Today, Russia and China both believe they were deceived into abstaining rather than using their veto.

The P-5 and Arab League, along with India, Brazil and South Africa, must go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan of action that can end the violence and set the stage for a Syrian-led political solution.