Tensions Continue Over Turkish Car Bombings.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2013/may/13/syrian-opposition-to-speak-out-as-tensions-continue-over-turkey-bombings

The Turkish car bombings, the Pakistani elections, Cameron's meeting with Vladimir Putin and now Barack Obama.

Is any of this to do with the escalating build up against the Syrian regime, and would we be wise to keep out of it?

[jim360]

Almost certainly should avoid taking sides actively. Accusations last week came out about the rebels using Chemical weapons, as well as possible use by Assad's regime. The whole situation is a horrible and tragic mess, and it's quite likely that either side we pick would be the "wrong one".

The problem is that while Russia, China and others call for no aid to go the rebels, it's clear that Iran and others are actively supporting the Assad regime. I don't think it reflects well on those countries against support for one side, but silent about support for the other.

I still don't see why there is no case for a peacekeeping mission to go in to the country, separate the two sides and start providing humanitarian aid.

[anotheoldgit]

The problem about picking the 'rebels' side there are so many different factions, one does not know who your 'bed fellow' might be.

[Gromit]

The problem is, the US has encouraged the Arab spring in some countries but not in others. Syria is different because the Russians have an interest there. So we have not been able to help the pro democracy fighters like we were in Libya and Tunisia.

We could do nothing, but that would mean we can't influence what happens next. We do not like the Assad regime and are happy to see it fail. But we do not want something more hostile to take its place.

[ichkeria]

The only connection between Russia and not wanting to intervene in Syria was that the Russians, who are Syria's main ally diplomatically and militarily, stood in the way at the UN, at a time when intervention - of a non-invading sort - might have actually worked.
Russia will eventually

[ichkeria]

...admit that its in itw osn interest to take action. In Russia's case that need only mean withdrawing its military and diplomatic support.