The Economist: A questionable agreement to stop the war in Syria
A ray of hope amidst the darkness of the Syrian civil war, or a bit of political theatre that reflects Russian cynicism and American weakness?
THE agreement reached late on Thursday night at the annual Munich Security Conference between John Kerry, America’s secretary of state, and Sergei Lavrov, his Russian opposite number—and a host of other regional states and international organisations—promises the delivery over the next few days of humanitarian aid to besieged Syrian towns where many of the desperate inhabitants face starvation. Supposedly, it will be followed by a “cessation of hostilities” within a week, which, in turn, is meant to prepare the ground for a more formal ceasefire.
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Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- February 12, 2016
Munich deal represents a glimmer of hope for Syria -- DW
Syria ceasefire faces galactic challenges -- Aaron David Miller, CNN
Syria plan greeted by optimism and scepticism in media -- BBC
Assad and Russia’s dangerous game will leave Syria riven by sectarian divides -- Lina Khatib, The Guardian
Are the Saudis ready to fight in Syria? -- Madawi Al-Rasheed, Al-Monitor
The Islamic State Will Survive America's Military Onslaught -- Colum Lynch, Foreign Policy
Have Russia and Iran ‘Won’ in Syria? -- Barbara Slavin, VOA
U.S. Sends Europe a Mixed Message on Iran Sanctions -- Eli Lake, Bloomberg
Turkey’s immigrant problem could soon become ours -- Laura Pitel, The Spectator
How impoverished but nuclear-armed North Korea earns money -- AP
Finally Getting Tough on North Korea -- Max Boot, Commentary
What China's humiliation by North Korea means for East Asia -- Robert Manning and James Przystup, Nikkei Asian Review
Despite the failed revolution, Egypt’s iron-fisted ruler won’t last -- Stephanie Thomas, Reuters
Don’t Forget Darfur -- Eric Reeves, NYT
New Greek bailout, same as the old Greek bailout: Bad news for Europe: Greek debt is back on the agenda. -- Matthew Karnitschnig. Politico
In Ukraine's Conflict, Rumors of Compromise Grow -- Stratfor
How Russia controls American policy -- Frederick W. Kagan and Kimberly Kagan, FOX News
Chickens in Venezuela's Presidential Palace -- Fabio Rafael Fiallo, The Compass
Colombia's President Must Sell Peace to End War -- Mac Margolis, Bloomberg
3 comments:
The Economist:
"The problem is that Russia, since the intervention four months ago that has seen its air power transform the military situation in the regime’s favour, has taken an expansive view of “terrorists”, mercilessly bombing more mainstream rebel groups supported by Turkey, Arab states and the West."
Sorry, British imperialists, that's not a problem. Russia is helping Syria defend itself which is its right. It doesn't need UNSC permission to act under the UN charter.
"The Organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members."
The US and its allies are in violation of the UN Charter--
"All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."
Russia, on the other hand, is absolutely justified in its actions against the enemies of Syria.
Secretary of State John Kerry said at a press conference in Munich that the “cessation of hostilities,” which will begin in a week, does not apply to the fight against ISIS and the other main jihadist group, al-Nusra Front.....so it only applies to Russia defeating Syria's non-designated, US-supported, enemies.
"...an ISSG task force will within one week elaborate modalities for a nationwide cessation of hostilities."
And if Syria's non-designated enemies are not eliminated in a week, the modality elaboration might take longer.
Secretary of State John Kerry had a good week.
He talked about peace.
He gathered together a conference.
He declared victory.
He put points on the board.
Actual results don't matter.
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