Although Syria is in the news nearly ever day, knowing exactly what is going on can be challenging. Although there is more in depth analysis coming soon, here is a bare bones update on what’s going on in this brutal civil war:
Chemical Weapons: Good progress has been made on assessing, obtaining, and developing a plan to get rid of the Assad regime’s stockpile of chemical weapons. The regime has been highly cooperative over the course of this process and the Chief of the joint OPCW-UN mission is pleased so far. Recently, the regime has met what officials are calling a ‘significant deadline’ in the destruction of all production facilities. Although there has been some confusion as to the location where stockpiles of sarin and mustard gas will be destroyed, Albania is emerging as the most likely locale.
Geneva II: Progress in establishing Geneva II is looking less rosy. Although talks are set to begin November 23, they will likely be postponed. More will be known after US, Russian, and UN officials meet next week. Russian officials are adamant about the talks, believing a diplomatic solution is the only way to guarantee Syria does not become a failed state and regional security vacuum. Yesterday, Assad met with the UN Envoy, Brahimi, and set preconditions for his participation. He demanded an end to foreign intervention and the promise of self-determination for the Syrian people. Entrance to these talks has been highly controversial for both regime forces and rebels. Yesterday, Assad fired his Vice Premier because the man had had an ‘unauthorized’ meeting with the US regarding regime participation. Although attitudes towards the conference differs across the varius rebel groups many, especially those associated with Jabhat Al-Nusra and ISI (Islamic State of Iraq) refuse to participate in the regime is represented or the explicit objective of the talks is the removal of Assad from Power.
Refugees: European nations have pledged an additional $431 million in humanitarian assistance days after President Obama announced an additional $339 million. Jordan, on of the main hosts of Syrian refugees say that the refugees could make up 20% on the Jordanian population by 2014. Syrians now make up roughly 30% of Lebanon’s population. Both Jordan and Lebanon have asked for more support.
For more detailed information and a daily Syria Update from Alexander Innes go here.
Sofia Smith
Underneath the Kaffiyeh 