With French and British officials expressing confidence that they can eventually collect enough support for such a resolution, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev put a major roadblock in the path of a possible anti-Syria resolution in the UN Security Council, ruling out Russian support.
“I will not support such a resolution, even if my friends and allies ask me,” Medvedev insisted. He cited concerns over how a similar resolution against Libya was used as a pretext for a NATO war that has continued for months.
Medvedev did not explicitly state that he would use Russia’s veto power to prevent such a resolution, but the possibility will likely be enough to significantly stall such an effort. Russia abstained in the Libya vote.
Syria has been contending with a major pro-democracy protest movement over the past several weeks, and has repeatedly tried violent crackdowns to stem the rallies. The protests have continued to grow through the crackdowns.
"Syria has been contending with a major pro-democracy protest movement over the past several weeks, and has repeatedly tried violent crackdowns to stem the rallies". Jason Please.., there is no democracy coming out of the democratic party in US.., how could it happen in Middle East of all the places.., the situation in middle east is a hokes played and orchestrated by AIPAC and Obama/ gang of five politicians affiliated with this organization. Syria and Libya is about Muslims brotherhood.., the name says it all.., is about Muslims Brotherhood not a democracy.., not even close to it. So please don`t make people believe that what is happening in Libya or Syria is about democracy…, it is not.
Yes/No/Maybe
I find the state of mind saying that Arabs cannot be fed up with their rulers and want a taste of Hayek and that it's all down to "extremists" (which only partially overlap with the Muslim Brotherhood) distasteful and condescending. USAers fed on burgers and state largesse may be incapable of rattling their rotten golden prison. Doesn't mean people worse off won't try to.
This was an absolutely predictable progression, and if need they will veto, even though the article leaves it in doubt. Syria is a long time ally of Russia, and an important strategic location.
Is there any doubt on these Syrian riots being orchestrated by foreign powers?
Syria has a mutual defense agreement with Iran, provoking Syria is an important step for those drooling for war with Iran. Also it is a chance for Israel to remove the only two regional competitors with any resemblance of power.