Syrian officials today expressed outrage at their suspension from the Arab League, with major pro-regime protests in the capital marching on and in some cases attacking embassies of member nations seen responsible for the ouster.
But while yesterday’s suspension was enough to get the Assad regime’s attention, it once again appears to have fallen well short of convincing them to change the policies that led to the suspension, and the violent crackdown on dissent continued apace again today. At least 22 people were reported killed in crackdowns, including 12 in Hama.
Instead the government seems to be hoping to convince the Arab League to reconsider, calling for a summit of member foreign ministers to discuss the possible ramifications for the Arab community at large of the suspension.
At the same time, the Arab League has given Syria until Wednesday to comply with some vaguely defined requirements, threatening additional political sanctions if they refuse to. There are no indications that Syria is looking to change its policy, however.
The hypocrisy of Arab League expulsion of Syria appears to have no bounds. Under the guise of democracy and protection for civilians, the leaders in this decision apparently have no mirrors in their country. Yemen is in a state of civil war. Bahrain is already suppressing their people–with the military help of Saudi Arabia (probably with US backing as well). Qatar and UAE are fearful that their own Shiite citizens may also call for democracy. Saudi Arabia is allergic to free elections of its leaders. Egypt, thankfully, has gotten back to real government–generals in charge. Jordan has its own land mine with more than half of its population Palestinian refugees or their descendants–better make sure the bedouin keep tight control over the army and police. Lebanon and Iraq? They make a strong case of what happens when the central government collapses and ethnic and sectarian elements rise up. As the world passes judgment on the sins of Bashar al-Assad, it should be remembered that we are omniscient and our views are subject to our prejudices. The military temptation of another Mideast adventure should be resisted. The turmoil that is now engulfing Syria could well become catastrophe for the citizens of that country as well unintended consequences for all “democratic loving” monarchs of the Arab League.