Syrian regime has only itself to blame

[tabatha]

By: Marwan Kabalan

Approximately nine months into the crisis, the Syrian regime has made little progress in convincing critics that it is not shooting peaceful demonstrators on a daily basis, that it is a victim of a universal conspiracy intent at punishing it for its “heroic resistance” to western designs in the region, and that it is serious about introducing far-reaching political reforms.

Repeated denial of security forces’ involvement in eliminating dissidents, blaming the bloodshed on terrorists acting out a foreign plan to divide and undermine Syria, pledges to start national dialogue with opposition groups, accelerating efforts to amend the constitution and a conditional agreement to co-operate with the Arab League peace plan, did not impress fellow Arabs, let alone the western powers.

After months of a cruel crackdown that has left more than 4,000 people dead, many described Syria’s pledges as empty promises.

http://gulfnews.com/opinions/columnists/syrian-regime-has-only-itself-to-blame-1.942654