Ending Assad’s systematic attacks on his people is vital – and key to any realistic strategy for containing IsisThe need to negotiate with leaders as unsavoury as Syria’s Bashar al-Assad is an unfortunate reality of diplomacy. But western leaders should be careful not to mix up that necessity with the idea promoted by Russia that the Syrian crisis can be resolved only if Assad stays in power. Nor should they believe that Assad’s ongoing rule is the only way to prevent the collapse of the Syrian state and protect Syria’s diverse communities.
Vladimir Putin has long sought to portray Assad as a bulwark against the self-declared Islamic State. But far from a stabilising factor or a solution to the Isis threat to basic rights,Assad is a major reason for the rise of extremist groups in Syria. In the early days of Syria’s rebellion, between July and October 2011, or Assad released from prison a number of jihadists who had fought in Iraq,many of whom went on to play leading roles in militant Islamist groups. These releases were section of broader amnesties, but Assad kept in prison those who backed the peaceful rebellion. Related: Cameron must include Assad in any strategy to defeat Isis in Syria | Avi Shlaim Ending Assad’s systematic attacks on civilians is key to any realistic strategy for containing Isis Related: The four questions we need to respond before bombing Isis or Assad | Paul Mason Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com