Homs Video: Syria Civil War Looms as Assad Rejects Peacekeepers

by NowPublic Staff | February 14, 2012 at 08:53 am

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Arab League Warns Syria: 'We'll Arm Your Opponents'

Forces loyal to Syrian president Bashar al-Assad continue to attack anti-government demonstrators and civilian families, while Assad rejects the offer of UN-funded peacekeepers on Syrian soil.

At this point, it's clear that Bashar al-Assad doesn't want outside observers quantifying what's happening in cities such as Homs, where hundreds are being killed on a daily basis. The UN has already stated that crimes against humanity have most likely already been committed by the Assad government.

Those interested can view our Syria coverage to see video footage of these crimes. It's not exactly kept secret.

Meanwhile, the Arab League, whose observers were apparently outperformed by Syrian citizens with cameraphones, has made it clear to Assad that another option is still on the table: other than supplying or funding outside troops to enter Syria, the Arab League can simply begin arming Assad's opponents.

This would, of course, lead to open civil war in Syria. Arguably, the war has already started, though one side does not have military weapons or training.

The Arab league push to stop the violence while maintaining Assad's government has failed: the Syrian people or its neighbors cannot view Assad as a legitimate head of state after these massacres. A UN Security Council resolution to arrange a transition of power (i.e. to gracefully oust Bashar al-Assad) was vetoed by China and Russia.