Shiraz Maher

Annan’s resignation suggests a military resolution to Syrian conflict

This is the end of diplomacy in Syria. Kofi Annan announced yesterday that he will step down as international peace envoy for Syria at the end of this month, highlighting the impotence of United Nations efforts in the country. This effectively closes the main diplomatic avenue by which Western powers have been able to raise their concerns with the regime, signalling the success of Russian and Chinese obstructionism.

Since Annan embarked on his mission in February, Russia and China have used their veto powers in the UN Security Council on three separate occasions to thwart draft proposals put forward by Western and Arab governments to pressure the Assad regime. Instead, Annan was left to hold toothless negotiations with Assad, appealing to the goodwill of an administration that has proved itself willing to kill its own people without restraint.

This explains the failure of Annan’s six point plan.

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