Sanctions on leadership, commerce, banking and travel are part of a very robust package that would make UN Security Council blush and would have made Milosevic’s Belgrade scream. From very little expected to much more than the UN Security Council probably would have undertaken even if China and Russia would had gone along. Bringing together Turkey and a degree of coordination with the Euro-Atlantic alliance, the Arab League may be in position to compel real change in Damascus.

Undoubtedly some of Syria’s Arab neighbors, in particular Lebanon and Iraq, may openly or covertly breach the sanctions. Lebanon has been under Syrian dominion for decades, but the current situation may also turn that relationship upside down.


Syria’s Central Bank:

Perhaps the most far reaching sanctions will be those imposed upon Syria’s Central Bank and its ability to pursue international commerce. Implementation of all these sanctions and details remains to be seen.


New Diplomatic/Political Force:

Nonetheless, under the leadership of Secretary General Nabil Elaraby and the current Foreign Minister of Qatar Hamad bin Jassim, there has been a dramatic change away from impotence. The Arab League is no longer seen as a do nothing club but a force to be reckoned with within the Arab world and in dealings beyond its membership. Just walk around the UN and ask the diplomats. (Read “Elaraby: New ARAB LEAGUE Head Right Choice for the Times” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/new-arab-league-head-right-choice-for-the-times-by-ambassador-mo/28411)


Syrian Insurgency:

The opposition in Syria is increasingly moving toward military resistance. The insurgents’ ranks are ever more filled by deserters from the Syrian security forces and an opposition from within and outside taking up weapons. Turkey’s apparent willingness to provide for “security enclaves” around its border with Syria and the support of countries like france for such also dramatically alters the prospects.



Although Syria will not and cannot be Libya, the situation has dramatically changed. It is probably well beyond where most international observers would have predicted. The opportunities for change, peace and war are rapidly developing, but transformation is inevitable and essential while risk is unavoidable with or without action. (Read: “Syria of Things to Come” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/syria-of-things-to-come-by-ambassador-mo/42021



By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey

Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect”

Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX


"WarCrimesJustice" Channel diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice