Syrian Security Forces crackdown on the town of Dara’a in southern Syria recalls the massacre of Hama almost three decades earlier. Likely that Syria’s security establishment now perceives the “successful” operations in Hama as a model for how to choke current protests throughout Syria. (Above photo is Hama 1982 after devastation by security forces). Dara’a just happens to be the first stop in the new revitalized strategy of control through brutality. High Commissioner for Human Rights – Syrian Government “Not Serious About Reforms” or “Cannot Control its Security Forces” Undoubtedly, the United Nations human rights chief is also aware of the precedent of Hama. Today Navi Pillay (High Commissioner for Human Rights) denounced the Syrian Government’s increasingly violent crackdown on peaceful protesters and urged an immediate end to the use of excessive force, which she noted has only intensified in recent days. She stated bluntly: “The international community has repeatedly urged the Syrian Government to stop killing its own people, but our calls have gone unheeded, Instead, the Government’s response has been erratic, with paper reforms followed by violent crackdowns on protestors. Just a few days after the announcement of sweeping and important reforms, we are seeing such disregard for human life by Syrian security forces. The killings must stop immediately.” The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said it has received a list naming 76 people who were killed on Friday during evidently peaceful marches. The number may be much higher and especially after the most recent assault upon Dera'a which is spreading to other cities as well. The Office is also looking into the reported killing of at least 13 others in funeral processions on Saturday. High Commissioner Pillay continues her diplomatic assault: “The Government has an international legal obligation to protect peaceful demonstrators and the right to peaceful protest, The first step now is to immediately halt the use of violence, then to conduct a full and independent investigation into the killings, including the alleged killing of military and security officers, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.” In a meeting with Syrian Government representatives last week, Ms. Pillay had noted the announced lifting of the decades-old state of emergency and the abolition of the dreaded High State Security Court. She had also urged the amendment of other laws that obstruct fundamental freedoms. “The violence and ongoing repression of activists, however, indicates that either the Government is not serious about those reforms or it is unable to control its own security forces,” she noted. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General had also made a similar call on April 23, 2011, urging the Syrian authorities to stop the bloodshed and respect international human rights. He also stressed the need for an independent, transparent and effective investigation into the killings. What Next? The actions and alleged violations of international humanitarian law are unabated. More to the point, they are becoming comparable to what was happening in Libya before the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Security Council initiated sanctions as well as formal investigations. UN Security Council Resolution 1970, passed February 26, 2011 referred Libya (current government and opposition) to the International Criminal Court for further review and potential prosecution. The alignment in the UN Security Council is more favorable for Syria as compared to Gaddafi’s Libya. Nonetheless, the difference in the treatment accorded current Syrian authorities as compared to Gaddafi’s Libya is beginning to embarrass the United Nations, particularly the Security Council and the “Permanent 5” capitals. Will we see an open debate regarding Syria before the UN Security Council? If there was a will by all the P-5, or more accurately if current Syrian authorities were deprived of diplomatic air cover, we would have already had a debate scheduled. Every day though seems to bring new information about atrocities and more pressure. Responsibility to Complement Evolution of Authority & “Rule of Law” Effectuation We would encourage the UN Security Council not to forget. Three decades earlier, the current President’s father and founder of this oppressive dynasty counted on the UN Security Council being effectively without action and words. We would hope that the Security Council is wise to the challenge and lesson with the new maturity gained and authority evolved. To be precise, Syria is not a place where international military intervention is likely to be authorized or undertaken. However, the UN Security Council has financial, economic and political sanctions at its disposal. It also has access to initiate the power of the rule of law and refer to the International Criminal Court.Even when some are concerned that the ICC may limit "deal making" with the despot in the short term, it's the rule of law that over the long term that is proven as the most effective remedy. See Related Film Report – “Syria Crackdown” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/syria-crackdownun-warning-again/26455 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Face Book at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter - DiplomaticallyX See Related Article – “Condemns Killings & Demands Credible Probe – UN Secretary General” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/condemns-killings-demands-credible-probe-un-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-by-ambassador-mo/27488