The Syrian crisis resolution needs the help of international humanitarian mission. Nfortunately, this cannot be done immediately amidst the on-going acts of violence.
The Syrian government under President Bashar al-Assad still receives support from the military while the opposition and guerilla groups have no strong leadership to bring peace to Syria.
Dr Thahir Shad, Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies, Faculty Advisor from Washington College mentioned the topic during a discussion at the Centre for Security and Peace Studies under the theme “Syrian Tragedy: Why International Community Doesn't Seem To Be Working” on UGM campus on Wednesday (9/1).
“Currently, the international pressures are low on Syria, the reality is that President Assad is in power and the military gives him support which makes himmore confident, and humanitarian mission cannt work well there,” Prof Mochtar Mas'oed, Head of the Cenre, said.
It was described that the security crisis in Syria was started by student’s expression on the walls for freedom and democracy. Such demands spread well while responses were strong enough.
“Then demonstration emerged for freedom and democracy, but the response from the regime was too strong, causing even bigger demonstrations,” Tahir said.
The 24 million-population country that is mostly Sunni went to a turmoil due to the strong response made by the regime that is from the Shi’ite group. Conflict issue changed to sectarian between Sunni-Shi’ite.
Real movement for peace is much required, but for Syria the civilian activity is not strong enough to give pressures due to existence of the military.
“Similar to what had happened in Bosnia, there are snipers who will shoot anyone demonstrating in the street. It needs real movement from international community for peace in Syria. We cannot rely on the opposition due to the lack of strong leadership in there. There has to be international pressure by making a quarantine of the problem,” he said.
Prof Dr Mochtar Mas'oed said the Indonesian government has not taken any stance on the Syrian issue due to the Indonesia’s foreign policy.
“Obviously, as a country with large Muslim population there can appear solidarity fro Syrian Muslims, but Indonesia’s official stance is not yet clear. We’re concerned because there is no peaceful way in Syria,” said Mochtar.
Mochtar Mas'oed added President Bashar al-Assad still receives support on one side, on the other side, there are demands for him to step down to end the crisis. Even so, concerns emerge on the future of Syria should a new leader rises up.
“Now, the Syrian crisis has moved to geopolitical issue. There are doubts, if Al Assad steps down, will the successor be better? What if he is more dangerous?” asked Mochtar.