Anti-Assad Proposal Backed by U.S., Europe, Arabs

The United States, Europe and Arab countries said today that they are ready today to back a proposal against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The agreement would call for Assad to cease his attacks on dissenters, permit humanitarian aid to reach Syrians, and relinquish his power.

Officials from these countries were at a major international “Friends of Syria” conference in Tunisia today. They are negotiating the details of a 72-hour ultimatum that is to be sent to Assad. The document, which is subject to change, backs its demands with unspecified punishments.

The United Nations estimated in January that more than 5,400 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict. Government troops continue to attack rebel-held areas in central Syria and in the country’s third-largest city, Homs. Homs has endured a fierce government assault for nearly three weeks.

So far, foreign intervention in Syria has been stalled by Russia and China’s continued opposition. However, Western intelligence officials say they believe Russia is losing patience with the Syrian regime.

While the ultimatum has no real leverage over Assad, the “Friends of Syria” group of around 70 nations hopes that the increased pressure will make Assad’s downfall inevitable.

The Syrian strongman’s downfall would also be a major loss for Iran. Iran continues to support the Syrian regime as an important ally in its bid for regional supremacy.

The Trumpet believes that, whether Assad falls or not, the Syrian conflict will ultimately lead to the collapse of what used to be strong Syrian-Iranian relations. When that happens, watch for closer cooperation between Syria and a new ally: Europe.