Violence Worsens in Syria

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In The Media

Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

Violence Worsens in Syria

Syria's uprising has grown increasingly violent with no hint of reconciliation, threatening the stability of neighboring countries.

By Paul Salem

Published on May 31, 2012

Source: BBC World News

In an interview with BBC World News, Carnegie Middle East Center director Paul Salem explained that over the past several months Syria has been descending into what will likely be a long and devastating civil war, creating vulnerability throughout the region. In the wake of peaceful protests’ failure, both the Syrian government and opposition groups now rely upon violence, creating a culture of brutality and unaccountability, as evidenced by last week’s brutal massacre in Houla.

Though Salem asserted that the Assad regime never had any intention of taking Kofi Annan’s peace plan seriously, he contended that mediation, diplomacy, and international pressure must continue. “We might reach a day months from today when the regime will become serious about negotiation, and we should be ready with an exit plan for Syria to allow Syria to avoid complete civil war and complete devastation,” he concluded.

About the Author

Paul Salem

Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute

Paul Salem is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute.

Recent Work

Paper
Iraq’s Tangled Foreign Interests and Relations
- Paul Salem
Article
Bracing for Impact in Syria
- Paul Salem

Political Reform Security Levant Syria

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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