In Hangzhou, there is a ‘solution’ for Syria

Abdulrahman al-Rashed begins his article in Asharq Al-Awsat by stating that the “statements made following the meetings of G20 leaders in Hangzhou, China, promise a “solution for violence” in Syria,” pointing out US President referring to Russia as “the key to achieve a solution.”

The writer then asks: “How will this “solution for violence” work?... Without political arrangements, violence will not stop just because Obama agreed with Russia.

“This solution is based on accepting the Assad regime’s governance despite five years of murder, destruction and displacement,” he explains and says that the current situation of the Syrians’ resistance is “difficult but it is not defeated,” arguing that despite setbacks, the Syrian resistance is still fighting fiercely and despite massive support from Iran and Russia and international and regional pressure on the opposition, the regime has not succeeded.

“We are hearing about promises of a new solution only because the US wants to end violence without solving the problem,” the writer argues, likening the US actions to an ostrich that buries its head in the sand.

The writer then concludes by stating that “They think summing up the crisis as “violence” simplifies negotiators’ task. However, it will result in imposing Assad as ruler all over again - even though he murdered half a million of his citizens and displaced 12 millions - and there is a real danger in granting Iran power over Iraq, Syria and Lebanon,” the writer warns.