The sides are lining up in the Syrian conflict as the Arab League suspended Syria from its organization on Saturday. The Arab states closed ranks against Assad on Saturday when the Arab League voted to suspend Syria over its war against citizen protesters that have killed 3,500 people since mid-March, according to UN estimates. Of the 22 member states in the organization, only Shi’ah Iraq abstained, and Syria, Lebanon and Yemen voted against the suspension of Syria. In response to the suspension, Syria has asked the Arab League to convene an emergency Arab summit, which is now set to take place on Wednesday, November 16.
The suspension has raised tensions throughout the region. Turkey has evacuated non-essential personnel from Syria, after government supporters attacked several embassies in Damascus on Saturday.
Jordan’s King Abdullah said in a BBC interview, “If Bashar (Assad) has the interest of his country, he would step down, but he would also create an ability to reach out and start a new phase of Syrian political life”.
Meanwhile, in the UN, a Security Council resolution condemning the crackdown in Syria was struck down by a double veto from China and Russia.
No surprise there. Here is the linkage:
China and Russia are providers of technical assistance to Iran’s nuclear weapons development project. They are therefore interested in maintaining Iran’s strategic interests.
Syria is a strategic asset of Iran, serving as a land bridge to Lebanon, where a strong supply chain infrastructure keeps Hezbollah well-equipped, and to the Mediterranean port of Latakiya, which gives Iran access to the North Africa and Europe.
China and Russia supported Iran’s interest in Syria by using their veto power in the Security Council to stop the condemnation, thus winning points with Iran.
The Council nevertheless intends to impose sanctions, despite objections by Russia and China.
PDF 
