Comment on Assad at Arab League: slap in the face for millions

The Syrian ruler Assad has returned to the bosom of the Arab family – despite hundreds of thousands of deaths. This must be a slap in the face for millions of people fighting for freedom and rights in the region.

Handshakes, hugs, fraternal kisses – a warm welcome according to ceremonial protocol for a war criminal: Syria’s ruler Bashar al-Assad returns to the bosom of the Arab family.

The Jeddah summit is his personal triumph, the long-awaited diplomatic breakthrough after twelve years of isolation. And apparently without concessions. The dictator can now hope for a revival of trade, more financial aid, more influence. Almost as if nothing had happened.

Destroyed Country

But Syria is a traumatized country in ruins. Hundreds of thousands are dead, millions are fleeing, there is damage in the billions. Assad’s record is devastating. To stay in power, he used poison gas, torture, and bombed schools and hospitals. Everything meticulously documented by the UN. He successfully torpedoed a political process involving the opposition.

The calculation of the Arab rulers: United, they hope for more weight in the world. Assad should also be urged to take back refugees and curb drug trafficking.

Devastating signal

But the signal from Jeddah is fatal: Those in power who trample on international law, subjugate their people and destroy their country ultimately have little to fear – at least not when they have powerful partners like Russia or Iran at their side. The West looked on helplessly: A few sanctions, outrage and appeals, it wasn’t ready for more.

This must be a slap in the face for millions of people in the region who stand up for justice, democracy, freedom and human rights, even risking their lives to do so.