I think that for some of the more autocratic countries supporting the sanctions, like Saudi Arabia, they’re intended to act more as a quarantine - lock the patient inside, wait till the disease kills him, and hope it doesn’t spread.
If Assad falls, what happens to Hezbollahs lines of supply?
I guess Iran would have to find some direct supply-route to Lebanon.
And I guess they have as much legal right as any country to land ships there.
Isn’t most of the coast controlled by the Sunni heartland of Lebanon, not to mention Israeli and Western efforts to block any Iranian ships bound for them?
Also true, that’s what makes it interesting.
Arab League monitors arrive in Syria. Let’s hope that stops the killing, which the army apparently kept up to the last possible moment. They’ve killed at least 5,000 people since this started.
Apparently emboldened by the presence of Arab League observers, a new wave of demonstrations is sweeping Syria, “hundreds of thousands” in the streets, 32 dead so far.
The Emir of Qatar suggests deploying Arab League troops into Syria. First time an Arab League leader has suggested it. The Syrian government reacts furiously and vows to resist any attempt.
All Assad’s neighbors are sick of him – but that much? I suppose a joint action could topple Assad in a week if the Turks joined in.
Senators McCain and Graham call for armed aid to the Syrian rebels.