To absolutely no one's surprise, Ayman al-Zawahiri has been appointed the new al-Qaeda leader following Osama bin Laden's death in a US raid last month. al-Jazeera English report This is a good PR move for al-Qaeda, seeing as al-Zarqawi is probably the only al-Qaeda commander left alive whose name is somewhat known on the American street.
In other sadly predictable news, the "deplorable" situation in Syria continues, and the international community continues to watch idly. This (al-Jazeera English) explains why Russia and China (among others) are continuing to stonewall efforts in the UN to issue another resolution condemning the violence against civilians. Basically, NATO used a similar resolution to justify military action in Libya, and some countries anticipate a similar trajectory with respect to Syria. Other, more cynical voices also point to military and economic interests China and Russia have in Syria.
International observers are still not being let in to Syria to assess the conditions, investigate claims of torture and mass killings, and provide humanitarian aid. Unfortunately, that is not likely to change. It's times like these I wish there was a special, highly-trained force of humanitarian relief workers trained in covert operations. Like Green Berets, but armed with water and medicine instead of guns and whatnot.
About Me
- BJ
- I had plans for a super-awesome summer internship involving Middle East policy. Those plans went kaput, but I've decided to do what I'd be doing anyway, for personal edification and satisfaction. And fame, obviously.
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