Syria on the Verge of Revolution

COMMENTARY | Syria could be the latest domino to fall in a wave of political revolution that has swept through the Middle East and North Africa. Potential regime change for Syrians could be a welcome development in a nation with well-known ties to terrorist groups operating in the region.

A civil war appears to be brewing in Syria with the latest news that the Syrian government has stepped up efforts to crush opposition groups in the city of Homs. Shelling and sniper attacks on the city on Tuesday left dozens of people dead in Homs and other major cities across the country. Homs, located in Western Syria, is a pro-opposition stronghold and at the center of the push to end the 11-year rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. More than 400 people have been killed since the siege on the city began earlier this month.

Assad and his family have ruled the country for 42 years and he has made every effort to stamp out efforts to introduce democratic reforms that would negate his authoritarian regime. Shelling by the Syrian Army on opposition groups has become especially intense over the past five days as Assad is making every effort to keep from becoming the latest dictator to fall from power.

For all of Assad’s desperate attempts to keep ruling Syria, the clock is ticking on the dictator. The Arab League has expressed support of Syrian opposition groups and expressed a willingness to help arm them as well as provide financial support and political support should attacks on civilians continue. Sunni insurgents are also trickling into the country from Iraq to assist opposition groups in fighting the Syrian army. Syria’s willingness to align with Iran makes regime change favorable to the United States, which wants to see Iranian power curtailed in the region.

There are risks associated with an escalating civil war in Syria. Instability in the region could lead to a spike in oil prices worldwide. Continuing violence could open the door for terrorist groups to set up shop and cause turmoil in surrounding countries. The long-term benefits make supporting Syrian opposition groups worth it. A more democratic Syria will remove a major Iranian ally and give terrorists one less country willing to harbor them and finance their operations.

When Assad finally falls, the United States can consider it to be another victorious blow in the ongoing war against terrorism.


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