This is a bit unreal. Even if R2P was reality with international law perfectly clear, it is highly unlikely that intervention would prevent a blood bath in Syria. Civil wars are invariably brutal.

And if the Assad regime was replaced, I doubt the FSA would be any more humane. Intervention may be warranted all over again.

We need wisdom to recognise the things we cannot change.

Interesting article, Dr Pert.

My concern is that Syria has been intentionally provoked and destabilised.

The following exchange is arguably suggestive, say when viewed in the context of Richard Falk's comments on "Soft Power"
http://bit.ly/OTHBxK

Makes me very cynical about R2P
*-*

Tue, Jun 14, 2011

Dear Stephanie Brancaforte,

A recent story in the NYT ... leads me to question the wisdom of providing protestors with satellite phones.

[http://nyti.ms/iMEUO4 ]

I am concerned that ... supply of high-tech communications equipment may put people clearly in harms way.

(snip)

I do not think it is a good idea for Avaaz to continue to supply satellite phones to nonviolent protestors.

I am hoping to hear ... that the matter has been discussed at the executive level of Avaaz. I am very interested in the policy decision reached.

Thank you for your consideration.

*-*

From: Stephanie
To: Robert
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2011 10:15 PM
Subject: Re: "safer communications equipment"

Greetings,
(snip)
Yes, I very much appreciate your concern on the danger of filming or providing information in these locations. We would never send equipment to anyone who wasn't already engaged in this line of work -- we're working with front-line activists who desperately want to get the information out about what's happening in their countries, and who have long had to deal with regime pressure and scrutiny. We are also supplying tech equipment to free-lance journalists who are in the region but have poor comms equipment to get the story out.
I hope that clarifies things!

Best wishes and thanks so much for your feedback.
Stephanie

*-*

Fri, Jul 22,
Dear Stephanie,

Thank you for your reply.

May I take your words below as a statement of Avaaz policy on supply of satellite phones and tech equipment to front-line activists and free-lance journalists?

Thank you for your consideration.

Regards,

*-*

From: Stephanie Brancaforte
To: Robert
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2011 10:55 PM
Subject: Re: "safer communications equipment" - Avaaz policy

Dear Robert,
For which purpose do you need a policy statement? If it is for officials or for publication/media?
thanks,
stephanie

An interesting article, addressing a highly vexatious conundrum.

In my view, the UN (including its Security Council) was established to provide the right answer to such questions, to avert unwise unilateral or independent intervention, but rather to offer a united humanitarian front, a world view and an aspirational vision for the future of humanity and human relations. It is not meeting expectations, or its broader charter, perhaps because its operation, and particularly that of the Security Council, remains (wrongly, in my opinion) constrained by Cold War ideology and a never ending power struggle between States - else why the veto power afforded to the dominant world nations?

Perhaps a higher, truly international (and appropriately sagacious) World Court is needed to guide the operations, charter and Constitution of the UN? But, without any encumbrance from vested interest veto powers. And, could then such a Court apply penalties and sanctions against recalcitrant, rebellious or fractious nations? Even the Big Three, Four or Five?

Option 3 is fraught with hazard, for it leaves far too open the questions of who, how and when - and even of in what particular circumstances. Timeliness is so often of the essence, but wisdom must not be sacrificed in the interest of expediency.

The Syrian Rebellion is being supported covertly, essentially because of the dysfunctionality of the UN (and fundamentally in pursuance of the spirit of R2P), but the world needs a better and totally transparent mechanism whereby the UN can be relied upon to take timely, effective and commensurate action to avert or to quell gross contravention of human rights by or within nation states.

The Brave New World is not yet at hand, and will only ever be achieved when humankind can rise above personal interest and embrace an Age of Wisdom and a Brotherhood of Nations.

It is time for the olive branch to be laced with honey, and for adoption of a 'fair go' for all of humankind as the banner and the conviction of a revitalised UN.

The West is orchestrating these attacks in Syria that are killing civilians also.Do not believe the Western properganda of humanitarian wars.Syria is an ally of Iran and has it's own independant banking system.They have also found oil off the Coasts of Syria and Lebanon.

The word is out by Edud Barak that Israel will soon attack Iran bring the West into a larger conflict.

If you want to know the truth behind Syria see http://www.globalresearch.ca/