Political Process Only Alternative to 'Hell' in Syria
A political transition in Syria requires a role for the Alawite community in preventing the collapse of the state and its institutions.
Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi visited Damascus and Moscow this week in a renewed initiative to bring an end to the war in Syria.
Brahimi said the situation in Syria is “bad and worsening” and “presents a grave danger not just to the Syrian people, but also to the neighboring countries and the world.”
He made clear his initiative is based on what is known as the Geneva plan and is not a US-Russian proposal per se, although he is coordinating closely with both Washington and Moscow.
Brahimi’s negotiations have focused on the prospects for a transitional government with ‘full executive powers,’ leading to elections. The nature of the election, presidential or parliamentary, would be determined and would form the structure for an inclusive peace process. Brahimi also referenced the role for peacekeeping forces, which would be at the consent of all Syrian parties.
