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Syrian opposition can learn from Ukraine

The Syrian opposition should reassess its strategy in light of Russia's position in both Syria and Ukraine.
A Ukrainian soldier climbs a flag pole at the base A2904 shortly before the Ukrainian command lost control over it to armed men in the Crimean town of Bakhchisaray March 10, 2014. Russian forces consolidated their hold on Ukraine's Crimea peninsula on Monday, taking over a military hospital and a missile base as officials geared up for a referendum on the region's future.  REUTERS/Thomas Peter (UKRAINE  - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY) - RTR3GFVD

Many Syrians believe that there ought to be changes in the situation of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces and the political opposition, and in the world’s relationship vis-a-vis their revolution and President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This is especially true in light of the Geneva conference, which showed that Russia does not seek a political solution to their crisis where the Geneva Communique and UN Resolution 2118 can be applied.

The conference proved that Russia’s position is in line with that of Assad, who refused any interim solution that would push Syria toward an alternative democratic system. Assad wants any Syrian-Syrian understanding or American-Russian agreement to be limited to putting an end to violence and supporting the fight against terrorism. The Syrian government’s delegation to Geneva said that the Syrian opposition was a part of this terrorism, and that the regime’s army will continue to fight until the Free Syrian Army (FSA), which it labels a terrorist group, is eliminated.

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