SODOM & GOMORRAH: In a traditional display of imperialism and general ignorance about foreign affairs, the UK’s Foreign Secretary William Hague announced that his country will recognize the National Coalition of the Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces as the “sole legitimate representative” of the Syrian people.
Great Britain’s Foreign Secretary made the announcement to the British Parliament, saying that the opposition group was a “credible” alternative to the Syrian government.
Some estimate that 30,000 people have been killed in the 18 month Syrian civil war. Up until recently, the opposition to President Bashar al-Assad’s government has been divided amongst itself, but came together in order to topple the regime. Britain asked that the coalition put forward a clear plan for Syria’s political future.
In other words, Great Britain has just done two things. First, it got involved in a conflict it has no interest being involved in; the British government went as far as to say that it would intervene if international law allowed it. Second, it backed a group of people who thus far have two aims: revolution and opposition. They have no constructive plans whatsoever – just destruction of the existing regime. The move by Britain was hugely irresponsible as it has sent the message that anything is better than Bashar al-Assad. While his regime certainly can’t be classified as good government, it doesn’t take too vivid of an imagination to think of worse alternatives.