Violence in Homs, Politicians Respond

Today, Syrian forces assaulted the city of Homs, killing 50 people. With more than 200 people killed over the weekend one activist called this “the most violent bombardment in recent days.” Catherine al-Talli, a member in the Syrian National Council, said the 50 killed were “mostly civilians” and that “the regime is acting as if it were immune to international intervention and has a free hand to use violence against the people.”

A Tunisian presidential spokesman said that after the “bloody massacre” it will no longer recognized the regime of President Bashar al-Assad and had decided to expel the Syrian ambassador from Tunis. The spokesman stated, “Tunisia believes that this tragedy will not end, except if Bashar al-Assad’s regime gives up power to pave the way for a democratic transition that ensures security for the brotherly Syrian people.” Ali al-Salem al-Dekbas, head of the Arab Parliament, in a similar stance as Tunisia, stated that (Arab states) should expel Syrian ambassadors and sever diplomatic relations and economic dealings (with Syria) until the regime complies with the demands of the Syrian people.”

As a response to the violence, Britain recalled its ambassador from Syria for consultation. Foreign Secretary, William Hague, addressing the House of Commons, referenced Syria as  “This is a doomed regime as well as a murdering regime. There is no way it can recover its credibility internationally,” and the increased violence as “utterly unacceptable.”

In similar news, Victoria Nuland, spokesperson of the U.S. State Department, released a statement that reported the U.S. has suspended embassy operations in Damascus. Ambassador Robert Ford and all American personnel have since left the country, as security concerns were cited for their departure. The decision to close the U.S. embassy followed an interview with President Barack Obama, who said, “we have been relentless in sending a message that it is time for Assad to go. This is not going to be a matter of if, it’s going to be a matter of when. ”