Now or Never: A Negotiated Transition for Syria
Now or Never: A Negotiated Transition for Syria
Table of Contents
  1. Overview
Briefing / Middle East & North Africa 1 minutes

Now or Never: A Negotiated Transition for Syria

Kofi Annan’s appointment as joint UN/Arab League Special Envoy arguably offers a chance to rescue fading prospects for a negotiated transition in Syria.  It must not be squandered.

  • Share
  • Save
  • Print
  • Download PDF Full Report

I. Overview

One year into the Syrian uprising, the level of death and destruction is reaching new heights. Yet, outside actors – whether regime allies or opponents – remain wedded to behaviour that risks making an appalling situation worse. Growing international polarisation simultaneously gives the regime political space to maintain an approach – a mix of limited reforms and escalating repression – that in the longer run is doomed to fail; guarantees the opposition’s full militarisation, which could trigger all-out civil war; and heightens odds of a regional proxy war that might well precipitate a dangerous conflagration. Kofi Annan’s appointment as joint UN/Arab League Special Envoy arguably offers a chance to rescue fading prospects for a negotiated transition. It must not be squandered. For that, Russia and others must understand that, short of rapidly reviving a credible political track, only an intensifying military one will remain, with dire consequences for all.

Annan’s best hope lies in enlisting international and notably Russian support for a plan that:

  • comprises an early transfer of power that preserves the integrity of key state institutions;
     
  • ensures a gradual yet thorough overhaul of security services; and
     
  • puts in place a process of transitional justice and national reconciliation that reassures Syrian constituencies alarmed by the dual prospect of tumultuous change and violent score-settling.

Such a proposal almost certainly would be criticised by regime and opposition alike. But it would be welcomed by the many Syrians – officials included – who long for an alternative to the only two options currently on offer: either preserving the ruling family at all costs or toppling the regime no matter the consequences.

Damascus/Brussels, 5 March 2012

Subscribe to Crisis Group’s Email Updates

Receive the best source of conflict analysis right in your inbox.