Earlier this week,
France became the first Western state to recognize the legitimacy of Syria’s
opposition as the representative of the Syrian people. “I announce today that France recognizes the
Syrian National Council as the sole representative of the Syrian people, and as
the future government of a democratic Syria bringing an end to Bashar Assad’s
regime,” stated French President Francois Hollande in a press conference. France’s decision (and now Turkey’s as of a
few minutes ago) to recognize the opposition as the sole representative of the
Syrian people marks a serious shift in the crisis in Syria. The SNC, which represents the coalition of
forces fighting Assad, could be considered a social movement (at least at its
inception) and this represents the stage of social movement theory known as
“success.” Recognition by France marks a major success for the opposition
because with recognition comes funds and possibly weapons. Though it had to evolve to react to a violent
state crackdown and turn to violence itself, it started out as a peaceful
social movement whose aims are still peaceful.
Through all of its stages, it has followed the social movement
progression and will hopefully achieve its goal of a Syria sans Assad.
I also found this news pretty interesting. However, i couldn't help but think whether or not America is ever going to show its support for the Syrian rebels as well. Or (I guess it is still a possibility) show it to the Assad government. I mean, France and Turkey already made the decision and announced it officially, and even though i know that there is a delicate balance of power that America does not want to upset in the region, i wonder if it ever going to take the same step or if it is going to stay in the sidelines just like during the Iranian Green Revolution. I believe that when and if a decision will be taken on the part of the US, the conflict would end more quickly and without as many casualties.
ReplyDeleteI found this interesting as well, and I wonder whether other countries will follow France's lead. I think that US involvement in the situation would have a determining effect as well. It's interesting to watch the development of this protest as a social movement and I'm curious to know what the results will be.
ReplyDelete