Nossal: How should Canada respond to the rising violence in Syria?

By continuing to do precisely what it has been doing: moving with other western allies in a measured and considered way. While images of the violence being visited on Syrian citizens by government forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad have understandably led to calls for more decisive Canadian action, the Harper government has been right to move cautiously. Successful multilateral sanctions depend on coordinated action; moving in step with the other “Friends of Syria” to maintain pressure on the al-Assad regime—and its various supporters at home and abroad—remains the most effective way for Canada to respond to this crisis.