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

By:
Kim Richard Nossal
/
27 February, 2012
Kim Richard Nossal
By: Kim Richard Nossal

Director of the Centre for International and Defence Policy, Queen's University


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.

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