The Arab League suspended Syria, Saturday until it ends its violence against protesters. The League also called for economic and political sanctions against the Syrian government, the withdrawal of Arab ambassadors from Damascus and transition talks with the Syrian opposition While Tunisia and Egypt have already reaped the fruits of the so-called “Arab Spring”, Syria has been passing through difficult times. The Syrian people have been living under oppressive dictatorships for decades as if they have been destined to live in terror and fear all their lives. When they try to break the barrier of silence, they are treated brutally. Civilians have been arbitrarily held in detention, some of them have been tortured and tens of thousands of people have been displaced internally. The Syrian regime has shown a complete disregard for its obligations under applicable international laws. The regime blames armed gangs for the violence that is taking place in the country. However, it is clear that there is no justification for the excessive use of force by the regime and its armed forces. Through its brutal repression and refusal to listen to the aspirations of its people and its failure to respect their basic human rights, the Syrian regime is creating instability and guaranteeing its own demise. Ironically, the Baath Party defines democracy as a system in which people rule themselves and are the true source of power. But it has denied democracy to the people of the country offering them only stereotyped clichés for more than four decades. The Syrian people have endured bloodshed, violence and brutal force at the hands of the ruling regime. The Arab League action to suspend Syria from all activities and meetings of the League is the right decision. This, however, is only a first step and must be followed up with political and economic sanctions until the regime in Damascus agrees to end its violence against the Syrian people. __
