Syrian rebels urge world powers for no-fly zone

The 17-month long uprising in Syria has become a challenge for world powers. Security forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have been carrying out a full-scale operation against pro-democracy people. According to the human rights activists working in the violence-wracked country, more than 19,000 innocent civilians have been killed so far. Why are they being killed? Syrians are being persecuted and killed by the security forces because they dared to raise voice against the brutal regime. They have been demanding an end to the monarchy in the country and establishment of democracy.

There is an open war going on between the security forces and rebels. The security forces are even pounding the rebels from gunship helicopters, besides thrashing them by tanks and artillery. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by their homes, while so many have also taken refuge in neighboring Jordan and Turkey. The world powers have just reduced to being silent spectators, as they have just discussed different options to end violence in the country. United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton recently visited Turkey, where different options were discussed to end the crisis in Syria. An option of setting up no-fly zone also came under discussion during the talks, but it remained just a proposal.

Talking to media persons after talks with her Turkish counterpart, Ahmet Davutoglu, in Istanbul, the secretary of state said that the proposal of establishing a no-fly zone came under discussion during the talks but there was nothing final yet. Now, the Syrian rebels have also urged the world powers to set up a no-fly zone as the security forces loyal to the regime are pounding them from gunship helicopters and even fighter jets are being used to crush the rebels. The rebels have also demanded safe havens for them set up with borders of Jordan and Turkey, where the rebels could take refuge after taking action against the security forces.

Abdelbasset Sida, chief of the Syrian National Council, said the United States should immediately take steps to set up a no-fly zone to end Assad’s air superiority. War between the security forces and the rebels have raged on in Aleppo, where artillery, tanks and snipers are being used against the rebels. However, the Obama administration remains reluctant to take any extreme step against the dictator, fearing that it could damage the US’ relations with Russia and China. It is pertinent to mention here that Russia and China have vetoed three resolutions moved in the United Nations Security Council against President Bashar al-Assad. Both the countries have also been opposing any foreign intervention to remove Assad.