A bit of hope for Syria?

Syrian President Bashar Assad might give peace a chance by acknowledging that the proposal the UN envoy had for his country, calling for a piecemeal approach to ensure ceasefire, is “worth studying”.

The UN envoy suggested that a truce be observed first in Aleppo, where aid could be extended to the stricken, besieged, population.

Once it takes hold in this important northern Syrian metropolis, a truce could be reached in adjacent areas, the idea goes.

The UN envoy first raised the idea of small-scale, localised and negotiated truces at the UN in late October, but it was met with resistance by Damascus’ mouthpiece media outlets that accused the veteran diplomat of overstepping his authority.

The Syrian president must realise now that there is not going to be an end to the fighting and destruction in his country any time soon, and that if peace is restored gradually, there might still be time to salvage Syria.

The bit-by-bit instatement of a truce appears modest, but if it becomes a reality, it holds promises for the country in the long run.

Damascus’ assumed nod of acceptance to the UN envoy initiative will, hopefully, be followed by actual moves on the ground.

Of course, one cannot bet on it happening. It could be that accepting to “study” the offer is the result of a change of mind in Damascus, but it may very well be an attempt, on the part of the president, to appear open to the idea without really committing to it.

If things move in the right direction, there may be a window of opportunity to bring about peace and start rebuilding Syria.

If it ends up as just another proposal to attain peace, buried in some dusty drawer, Syria will continue to be destroyed, eventually even dismembered, and people will continue to die needlessly.

It is not an alternative any sane person would want to adopt.