The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) have been able to inspect 21 out of the 23 chemical weapon production sites in Syria. With the deadline to inspect and shut down the two remaining sites fast approaching, conditions preventing the inspectors from getting there have not subsided. The OPCW have not said who is responsible for the security concerns, but have negotiations in place to ensure the safety of inspectors as they try to reach the final sites. Resolution 2118 has been put in place, in which it is agreed upon that the chemical weapon production equipment has to be destroyed by November 1, 2013 and the chemical stockpile must be destroyed by mid-2014. While strides have been taken to rid the country of chemical weapons, little change has been made in regard to the fighting between government forces and rebel forces.
The fact that the OPCW has been able to reach the majority of chemical weapon production sites within Syria has shown that tremendous progress has been made in the effort to get rid of the weapons. Unfortunately, the lack of effort put into ending fighting between the government and the rebels has shown that their lack of cooperation in that regard is going to lead to difficulties for the OPCW in carrying out their mission. Without some sort of political resolution the country will continue to face conflict and turmoil, and the living conditions for civilians will not improve. It is unclear how long it will take for a political compromise to be met, but it is likely it will not be in the near future.
Two Syria Chemical Weapons Sites Not Yet Inspected. BBC News. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24712508.
I find it interesting that the media's focus is on the chemical weapons and not the political parties involved. It appears to send the message that by removing weapons, you can eradicate conflict. Though this may keep people from getting injured as badly, it does not create peace.
ReplyDeleteVery informative, thanks for sharing.