The Syrian peace talks in Vienna, over the weekend, produced an agreement between all parties, and it constitutes a major defeat for the United States, because the result is entirely in accord with the longstanding Russian position, which the U.S. government has consistently opposed, that only the Syrian people should have the right to determine who will, and who won't, be able to run in Syrian elections.
The AP headlined on Sunday, November 15th,
"Syrian Legislator Praises Aspects of Plan to End War," and quoted Syrian parliamentarian Omar Ossi, head of the parliament's reconciliation committee, as telling the AP that "the plan has many points that 'run in harmony' with Assad's position." What Ossi objected to was that
some nations are "betting on the issue of toppling the Syrian regime by military force," instead of by allowing democracy to determine the result.
On Saturday, November 14th, the crucial second round of the Vienna talks on resolving the crisis in Syria ended with a joint statement in which all 17 of the participating countries agreed that in six months, Syria must have a
transitional government, and that 12 months after that, there will be a Presidential election to determine the country's leader.
The key sticking-point until this weekend had been whether Syria's current President, Bashar al-Assad (
whom even Western polls show to be overwhelmingly supported by Syria's population) would be allowed to be a candidate in this election. The U.S. said no, Russia said yes.
Up to that time, the U.S. had
consistently insisted that Assad must be removed from office. However, after the Paris terrorist bombings on Friday the 13th, Secretary of State Kerry indicated that the United States might cease to insist on Assad's removal. Russia, and its allies, Iran and Syria, had already made clear, and they continued to hold, that there be simply no agreement if the U.S. and its allies (including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE — all very active participants in that war to overthrow Assad) continued insisting on having a right to dictate who may and who may not run in this election.
Russia and its allies insisted that only the Syrian public has a right to determine Syria's leader — that no foreign powers do.
Comment: Oops: France's Le Figaro poll finds over 70% want Syria's Assad to remain in power
A recent poll carried out by France's
Le Figaro newspaper has indicated that at least
72 percent of respondents want Syrian President Bashar Assad to remain in power.
The survey, published on Thursday,
asked: "Should world powers demand Bashar Assad to leave?" At least 28 percent from 21,314 respondents have voted "Yes" so far, while the majority - 72 percent - have said "No".
Comment: More shameful corruption in the White House payable with our tax dollars.