Absolutely Shocked

A promise is a promise.  Kofi Annan is utterly shocked.  His high-minded hopes to resolve the impasse between the Syrian regime and the Sunni-led protest movement seeking to remove the Alawites from power, to put a halt to the bloodshed and the anarchy, dissipated.  That he expressed such optimism to begin with, after having dealt with President Bashar al-Assad's reluctance to accede to the demands of the Arab League and the UN, is a little amazing.

Particularly for someone who has had much prior experience with both the Middle East and the United Nations.  A born optimist, obviously.  Who sees no evil, knows no evil.  Not even when his own son was implicated in taking rich bribes during the implementation period of Iraq's 'oil-for-food' program.  Quite unflappable, ever the diplomat.  Convinced that the power of his personal prestige would carry the day.

And whoops, Syria remembered that it could not possibly pull back its troops from city centres.  To do so would betray the future of the country.  President al-Assad's people would never forgive him.  All those thousands upon thousands that have gathered to support him and his regime, to beg him to maintain his position.  Waving flags, bearing posters of his image, burning Israeli flags.

Syrians burn an Israeli flag as they wave Syrian Baath party flags during a march in Damascus to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the Baath party and in support of President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday.   Photograph by: Louai Beshara, AFP, Getty Images, Reuters

Well, the protest opposition could burn Israeli flags too, that's no problem.  They just wouldn't carry photos of the president in adoring celebration, and would prefer the symbolism of another Syrian flag, if you don't mind.  Of course, they do mind, those who affirm President al-Assad's rightful place governing Syria.  At least with al-Assad in place, and not the Islamists waiting in the wings, the minorities, the Christians will remain safe.

The artillery clashes, armoured vehicles and bombardments will continue.  Until such time as the 'terrorists' put down their arms, apologize and ask for clemency of their gracious president.  Who has never, ever, authorized his military to arrest, torture and murder children.  Let alone rape women, murder their children, torch their homes.

While in Damascus those flag-waving al-Assad supporters were happily celebrating the founding of the Baath party, the Free Syria Army assured Kofi Annan that they were prepared to lay down their arms just as soon as "the regime ... withdraws from the cities and returns to its original barracks."

So it seems that the Arab League/UN plan is not destined to failure, after all.  After all, the regime need only withdraw tanks and military from the besieged cities, and the rebels need only withdraw from opposition and hand over their arms...