International law can bring peace, not war

THE UN is once more reduced to the role of the eunuch in the harem as a dangerous flashpoint looms between Russia and the US. The Security Council flails about helplessly in a situation that could easily spiral out of control into a larger regional and global confrontation. With the air thick with accusations of blame and acrimony, no voice of reason or authority could be heard.

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, accused Russia of lies and covering up for the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

While Vassily Nebenzia, her Russian counterpart, slated the US for its irresponsible sabre rattling.

UN appeals for calm are being drowned out by those with an interest in beating the drums of war louder.

Let’s be clear. The use of chemical weapons is an abomination. Estimates say between 350,000 and 500,000 people have already died in Syria.

Killing more in a strike in retaliation for the chemical attack will escalate the crisis, not end it.

Assad has been allowed to get away with genocidal butchery for too long. Russia or America are not active in the Gulf region for humanitarian reasons.

With the UN deadlocked hopelessly, all Secretary-General António Guterres could do was voice his fear that events could escalate rapidly into a global conflict.

There are international laws to resolve this crisis if only there was the international will to enforce them. And history shows war does not decide who is right but only who is left.