EU Ends Arms Embargo for Syrian Rebels

This last weekend brought a new development in the Syrian conflict, one that could potentially be a major game changer.  The arms embargo that has been in effect by the European Union preventing its members from sending weapons to the Syrian rebels has expired and it looks like the EU has no plans to renew it.  Though none of the member countries have plans to immediately flood Syria with arms, it does mean they may see a supply of weapons coming in the future.

The chief supporters of the non-renewal were France and Britain, two countries that also happen to be at the top of the list when it comes to selling arms to foreign countries.  On the opposition side, non-EU Russia and Canada.  They claim, and rightly so, that arming the rebels will cause the conflict to continue by removing some of the incentive for rebels to join in peace negotiations.  Oddly enough, the counter-argument runs much the same.  Those in support of ending the embargo say that it will have the opposite effect, by forcing President Assad to think harder about his own attendance at peace talks.  They also stated that they have no plans to send weapons, but that the ending of the embargo is merely a deterrent.

Of course, Russia is walking a fine line with their criticisms, being as how they recently stated that they will be sending their own shipment of arms to Assad.  Since international law prohibits the arming on non-state entities, they claim that they are in the right.  In truth, it’s probably more about the money they’re making than anything else.  Or, as some believe, that they’re just trying to make a point, being reactionary (as they are wont to do) and arming Assad in response to the potential arming of the rebels.

All this comes at a time when both Russia and the US are attempting to work together to get both sides of the Syrian conflict to the negotiating table.  Whether this action will encourage or discourage potential peace talks remains to be seen.  One thing is certain, however - that arming either side will mean more dead Syrians, regardless of the outcome of the war.

Syrian rebels photo courtesy of veteranstoday.com