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The Arab States and Syria
(New York Times) Editorial - It took far too long, but the cruelty of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria has finally registered with his Arab neighbors. They are speaking out against a reign of terror that has claimed the lives of as many as 1,600 courageous Syrians since pro-democracy protests began in March. The harshest statement came on Sunday from King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. On Monday, along with Kuwait and Bahrain, Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador from Damascus in protest. The fact that they waited so long is a disgrace. Initially, Arab leaders viewed Syria as too powerful and too important to cross. But it has been clear for some time that Assad is destabilizing the region (thousands of Syrians have fled to Turkey) and eventually will be brought down. Assad also has been an important ally of Iran - whom they all fear. The international community needs to keep up the diplomatic pressure and broaden sanctions to include the energy sector until those enabling Assad - the military and the business community - force him out.