#syriacab

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No Rest for Syria - Afternoon Session (Second Day)

By Kainat Hussain - Writer/Journalist

Syria no longer had President Assad in power, it was now the rule of Humzah Sheikh whose former role was Justice Minister in the Assad cabinet. This threw the whole cabinet into limbo in terms of where they stood with decision making. Do they continue with the plans of Assad as they were still his supporters and were the closest people to him politically, or, do they move on with a different outlook?

They decided initially to continue with the ideology of Ba’athist party in Syria against the radical republicans and rebels who were waging war in the country. There was no peace for Syria for the time being as shortly after things were beginning to settle there was news of trouble within the nation that could hinder all progress made. It was reported that a series of coordinated and well planned actions from unknown forces unleashed a fresh wave of indiscriminate terror and violence. Large bands of well- equipped and fanatical extremists attacked a series of important military installations in and around Aleppo and Homs. The irregulars were apparently chanting anti-Israel and anti-Assad slogans. There were rumours of Syrian army defectors among the mobs which, if true, raised questions over the loyalties of those in the Syrian military. However, the government responded with force and drove away the rift showing its strength as the body leading a nation in turmoil.

Around the same time the Council of the Arab League published a statement voicing their continuing support for the SNC. They also invited a member of the cabinet to “come to the table with a willingness to move forward in the construction of a transitional Syrian government and the implementation of the Geneva Communique”. This is when the cabinet saw an opportunity for peace within the country. Once again, there was success for the Syrian government as they signed a treaty with the SNC calling for a 30 day ceasefire in the nation. This was one of the biggest triumphs for the Syrian government as it had found peace in the chaos and turmoil of the nation. Even though this is not a permanent settlement, it is most definitely a move towards progressive leadership.

Peace was not in the cards for Syria, as whilst they were achieving goals at one front, in the background there was trouble lurking around the corner. There were reports that Turkish artillery has fired several salvos into Syria. Official military statements say that this was conducted against militant and rebel groups destabilizing the border. The impact of these strikes is as yet unknown. Syria has to be strong in its leadership without antagonising the progress it had made with Israel and the SNC so far. The lockdown on the Council of Arab League for the time being is working to the Syrian’s advantage as it secures their temporary state of peace with the SNC.

The crisis has been nothing short of one of the rockiest rollercoaster rides for the Syrian cabinet. It stands with its breath held; plotting the stance it will take on the Turkish interference and the other threats it has heard rumours of. The League will have to hold on to its umbrellas just as they have been for the weather outside there’s a storm brewing.

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Syria: A Tumultuous Start - Morning Session (Second Day)

By Kainat Hussain - Writer/Journalist

The President of Syria sat down in front of his cabinet today with a well prepared speech ready to face the challenges that were to arise from what has been one of the most hectic crisis conferences of our time.

The aim of President Assad was to headline with a motion of reconciliation with the rest of the countries in the region without wanting to seem appeased. He said “Syria has never been bogged down by any country and has no intention to… we want to make allies”. He also mentioned that it was extremely important to recover the economic situation of Syria which has faced severe devastation. The strategy of the President was to send delegates from the cabinet to meet with the other nations to negotiate and concur on peace in the region. His main emphasis was on trying to confirm and make official the alliance with Iran.

As well as all these plans of action the President was also very complimentary of his cabinet, boosting the morale of the team that were to back him on his quest to bring peace to his nation and those around him. He assured his cabinet that there was “no point in stepping down, stepping down is not a solution”.

Then just as soon as the scene was set to proceed with all of these plans, News was released to League and came as a shock to all: “SYRIAN PRESIDENT ASSASSINATED ON ISRAELI SOIL”. The SNC were the first suspects as they hold a seat in the League and represent the nation (despite the cabinet being formed from Assad supporters).

The Justice Minister quickly issued a statement expressing his remorse on the death of the President. “We will not negotiate with terrorists, we are happy to join intelligent forces from other countries to find out who are the perpetrators of this crime” said Humzah Sheikh who was then elected to take on the role of President.

Change:

The appointment of a new head of state changed the tone of the cabinet completely. There was a buzz in the Syrian cabinet of wanting to take action to regain control of the country. Syria now seemed to be directing itself to a more vigilant and risk taking cabinet instead of the passive reconciliatory cabinet that had existed 2 days ago. A statement issuing a full state funeral was sent out and Syria under the rule of a hands-on leader was working on the pressing issues within Syria.

Syria still had Israeli troops in the south and was ready to defend itself and remove those forces without causing too much upheaval with the existing civil war. Lo and behold within 2 days the Syrians had accomplished a milestone in terms of defending their borders and signed the ‘Tel Aviv Treaty’ with Israel, ending the occupation of Southern Syria. This was a great achievement for Syria and was greeted with celebrations by the cabinet. As said by Minister of Defence: “Relations between these brothers in the Abrahamic faiths have never been so high.” Syria had had a tumultuous start to the Crisis conference and after a shaky start with the replacement of Head of State now had its feet firmly planted to battle its way through.

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