Mediation can thwart anti-Syria plots of the West and Al-Qaeda

TEHRAN, Feb. 18 (MNA) -- The recent series of mindless terrorist acts committed by Al-Qaeda in Syria was undoubtedly encouraged by the United States, Israel, and their Arab proxies, which are all using every means at their disposal to topple the popular government of Syria. This policy is being implemented to weaken the resistance front in the Middle East, which has always been supported by Damascus to counter the Zionist regime’s evil plot to dominate the region. However, the Syrian people’s call for reform is definitely a legitimate demand. But the reform process should be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and according to the Syrian Constitution. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has also accepted a series of reforms, according to which Article 8 of the Syrian Constitution is expected to be amended. Article 8 defines the Baath Party as the “leading party in the society and the state” and cites the National Progressive Front as the only framework for legal political party participation for citizens. The only way to find a solution to the current dispute in Syria is by holding peaceful negotiations between the government and independent opposition groups. This can thwart Western countries’ efforts to interfere in the internal affairs of Syria. Meanwhile, Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri’s recent video message to the Syrian opposition could intensify terrorist activities and increase the turbulence in the country. The Syrian terrorist groups allied with Al-Qaeda are currently killing innocent people to realize their objectives, and Zawahiri made the remarks in order to create more chaos on the ground. Obviously, if these terrorist activities continue, the situation will seriously deteriorate and it will become more difficult to end the Syria crisis. Mediation by a third party accepted by both the government and opposition groups is the only way to resolve the current crisis. Iran, Turkey, and the Muslim Brotherhood are all qualified to play the role of mediator. The mediators would be expected to ensure that the Syrian government keeps its promise to carry out reforms and to help the opposition groups realize their goals in a peaceful atmosphere.