Riyadh's peace move

(MENAFN- Arab News) This is with reference to the report '65 anti-Assad figures invited to Dec 11-14 Riyadh meet' (Dec. 2). Since the beginning of the crisis in Syria and long before the appearance of Daesh on the scene Saudi Arabia has been calling for a political transition in Syria sans Assad. Had the international community taken measures accordingly the situation in Syria would not have aggravated. Earlier the global powers were unable to identify the forces capable of leading Syria after Assad now they are finally coming to terms with the ground realities and have started talking about the possibility of a Syria without Assad. Saudi Arabia's decision to invite Syria's opposition figures to Riyadh is very timely and commendable. When it comes to the fate of Syria it is the Syrians who should be given the opportunity to decide. Anything the United States Russia or any other global or regional power decide about Syria may not go down well with the Syrians and may not represent the sentiments of the Syrian population.

Riyadh's move is a genuine effort to restore peace in Syria. The Syrian figures who are scheduled to meet in Riyadh should set aside their petty differences (if any) and devise a comprehensive strategy to oust Assad and cleanse Syria of Daesh. It is an uphill task but not impossible. In addition to putting up a joint front against Assad the Syrian opposition in collaboration with friendly countries like Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states should step up its diplomatic efforts for a political transition in war-ravaged Syria.

Washington and Moscow are obviously and perhaps naturally giving preference to their respective interests in Syria and the region without considering the consequences of their actions. Daesh is no longer a threat to one region. It is fast emerging as a global threat. It's no longer about Syria or Iraq alone the future of entire humanity is at stake. Fahad Zaman Riyadh