Aleppo's indispensability 

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) THE BAATH regime is unrelenting. It is neither listening to the saner voices of the world, nor to its own conscience.

The ruthlessness that is being exhibited in Aleppo, the second largest city of the strife-torn country, has a special meaning for the regime in Damascus. It can't afford to see the strategically indispensable city fall to the rebels. That is why heavy gunfire and helicopters are being used in the valley-city, and if reports are to be believed it sits on the brink of disaster with people calling for blood supplies.

The magnitude of terror and casualties could only be imagined from the fact that almost a major section of forces stationed on the Turkish border have been pulled out to put down the uprising in Aleppo. This is a serious situation and cannot be allowed to take its course of warfare. Given to understand the vulnerability of both the rebels and the government over the city, a sea of bloodbath cannot be ruled out.

The calls from the United States and the West to restrain are mere pronouncements, which won't matter in the scheme of things as far as ground realities are concerned. This is the time for intensive diplomacy and should be taken as an opportunity to reach President Bashar Al Assad. The fact that the government in Damascus is on a weaker pitch could be maneuvered for a dialogue, and an effort made in all humility to save a nation under distress.

The exit of Assad or his staying put in Damascus for the time being shouldn't be an issue: what should matter the world is how to stem the tide of violence and the exodus of refugees that are disturbing the geopolitical semblance of the region. The need for convincing Assad to reconsider his strategy is an episode of statesmanship in wanting.