UN credibility on the line as new massacre in Syria reported

The UN Human Rights Council is meeting today amid reports of a fresh massacre in Syria by pro-government irregular militias. The reports emerge as the Council meets to discuss the recent slaughter of more than 100 civilians in Houla, Syria.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (Catholic Online) - Last week, pro-government militia forces went door-to-door in Houla rounding up more than 100 people, almost half were children, and summarily executing them. The Council is said to disbelieve claims by the government they it was the work of armed terrorists loyal to the opposition.

Meanwhile, new reports say that Assad loyalists murdered 11 factory workers as an example to people living in rebel-controlled territory.

 Allegedly, the 11 victims were returning home from work at a fertilizer plant when their bus was stopped by pro-government forces. Assad loyalists targeted the bus because the people on board came from an area presently controlled by rebels, but must pass through a government checkpoint each day.

 After being taken off the bus, the men had their hands bound behind their backs and were shot at close range. There is no evidence to suggest the men were involved in the uprising. Instead, it is alleged that the killings were meant to intimidate others and show that rebel forces cannot protect the civilians in areas they control.  

The UN, the Arab league, as well as efforts from the US, Turkey, and Qatar have all been aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but no matter what deal is arranged, pro-Assad forces have established a pattern of breaking the terms - then promptly blaming the opposition. 

UN special envoy, Kofi Annan has said that he is "frustrated" - strong language from a UN official.

Meanwhile, Russia and China systematically stop all efforts to take action through the UN Security Council. Both countries refuse to support any resolution that appears aimed at regime change. 

Russia and China have lucrative contracts with the Syrian government and could ultimately lose billions if a new Syrian government were to trade freely with the West.

Ultimately, the credibility of the UN Security Council and the UN as a body designed to resolve disputes between nations hangs in the balance. Without strong compulsory action from the UN, it appears Assad and his regime will continue to massacre innocent people in their bid to retain power. That action appears impossible given the current political situation and the makeup of the Security Council. 

If Assad is ousted, it will not likely be because of the UN, but rather because other nations decide to act unilaterally to end the bloodshed. 

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