The recent wave of explosions in Syria clearly proves the terrorist groups’ unwillingness to stop violence and bloodshed. Backed by some regional governments and their Western allies, they are fomenting a crisis on the ground which could drag the country into a full-scale civil war. 

 

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, along with the United States and Israel, are using everything at their disposal to topple the popular government of Syria and are not ashamed to commit crimes against the Syrian people.

 

The opposition is expected to participate in a process of political reform initiated by Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and participate in a gradual trust-building process. However, supporters of civil war are benefiting from the current turmoil in Syria. By providing weapons and money, they have turned Syrian opposition groups into terrorist gangs and thugs. This will seriously undermine the prospect of peace and could intensify sectarian disputes in the country. 

 

The recent parliamentary election, in which more than 60 percent of Syrian citizens turned out at the ballot boxes, was a clear example of the people’s determination to participate in political reform. It can be said that not all these people support Assad, but they will also never support terrorist acts. 

 

Detonating bombs are tactics not restricted to al-Qaeda. They are also orchestrated by external powers that support the terrorist gangs. The recent interception of three ships in late April loaded with weapons by the Lebanese Navy, clearly indicates how much the Arabs are interested in sponsoring terror in Syria. 

 

Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan’s peace plan for Syria was expected to resolve the dispute. However, requirements of the Annan plan –cutting arms supplies to the rebels and closing the Free Syrian Army’s military base in Turkey – have not been satisfied. This makes his responsibility even much more difficult as he has a mandate to restore peace and order in Syria.  

 

Hossein Sheikholeslam formerly served as Iran’s ambassador to Syria. He is currently the parliament speaker’s advisor on international issues.