Executive Summary:

–          Syria has been slow to recognize democratic freedoms.  It has also refused to acknowledge the assassinations of numerous prominent individuals in the Middle East.

–          Syria has, however, been quick to stifle dissent.  Key members of opposition groups have been found dead or been imprisoned for many years.  Despite this, Syrians continue to insist that their nation is serious about peace.

–          Syria cannot be trusted with this promise because of its history of repression and intolerance.  Any nation that harms its own citizens cannot be trusted with matters of international peace.

–          The West must, therefore, side with Middle Eastern dissidents in a bid to bring real change to the region.  Only by promoting peace and democracy in Syria itself can the country be brought into a framework of international peace.
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