The language of the UN resolution on Syria was watered down this weekend to accommodate China, Russia and Algeria; specific mention of an economic embargo if Syria failed to comply with the resolution and a demand that Damascus renounce terrorism were dropped from the text.
However, the resolution, which was unanimously approved by the UN Security Council, delivers a clear ultimatium and threat of action under the UN's Chapter 7, which allows for the use of force. According to the Bangkok Post the resolution ordered that:
> Governments impose travel bans and freeze assets of any Lebanese and Syrian officials or other people to be declared suspects in the assassination of Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
> Syria "must detain" its officials or individuals that the Mehlis commission will charge with planning, organizing or perpetrating the murder of Hariri.
> Syria cannot interfere with Lebanese domestic affairs "either directly or indirectly ... and refrain from any attempt at destabilizing Lebanon, and respect scrupulously the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of this country."
The resolution says "further action" will be adopted if U.N. demands are not met by Syria.
Syria huffed that they're being kangaroo-courted. Britain, France and the US huffed back that Damascus better take the resolution seriously.
Well, at least something's down on paper now. Up next: a lot of huffing and puffing over the next two months. Assad will try running to the Arab League for help. As to how much that will accomplish, here's a tip for despots: heads of state don't like it much when a former head of state they really liked is murdered in cold blood.
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