Syrian Test-Gesture Delayed by Assad Government Demands

The test-gesture UN-appointed mediator Lakhdar Brahimi is trying to initiate — a convoy of humanitarian supplies delivered to Syrians trapped in rebel-controlled Homs who are in desperate need of them – remains stalled while the government of President Bashar Al-Assad presses its demands for assurances that none of the goods will reach rebel forces: “terrorists” in Assad parlance. A United Nations official is reportedly moving back and forth between the two sides as they try to break the stalemate. The news from the talks themselves is also dismal with sessions cancelled because the rebels insist on discussing post-Assad transition and the regime representatives will not allow the idea of Assad stepping down to enter the talks. Also at issue were reports that the United States Congress has secretly approved funding for supplying light weapons to rebel forces deemed to be “moderate” – a development that has infuriated the government side.