ISIS is fighting to establish a Caliphate which is yet to indicate how it will bring liberty and propriety to the people. Instead, the oil money of the Syrian people is being used to purchase sophisticated weapons which is fuelling the war that is causing more death and destruction. This is also increasing the number of orphans, refugees and displaced persons. In the same vein Assad is using the oil money and other resources of Syria to buy sophisticated weapons to cause more death and destruction even though he knows that he will never be able to preside over a peaceful and prosperous Syria and should have been preparing for life after the Presidency instead of being president for life. As far as the international community is concerned, the major objective is to destroy ISIS. They have not articulated any agenda aimed at enlarging the liberty and prosperity of the Syrian people. Hence they are also contributing to the death and destruction. Russia is supporting the Assad regime and is providing arms and logistics to add more to the death and destruction. As millions of Syrians turn towards Western Europe instead of moving to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar one must wonder what the religious content of the war is. Muslims and Christians are all on the move. It is very clear that what Syria needs is a state where people could enjoy freedom of association, freedom of religious belief and practice and freedom to choose one’s manner of government. The international community could only stem the tide of refugees if they create a safe haven in Syria and prevent ISIS or the Assad regime from penetrating the area while international talks commence on the future of Syria. These safe havens and no fly zones should receive all the assistance of the international community to enable those who genuinely want the liberty and prosperity of the Syrian people to assemble and plan its future and negotiate with Assad for a peaceful hand over of power to a transitional government which will prepare the ground for a peaceful transfer of power to a democratically elected government.]]>
