Last week, opposition leaders in Syria announced the formation of a Syrian National Council. Presumably, they hope the SNC will play a role in toppling the regime of Basher al-Assad in Syria and transitioning to a new government similar to the role played by the National Transitional Council of Libya (NTCL). No States have yet recognized the new SNC although reports suggest that opposition leaders are seeking recognition of the international community. Syria has threatened “strict measures” against any State that recognizes the “illegitimate council”. Several States and other international organizations, such as the UN General Assembly, were fairly quick to recognize the NTCL. It may be difficult for
international community to justify treating
the SNC differently.
(cgb)