It turns out that my last post on the Security Council and Syria was wrong.
Exceptionally wrong, in fact.
Rather than acquiesce to a resolution condemning the Syrian government for repressing its people, China and Russia used their vetoes. And rather than support the EU-drafted resolution (as had seemed increasingly likely) Brazil, India and South Africa abstained.
This is a big set-back for the EU and the Americans, who were firmly behind the European initiative. It’s a big win for Russia, which would have been embarrassed if China had even abstained. And it’s a grim moment for Brasilia, Delhi and Pretoria, who have missed the chance to carve out a distinctive position in the Council on Syria, and opted to avoid a confrontation. This was a moment the “IBSA” countries could have seized to show why they deserved more respect at the UN. They missed it.
More analysis tomorrow. For now, congratulations to Gabon and Nigeria for voting for the resolution, refuting the claim that all developing countries are anti-interventionist.
