In this article, Russia has stirred up some controversy in rejecting the U.N. Security Council's plan to address ongoing fighting in Syria. The Russian representatives accuse the international community of involving itself in a situation that should be determined by the country's inhabitants. The Russian government officials proclaim that they will facilitate talks between the opposition and Syrian forces. The international community is less than convinced. With the death toll mounting in Syria, several international groups are coalescing behind the idea of taking direct action. The article details what little is known about the Syrian situation, including the death of several civilians. Independent confirmation is a problem, because the Syrian government has closed the country to most journalists. However, there is a general consensus that the death toll is mounting. Artillery shelling is reported in many populated civilian centers, and Doctors Without Borders is reporting that Syrian forces are refusing to let the populace receive medical treatment.
Clearly, the situation in Syria is precarious. Russia trades arms to the Syrian government, and their reluctance to respond shows their standing legacy of disregarding human rights issues. The U.N. Security Council rules prevent international intervention when any of the five veto-players exercise that veto power. In this case, both China and Russia have vetoed action in Syria. With the death toll mounting, it is clear to see the weakness our current international system presents in the face of human rights abuses. Hopefully, the international community will devise an appropriate measure that will gain the support of China and Russia, but the interim looks poor for civilians in Syria.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/09/world/middleeast/syrian-forces-said-to-renew-assault-on-homs.html?_r=1&ref=global-home
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