Syrian talks in a nutshell: arrogance versus impotence

Syrian opposition figures were treated in an arrogant and condescending way by the Syrian regime's delegation during recent talks in Moscow that ended on 10 April.

The delegation's leader refused to accept a list from the opposition of 9,000 people held by the regime, only a fraction of the total number it has imprisoned.

It is not surprising opposition figures were treated in this way, because they were not representative of those on the ground. Therefore, they have no power to force the regime to make concessions. The regime believes those who have no might have no rights, which is why it has imprisoned thousands who are too weak to fight back.

The best the opposition delegation could do was highlight the Syrian people's demands.

This is the difference between a state and a junta. States use force that has been authorised by society to implement laws and protect citizens from other citizens, or from private or state institutions.

Juntas use force for their own interests and to ensure their power at the expense of citizens' rights. Juntas may even negotiate over citizens' rights with other states, only releasing political prisoners if it benefits them politically.

With the exception of the Kurdish opposition leader Salih Muslim, none of the opposition figures that visited Moscow command any military forces. 

This opposition delegation held no cards. They are not backed by any regional or international powers, or by a peaceful popular movement. All peaceful protest movements having been crushed by the regime's brutality and the opposition's recklessness.

Therefore, the best the opposition delegation could do was highlight the Syrian people's demands. This is not valueless, but it also enables the regime to project itself as being open to dialogue - it's only incentive for taking part in negotiations.

However, it was actually the Syrian regime that was the loser during talks, in contrary to the opinion of many commentators.

Members of the opposition oppose terrorism, sectarianism, and foreign intervention in Syria. By behaving arrogantly, the regime's delegation showed that the regime only opposes these devices when they affect its own interests.

This article is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.

Opinions expressed in this article remain those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of al-Araby al-Jadeed, its editorial board or staff.