Why Assad’s Regime Evades Accountability for Chemical Attacks: A Tragic Legacy
The question of accountability for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his regime regarding the multiple instances of chemical attacks is crucial. Despite overwhelming evidence and repeated use of chemical weapons, little effort is directed towards holding Assad and his state to account for their war crimes. This article delves into the reasons behind this impunity, focusing on the findings of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and other reports that uncover the truth.
Overwhelming Evidence and the OPCW Report
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is mandated to identify the perpetrators of chemical attacks in Syria. In 2020, the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) of the OPCW concluded that Assad’s army, also known as the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), is responsible for the 2017 Latamneh chemical attack in Hama Province. This report, published on April 8, 2020, is a testament to the ongoing use of chemical weapons by Assad’s regime. Additionally, a detailed Bellingcat report provides insights into the involvement of Assadi generals in the attacks, shining a light on the higher command's role.
Capacity and Ruthlessness of Assad’s Regime
The reason Assad and his state continue to evade accountability lies in their capacity and ruthlessness. Assad’s regime has not only the means to manufacture and launch chemical attacks but also the willingness to do so. According to Yassin al-Haj Saleh, author of "The Impossible Revolution," another horrific massacre followed the chemical attack: the so-called "chemical deal" between Russia and the United States. This deal, Saleh argues, further discredited the world's response to the atrocities in Syria, ensuring that the regime could continue its activities with impunity.
The Impunity of Genocidal Regimes
Why do genocidal regimes like Assad’s commit such atrocities? The answers often lie in their ability to do so. As Saleh suggests, these regimes can act with impunity because they are willing to use any means necessary to maintain power. It is essential to hold these individuals and their regimes accountable first before speculating on their motivations. The idea of rationalizing these actions under the guise of strategic reasons often belies the true nature of the atrocities committed.
The Continuing Legacy of Impunity
The legacy of Assad’s regime’s impunity extends beyond just the chemical attacks. The use of chemical weapons is just one aspect of the broader pattern of atrocities committed across Syria. The normalization of such actions by Assad’s regime contributes to a culture of impunity that is deeply alarming. The ongoing violations of basic human rights and the disregard for international law demonstrate the need for a more comprehensive and sustained effort to hold the regime accountable.
In conclusion, the continued evasion of accountability by Assad’s regime for chemical attacks is a matter of grave concern. The evidence is clear and overwhelming, yet the world continues to grapple with how to address this issue effectively. As the world moves forward, it is imperative that efforts to hold Assad and his regime to account do not falter, lest the tragic legacy of chemical attacks and the broader atrocities in Syria be perpetuated.