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According to reports, the United States and Turkey have announced that the possibility of imposing no-fly zones on Syria in order to assist rebel forces fighting against the Syrian government. The announcement came following a meeting between US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu. Meanwhile, Turkey has said urgent action is required by the international community to resolve the humanitarian crisis in cities such as Aleppo and Damascus. Clinton’s visit has come amidst plans by the US and other countries to boost humanitarian aid for civilians who have fled the conflict. 1
Meanwhile, reportedly, the US is also planning to impose new sanctions targeting President Bashar al-Assad’s inner circle, including cabinet members, and Iranian individuals and entities that have supported the Assad government. The fresh sanctions are aimed at attempting to hasten the downfall of the Syrian government and will complement existing penalties. 2
- 1. “Syria crisis: US and Turkey consider no-fly zones”, The Guardian, August 11, 2012, at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/11/syria-us-turkey-no-fly-zones
- 2. “US planning new sanctions on Syria and Assad as Clinton travels to Turkey”, The Guardian, August 10, 2012, at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/10/us-sanctions-syria-assad-cli...