Politics or pity? Qatar calls for foreign troops to enter Syria

This evening I couldn't help noticing the Al-Jazeera headline Qatar's emir suggests sending troops to Syria

The article reports that the Qatari Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has spoken openly of sending troops to Syria to "stop the killing". I feel that this is hugely significant given that he is the first Middle Eastern leader to call directly for foreign intervention in Syria. His comment also contrasts greatly to the concerned but useless collective nods and huffing and puffing from the Arab League. Interеstingly, his call to arms is a general one, without indicating from where these troops should be sent. An offer of intervention by his own armed forces is notable in its absence, although perhaps it is too early to expect such a commitment.

Yet again, I can't help mentioning the overarching Sunni-Shia rivalry that contextualises the Emir's comment. The Al-Jazeera article states "a senior US official has accused Iran of aiding Assad's government". At this point I must refer back to a previous post on this blog which spoke of Iran's support of the Asad regime. Here I shall say it again: there is no doubt that Iran is aiding Asad's government and anyone who thinks otherwise is delusional. There is currently an increasing tide of anti-Iranian sentiment from inside the Middle East and further afield so for Iran to lose its Syrian Shia-government allies would be a mojor blow, not least beacuse Damascus is effectively an Iranian sateliite control centre for as long as Asad's regime remains in power.

Arguably Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's call to arms is an attempt to capitalise on Iran's current vulnerability. A call for troops to intervene in Syria is essentially a call to hasten the inevitable end of Asad's regime. Given Syria's long-suppressed Sunni majority, it is highly unlikely that Shia leaders loyal to Iran will be able to fill the leadership position left vacant by Asad's exit. Instead, it is far more likely that Syria's first Sunni leadership will be sworn in.

However, putting political motivation aside, part of me feels that the Qatari Emir's call for military intervention in Syria may have come out of genuine concern for the Syrian people's plight. 

For now, regardless of whether it was politics or pity which motivated Sheikh Hamad to speak out, we should all watch with anticipation to see if anyone responds to his call to arms.