Syria: The Stage For The Next Cold War?

Syria is definitely the center of attention on the global stage. With it's violent oppression of the uprising of it's citizens calling for a massive change to the government; it definitely has garnered attention from every country in the world (for better, or worse), most definitely it has recieved attention by those countries that are members of the United Nations. Not surprisingly, the U.N. is split on how it should handle the situation in Syria. Albeit it's a major human-rights violation; Russia and China, who are key members of the United Nation's Security Council have both vetoed a resolution that would call for the resignation of President al-Bassad as well as trade sanctions against the country (SFGate).

The U.N.'s security council is comprised of fifteen countries, five are permanent position, while ten are temporary. China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States comprise of the permanent members whose single veto will prevent a resolution from passing. The remaining ten seats are composed of nations who serve terms on the council: Azerbaijan, India, South Africa, Columbia, Morocco, Togo, Germany, Pakistan, Guatemala, and Portugal (UN). The resolution failed was double vetoed by Russia and China, albeit it had the remaining thirteen countries in support of it (SFGate).

Russia and China both have key investments in the nation as a trade ally: They both are supplying the Syrian government with arms, which are currently are being used to put down the rebellion. However, they cite Syria's sovereignty and "future steps" as the reason to which they vetoed the resolution. It's interesting to also note that the Libyan resolution passed with the support of ten nations while China and the Russian federation along with Brazil, Germany, and India abstained from the vote (UN).

Tensions are definitely rising as nations are now forming a "Friends of Syria" collective to support the Syrian Rebellion as the U.N. failed to act. With the world's super powers on each side of the issue, in an already turmoil-ridden area of the world, plus nuclear arms thrown into the mix; it definitely sets the stage for something that could resemble a second Cold War.