Syria will come out on top in the end.

Thanks for your comment.

No, I’m quite sure the UN couldn’t legally supoena anyone for this investigation. They’ve been given a mandate by the Security Council to invesigate and produce a report. They can however make suggestions to the LEBANESE Judiciary as to who should be arrested. The UN Resolution is quite clear that it’s the Lebanese legal system that will deal with the case.

And in any case, one of the warmest receptions Bashar was to receive would be from the UN Secretariat!

As for his job – internally he’s secure, perhaps even stronger (in the face of international criticism).

So yes, it is very inteersting to speculate on why he isn’t going. It probably comes down to something as boring as the Syrian intransigence we’re all used to and fear of face-to-face conflict.

S.

The SNW says: “the real reason for staying at home might be the frosty reception he’ll receive in New York.” Yeah, that could be part of the answer But there are other things to consider.

First, if I were a ruler of a country when my rule is about to be questioned whether we assasinated someone, and expecially if I felt my control of my country was a litttle shakey, I sure as heck wouldn’t leave the country!! There are too many people out there who want my job!!

Secondly, he rules Syria and can control things in Syria. But he has no such power in NYC. Could the UN supoena him to testify while he is in the UN Building? Could they arrest him? If I were Bashar, I certainly would not want to take that chance.

Next to these two possibilities , the risk of being ‘snubbed’ is really minor.
No, I feel it has to be more than the reason advanced in the OP, above. Fun to speculate about, tho, isn’t it?

barney