EDITORIAL: Fanning the flames of war in Syria

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The major issue preoccuping those interested in the Middle East is what to do about Syria, and whether the United States and Europe should provide military assistance to the opposition groups fighting to topple the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. It is topical given the current trip to the region by United States Secretary of State John Kerry, who has met with the head of the main political opposition group in Syria, the Syrian National Coalition. Kerry also announced US$60 million in non-military aid to help the Syrian opposition. He surprised many when he said American aid and assistance to the Syrian opposition would be limited to food supplies and improving the infrastructure in rebel held areas.