Why don't these people see the writing on the wall?

In Syria, Basher Assad has dug in his heels in a bid to hold on to power despite mounting opposition. The US decision to arm the rebels - the Syrian Military Council - has got a direct shot in the arm for continuing its armed struggle against the government's forces in that country. And what had provoked such a drastic decision? The intelligence reports that talked of the use of banned arms - predominantly, the nerve gas Sarin - on innocent civilians! And as a 'tit-for-tat' action, the Russians have decided to provide 'defensive' weapons to Assad's forces.

And the result? Another period of unmitigated suffering for the innocent population!

Moving on to Turkey, its PM, Recep Erdogan, has issued an ultimatum to the anti-state protesters camping in 'Gezi Park' to clear off. The protesters have been at it for over the last fortnight or so.

Why don't these people - Assad and Erdogan - understand that they've no longevity if the common man ceases to support them? Are they under the illusion that they've many, many supporters simply because they manage to call the shots now? What they seem to forget is that the avalanche of protests is being held back by the sheer strength of the government machinery and a sustained use of force will be counter productive.

So they've two options to tide over the situation before they run out of time in the natural progression, which are:-

      (a) Get into talks with the protesters forthwith, understand their grievances and mend their ways.
      (b) Give up power and facilitate a new power regime to take charge through peaceful means.

Asking for too much? Because power is an aphrodisiac that most are unwilling to relinquish. And therefore, what happens ultimately on such occasions? The obnoxious power structure will be brought down through violent means which would sadly end up claiming the lives of innocent civilians who're reduced to being helpless bystanders!


Tailpiece.

Another case of 'Akrasia' - doing something despite being fully aware of its negative results!