The move was in line with the stances adopted by other international organizations, which are mainly following the hegemonic policies of the West in dealing with the popular movements in the Middle East and North Africa. 

The Western governments, especially the United States, have turned a blind eye to the suppression of the peaceful protests in Bahrain and Yemen, while they are imposing new restrictions on Syria through their regional proxies, such as the Arab League. The recent move proves that the Arab League is subservient to the West when making decisions about regional developments.

The Western countries sought to impose heavy sanctions on Syria at the United Nations Security Council. However, the move was blocked by Russia and China, and the Arab League was then tasked with realizing the West’s objectives. 

During the recent Arab League meeting, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen voted against the move, and Iraq abstained. All other 18 members voted for the suspension of Syria’s membership. However, there is credible evidence suggesting that the Arab League members are in serious disagreement over how to deal with Syria in the future. 

The embassies of Saudi Arabia and Qatar in Damascus have been attacked by Syrian protesters because both countries have played a leading role in the media campaign against Syria. 

The campaign is mainly being directed through two state-funded television networks based in the region, Qatar’s Al Jazeera and Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya. Both countries have done their utmost to bring down the legitimate government of Syria, and most political analysts believe that Qatar and Saudi Arabia directly backed the Arab League’s recent decision.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is trying to manage the crisis, undaunted by the Arab League’s move. However, the Libyan experience shows that there is a high probability that more sanctions will be imposed on the Syrian government. 

The next step for the Arab League will be to transfer the Syrian seat to Syrian opposition groups, just as they did to Muammar Gaddafi’s government, which was replaced with the Libyan National Transitional Council.  

Hossein Ruivaran is a Middle East expert based in Tehran.