Despite promise Syria has bloodiest day in months

Despite a "peace agreement" forged by the Arab League and accepted by Syria, that country has had one of its bloodiest days in months as it continues its forceful suppression of protesters calling for political reform. 

DAMASCUS, SYRIA (Catholic Online) - According to reports, at least 70 people have been killed in the past day. The dead reportedly include 27 civilians, 12 suspected army deserters, and 34 soldiers. Most of the deaths occurred during violence in Derraa province in the southern region of the country.  

International condemnation has been swift with some of the harshest rhetoric coming from Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's Prime Minister. He said, that he no longer has confidence in the Syrian regime and issued a stern warning to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, saying that Syria is "on an edge" and that Turkey was considering cutting electricity to the country.

Activists have asked Turkey not to cut electricity however, saying it would affect the people more than the government. 

Syria claims that the violence is the result of "thugs and terrorists" who are attacking civilians and security forces. 

The regime also claims that 1,180 prisoners have been released in accord with an Arab League deal. Human Rights activists criticized the figure saying that there are still 30,000 people in Syrian jails that ought to be released, so the number is a mere "drop in the bucket." 

Syria continues to enjoy unequivocal support from Russia and China who are opposed to any effort they see as promoting regime change in Syria. They have both vowed  to block any UN Security Council sanctions against the regime. However, China has called on Syria to take the Arab League peace agreement seriously.

The Arab League has voted to suspend the membership of as a result of the violence. In a peace agreement, Syria agreed to end its violent crackdown on protesters, but it is apparent they have not kept that agreement. The Arab League is meeting on Wednesday in Morocco to review its decision and make a determination regarding Syrian membership in the league. 

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