We are all Syrians now

Assad's ruthless massacre of civilians in his attempt to crush the Syrian Spring is escalating. But a new international coalition led by Arab League members is meeting in 4 days and is our best hope to stop the bloodshed. Avaaz has a seat at the table and can bring the voices of world citizens directly to decision-makers. Let's call on the coalition to end the violence now:

With each passing day, Syria's crackdown on democracy protesters reaches new levels of horror -- bombing crowded neighborhoods filled with innocent civilians, cutting off electricity and phones so families can't call for help, and blocking medical aid to the wounded. But finally a flicker of hope is emerging that could stop the terror.

After the UN Security Council failed, Syria's neighbours in the the Arab League are taking the lead. They have called other key powers to an emergency meeting in 4 days in Tunisia, and Avaaz will be sitting at the table with the Syrian democracy movement to deliver a clear mandate for strong action.

Right now, the level of public outrage could make the difference between forceful action and feckless diplomacy. Let's deliver a 1 million-strong call to action, and press negotiators to move now to stop the bloodbath. Click below to sign the petition -- it will be delivered directly to the delegates in the meeting:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/arab_league_save_syria_3/?vl

The student organizers and mothers who month after month have led peaceful marches for freedom are now facing down the full military might of Assad's army. They are calling for the world's help to ensure that the Syrian Spring does not die a gruesome death on the streets of Homs, Hama and Idlib.

So far, the Arab League and United Nations have failed to stop the slaughter. But the international community knows that they cannot postpone action any longer. There is no panacea to end this, but a combination of more targeted sanctions, humanitarian action, support to the opposition to form an alternative government that unites people across the sectarian divide, and a plan to help those fearful of regime change to defect, could tip the balance of power.

In situations like this one, a clear public proposal can force the hand of politicians and governments to take meaningful action fast. Let's show those meeting this week the extent of global determination to save the Syrian Spring and end the bloodshed. Sign the urgent petition for action now:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/arab_league_save_syria_3/?vl

With so many challenges facing our globe, our community rarely campaigns on the same issue numerous weeks in a row. But the situation in Syria is dire and the Syrian people are counting on us not to let this opportunity to make a difference pass us by. Let's come together one more time and show them that the world stands with them.

With hope and determination,

Ian, Jamie, Maria Paz, Allison, Andrew, Emma, Wissam, Stephanie, Bissan and the whole Avaaz team

More Information:

U.N. Rights Chief Decries Inaction Over Syrian Assault (New York Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/14/world/middleeast/syrian-forces-continue-attack-on-homs.html

Syria rejects UN charges as Homs battered (AFP)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j1pclwMLlv27cvsSseqnSzyCg2xw?docId=CNG.f403ea8aad2faad073236239e9b0c0df.af1

Tunis to host meeting on Syria on February 24 (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/12/us-syria-arabs-friends-idUSTRE81B0DN20120212

Syrian regime 'emboldened' by UN inaction, says human rights chief (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/13/syrian-regime-emboldened-un-inaction?newsfeed=true

'Heaviest shelling' in Homs for days, say activists, as massacres reported (al Arabiya)
http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/02/14/194498.html?newsfeed=true