Point of View: EU should rethink arms embargo on Syria

The West has already taken sides with the Syrian opposition and recognised the now united Syrian National Council. So the sooner that the Assad regime is toppled and the fighting ceases, the better. Even Russia has admitted that the rebels may indeed prevail. They already control much of the north of the country and have structures and plans in place to govern those areas. Furthermore, General Idriss committed to guaranteeing the unity of the country and respect all of the various religious and ethnic groups that make up Syrian society.

The Arab Spring has posed enormous challenges and crises of conscience for Europe and the US, given the leap of faith in allowing these countries to determine their own future and their own freedom. But the fear of the unknown should not be allowed to mask the risks of inaction. The vacuum left by western hesitation will be filled by radical jihadists imposing a new form of oppression.

Both France and Britain have now indicated that they are prepared to reconsider the embargo on arming the rebels. The German foreign minister has also announced a readiness to discuss the matter again. EU leaders must take a bold step to end the war in Syria and show they are prepared to be actors and not just spectators in determining Syria's transition to a more democratic country. How many more lives will be lost by postponing the decision until the arms embargo comes up for review in May?

Britain and France have shown their resolve and ability before to support the struggle against dictatorship in Libya. They must now do so again for Syria, though it would be far better if it can be achieved with the support and approval of their partners across the EU rather than going it alone.