Critical time for Syria

The horrific massacres in Houla and Assukar are intolerable crimes against humanity, and bloody illustrations of how challenging it will be to secure lasting peace in Syria.

Those who masterminded and executed the atrocities must be held accountable. But it is too hasty to dump all the blame on the Syrian government before any investigation finds out the truth behind these crimes.

Rhetoric about "regime change" and military intervention is becoming louder than ever. The latest statement from the White House said that the leaders of the United States, Germany, France and Italy agree "on the importance of ending the violence of the government against its own people and the urgency of achieving a political solution".