Battle-scared city far from peace

The six-lane highway to Homs was busy with trucks and buses. This, our guide said, wouldn't have been seen several months ago.

But I was shocked on arriving at the Baba Amr district of Homs - it's nearly deserted, but wounded by the fierce fighting between the government and opposition.

An elderly Homs resident told us people were used to getting along peacefully, and please, let the terrorists get out of this place.

Yes, terrorists. No one is saying that the armed opposition are terrorists, but amid the chaos, terrorists have carried out suicide bombings in the country and threatened people, according to intelligence sources.

So it's already not a civil crisis, but a potential universal threat, considering Syria's underdeveloped counter-terrorism resources. Don't forget, Syria has direct flights to Europe.

To end the crisis, efforts should be made by all sides and the international community. If there is no consensus from the opposition, how likely is a political resolution and total cease-fire?

The government has promised further political reform and will let the people decide their future.

Having talked to many people at Damascus polling stations, I can say the Syrian people, those who vote, want to use the election to ease the crisis and make a step forward in their political history.

However the key to resolving the problems is not political reform, because it will be rejected by some Arab countries and the West.

It's about reshuffling the political order in the Arab world and restructuring the regional power constellation, given Syria's location and ties with Iran.

Contact the writer at lilianxing@chinadaily.com.cn