“Russia should see that unless Assad gives way, the Free Syrian Army and its varied components will become more radicalized and increasingly jihadi in their ideological leanings. Assad’s killing of jihadists, turning Syria into a hotspot of terror, can fuel terrorism on the Russian home front if Chechen rebels identify with their jihadi brethren being killed in Syria. The stakes are high.

Russia could also guarantee Assad’s personal safety by granting him asylum. This would give Assad a face-saving exit, free the Syrian people, and let others who are close to Russia negotiate peace with the opposition, bringing about stability under joint Russian and Western oversight.

If diplomacy continues to fail, do not underestimate Western resolve to end the murderous Assad tyranny in Syria. British interference with Russian arms shipments must not be taken lightly. I am visiting London, and in my meetings with parliamentarians and government officials, I detect a serious hardening of attitudes. The longer the Syrian conflict lasts, the higher the chances of Western military intervention.”

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