Syria needs an end to chaos and sanctions

Fierce fighting broke out between Syrian security forces and armed groups opposed to the new regime in Damascus in Latakia and Tartus provinces in Syria on Thursday. The clashes have continually escalated and caused the deaths of a large number of local civilians.

The United Nations says it has received "extremely disturbing" reports of whole families being killed, and has called on the interim authorities to take "swift actions to protect Syrians".

Reportedly, Russia and the United States have asked the UN Security Council to hold closed-door consultations on the situation in western Syria. Considering Syria's former leader Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia after his regime was toppled by multiple forces, with the backing of different parties, including the US, in December. That both Moscow and Washington think such a UN Security Council emergency meeting is imperative indicates the situation in Syria has become a matter of pressing concern. After more than 14 years of civil war, the Middle East country remains an arena for geopolitical games among major powers.