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That also explains the reason why Brahimi resigned, short of sufficient previous evidence. Bashar Assad's unwillingness to negotiate might be reasonable. How could a party with an obvious advantage give up some of its power to a disordered defeated one? A political structure always reflects a comparison of strengths. And Bashar Assad is still the incumbent president. But such a decision has made his work extremely difficult. He might feel that he can no longer play a due role in the absence of political negotiation.

Though Bashar Assad might have survived the most difficult phase, the political crisis is far from over. The opposition still exists and represents part of the Syrian population. They still occupy a considerable proportion of Syria's territory. What's more, they still have support from the gulf Arab countries and the West.

It is true that the opposition cannot topple the regime using military force, and it is highly possible that Bashar Assad will win the election. But the regime will not be able to eliminate all of the opposition forces in the predictable future.

Whether Syria will have a peaceful and stable future will depend on whether Bashar Assad can be inclusive toward the opposition. A good policy would be to forgive and tolerate those who used to fight against him. Otherwise, the situation in Syria will remain volatile in the long term.

Fortunately, the government is moving in that direction. In some regions, so long as the opposition troops give up their guns, they are being allowed to go home.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://china.org.cn/opinion/jinliangxiang.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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