Is Syria exposing Security Council divisions?

The world spotlight is once again on the United Nations at a time of crisis in the Middle East – this time in relation to Syria. And once again, the Security Council – and the divisions within it – are being exposed.

It is the classic split – trans-Atlantic powers on one side, China and Russia on the other. There are 10 other Security Council members, but none of them have veto power. And it seems that is what China and Russia will use against a proposed resolution on Syria by Britain and France.

But, even if the weak resolution – which makes no mention of action or sanctions – is passed, what will it achieve?

Inside Story discusses with guests: Ghias al-Jundi, a Syrian author and human rights activist; Jonathan Paris, a Middle East analyst; and Pierre Rouusselin, the foreign editor of French newspaper Le Figaro.

This episode of Inside Story aired on Thursday, June 9, 2011.