Sen. Specter: "Assad is serious about dialogue!"

"Instead of just watching the carnage of the Arab Spring unfold,... A special U.N. negotiations unit could meet with the parties involved, find out their bottom lines on reform, suggest alternatives, and set timetables. In the past month, I have discussed this proposal with key U.N., U.S., and Syrian officials...
As Syria's situation worsens, there are some indications that President Bashar al-Assad may be serious about dialogue... Although Assad's opponents have rejected his call for a national dialogue, the parties might be brought together by a catalyst. A credible mediator like the United Nations could monitor promised reforms, report the facts, and apply international pressure, including sanctions, when appropriate.
I spoke with Assad and his father, former President Hafez al-Assad, during my time in the Senate, and I found those dialogues useful. Last year, I led a delegation of six senators to Syria to meet with Bashar al-Assad. Although we approached the meeting with skepticism, we thought it turned out to be worth the effort. Many other members of Congress have also visited Syria in recent years and reported that their meetings there were productive...
In Libya, meanwhile, the growing prospect of a stalemate and continued killing of civilians are good reasons to seek a settlement there, even though Col. Moammar Gadhafi deserves to be in prison. Facing an outstanding arrest warrant for war crimes, he might be persuaded to step down...
The situations in Syria and Libya are so desperate that we must try creative approaches. The United Nations is the last best hope for dealing with the Assads and Gadhafis of the Arab world."