"...The United States and Europe imposed their own sanctions on Syria, but Russia and China in October vetoed a Security Council resolution that would have only condemned Syria’s crackdown. Last week, Russia surprised the Council by proposing a new resolution calling on both sides to halt the violence, with no sanctions. It is clearly an effort to shield its ally from tougher penalties.The Arab League must speak out forcefully against his abuses, make clear it won’t permit him to manipulate the monitoring mission and ensure that sanctions that have imposed are carried out."