Russia had vetoed 12 UN security council resolutions since March 2011. These resolutions have all been vital to protecting innocent people but it seems that Russia's strategic interest in Syria, its arms deals and lack of friendship with Western Europe have dominated over humanitarian issues.
Russia's vetoes have enabled Assad to remain in power. Now the US fears that Russia continually using its UN veto rights will weaken the security council's legitimacy. The UN's struggle to prevent further bombing and protect civilians means Russia is moving further and furthe away from countries that could have been allies.
There may be a way for the western nations to work around the fact that Russia has vetoed UN Security Council votes dealing with the Syrian crisis at least eleven times. Three ideas have been mentioned: expand the permanent membership of the Council, waive veto rights in cases of mass atrocities, or use a “rarely used route, first set up in the 1950 Korean crisis.
Called “uniting for peace”, it would…bypass a Russian veto and refer the matter to a full vote at the general assembly. It would then require a two-thirds majority”. Of course Russia opposes this tactic because they would not have veto power. It remains to be seen what actions will be taken.
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