The UN’s June 16 decision to suspend operations of its 300 unarmed observers in Syria is not a surprise and represents the international organization finally admitting that a peace plan and cease-fire that was supposed to be implemented last April never took hold. The UN’s decision leaves the international community with no viable options to address the Syrian crisis that is now in its 16th month and devolving into a civil war.

The UN said it was suspending operations of its observer team due to escalating violence but also said they will remain in the country.  The observers will not be conducting patrols and their interactions with Syrian parties will be restricted.  The fate of the UN force is uncertain but must be decided by July 15 when its mandate is up for renewal.