The world should not get its hopes high when it comes to the Syrian regime. It remains one that disregards human rights as much as human suffering, which is clearly visible in the carnage ensuing in the current conflict. Hence, dealings with the regime should be within this context.

Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, in his latest media appearance, insisted that the “battle” is turning in his favour. “I can summarise in one phrase: we are progressing, the situation on the ground is better but we have not yet won – this will take more time,” he said.

Al Assad also rejected the proposal to create buffer zones within Syria for those who have been displaced by the conflict. “Talk of buffer zones firstly is not on the table and secondly it is an unrealistic idea by hostile countries and the enemies of Syria,” Al Assad added. He further insisted that there is a “strong bond” between the regime and the people despite the “several mistakes” committed by it.

But the ground reality is far detached from Al Assad’s talk. There is real suffering that scores of people are experiencing every single day as the level of violence has been escalating and widening.