Syrian Peace Talks Stalled

U.N. mediator Lakhdar Brahimi apologized to the Syrian people Saturday saying about a second round of talks, "we haven't done very much". In fact, they have agreed on an agenda for a third round of talks but not how to approach that agenda. The Syrian government insists on discussing terrorism and the opposition wants talks on a transitional government. The opposition asserts the government is stalling while continuing to bomb and kill civilians. Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar Jaafari  accuses the opposition of trying to mislead observers and undermine the process.

This seems to me to relate to the article "The Discourse of Adversaries". Each side wants to appear to be the legitimate party and to cast the other as illegitimate and/or extremist. They do not appear to be able to discuss the same issues much less resolve them. With three years of bloodshed and months of talks little has been accomplished, even with a U.N. appointed mediator. It is understandable that he felt a need to apologize for all parties involved.