The Arab League is taking steps against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for his government’s use of force against uprisings. The Arab League approved a series of measures on Saturday, including suspending Syria’s membership with the league, imposing sanctions and promising to seek U.N. help. At least 3,500 Syrian civilians have died since its government’s crackdown.
The measures mark the third time a nation has been suspended. The previous two occurrences were Egypt in 1979 and 1989 for a peace treaty with Israel, and Libya in March for their uprising. Two countries voted against Syria’s suspension, Yemen and Lebanon, with Iraq abstaining. Syria has until Wednesday before the suspension takes effect, giving them a small window of time to comply with the Arab League’s peace plan.
