Syria Audio Feature: "Annan's Resignation is A Sideshow...and What Is Really Important" --- Scott Lucas with Monocle 24

I spoke with Monocle 24's The Daily last night about the developments in Syria and the short-term prospects.

The take-away line is of the relative lack of significance of the resignation of envoy Kofi Annan and the United Nations' attempts at diplomacy. Instead, the crisis is being decided by the fighting on the ground. And while the UN has no Plan B, both the insurgents and some members of the international community do --- backed by increasing assistance from the US, European nations, Turkey, and Arab States, the insurgency has broken the regime's control of large areas of Syria and is now threatening to do so in Aleppo.

To listen to the discussion, go to The Daily's homepage, click on the programme for 2 August, and begin at the 9:25 mark.