Of course, in 2016, the war was escalating, or expanding internationally, we might say. Let me remind you how the conflict started. It began with what seemed to be another revolution as part of what was then called the Arab Spring. It was thought to be the last frontier, given that the al‑Assads had ruled for decades. The country that was thought to be immune to popular uprisings finally rose up, with uprisings in the plural. Religious groups, secular groups and groups of students took to the streets. One would be hard-pressed to name any single group at the origin of those revolutions.
The repression was brutal in the extreme. A turning point came in 2015‑16, when foreign forces started supporting the groups. This was followed by stronger intervention by Russia, a refugee crisis, of course, and then the emergence of Daesh, which had had a number of names before that one.
Canada acted firmly in the crisis. I don't want to say that the country is stable today. It is not, but the situation is more hopeful. Amid that hope, Canada is seen as a legitimate player that can contribute to a more just transition with the ability to support the institutions.
Yes, there are things Canada can do. The world is presently in conflict. Generally speaking, though, the difficult work comes when things are going badly. Canada is a welcome player when a number of others do not always agree among themselves. At the Syrians' invitation, certain efforts can have great added value in terms of what Syria becomes, so I encourage you all to join their ambition.