“Burning The Boats”

Brian Whitaker finds the metaphor I’ve been looking for:

the [Arab] league’s decision implies that Arab states no longer expect Assad to survive. Theoretically, he could be rehabilitated in the unlikely event that he complies with the “peace plan” but, for all practical purposes, 18 of the league’s 22 members have now burnt their boats and are beginning to prepare for the post-Assad era.

Bold action and risk-taking. Two qualities I never thought I’d associate with the Arab league.