Forget Libya, The Syrian Conflict Is What's Going To Make The Middle East Explode

"This crisis cannot remain confined within Syrian territory," Brahimi said. "Either it is solved, or it gets worse... and sets (the region) ablaze. A truce for (the Muslim holiday of) Eid al-Adha would be a microscopic step on the road to solving the Syria crisis."

Brahimi called on Monday for a temporary ceasefire during the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday starting on October 26.

"The Syrian people, on both sides, are burying some 100 people a day," he said.

"Can we not ask that this toll falls for this holiday? This will not be a happy holiday for the Syrians, but we should at least strive to make it less sad."

The Damascus regime says it is prepared to discuss the proposal in talks with Brahimi. The exiled opposition says it would welcome a ceasefire, but insists the ball is in the government's court to halt its daily bombardments.