Russia vetoed Arab League call for sanctions on Syria ; China went along . George Lopez : The problem is effort to keep U.N. from imposing sanctions , period . Russia believes the U.N. must be cautious in its response to crises , he writes . Such proactive council legislation has been successful in de-funding al-Qaeda , stifling murderous militias in Africa , slowing nuclear proliferation and protecting innocent civilians from slaughter . Lopez : First , Russia wants to curb U.N. 's efforts to promote peace , human rights .
Russia vetoed Arab League call for sanctions on Syria ; China went along . George Lopez : The problem is effort to keep U.N. from imposing sanctions , period . Russia believes the U.N. must be cautious in its response to crises , he writes . Lopez : First , Russia wants to curb U.N. 's efforts to promote peace , human rights .