Syrian Civil War: Should the US intervene?
The two-year ongoing Syrian civil war reached its turning point last month. The Assad regime is allegedly responsible for the use of chemical weapons, killing 1,429 civilians (462 were children) (BBC, 2013). As a result, the US has been contemplating a military strike against Syria in order to hold Assad's regime accountable of their wrong doings not only for the massive killings upon their own people, but for using chemical weapons.
My take on this whole ordeal is that Assad's regime should be held accountable for killing their own people and being passive about it is not the solution, as it may imply enabling such heinous acts. However, attacking Syria is not the solution either. Although the US military strike will be an air strike, the indirect underlying consequences will result into war; and in turn, lead to escalating massive killings. Blood will be shed and more lives will be lost.
One cannot fight violence with more violence. There must be a pacifist and effective approach, as attacking the Assad regime is not going to deter Assad's behavior but make him more defensive and attack us back in conjunction with Syria's allies. Something should be done or Assad will continue but is it the US place to get involved? The US has a history of getting involved in the affairs of foreign countries. For instance, the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Iraq Invasion. This is too similar to what lead to the war in Iraq. One cannot expect the outcome to be different this time.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for advocating for human rights and social justice, but I am also an advocate for world peace. The US cannot get too distracted protecting another nation, and neglect the protection of its own people. Assad will retaliate as he is prepared to do so. He claimed with confidence that Syria "is capable of confronting any external aggression" (Associated Press, 2013). Syria is already preparing their weapons to attack back, and with this I'm not implying that Syria is more powerful than the US, but will the US military strike make Assad's regime stop? Will it solve anything? How will it affect not only the US but other nations as well? What would be the most effective approach is the question in line? In all fairness, President Obama is not making an impulsive decision, as he is seeking congressional approval.
Let's pray for world peace and for the best outcome
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23927399
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/obama-to-seek-congressional-approval-before-launching-any-military-strike-against-syria/2013/08/31/98e45d30-12b2-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html
