Syrian conflict explodes


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On May 16, President Barack Obama told the public about evidence that shows chemical weapons being used in the ongoing Syrian crisis, according to BBC News.

Though the existence of chemical weapons being currently used is troublesome for many, the United States must not use this as a catalyst for intervening in the conflict.

The United Nations General Assembly recently voted on a resolution that condemned the Assad regime. World powers are coming together to decide whether or not the presence of foreign aid, either directly through military intervention, or indirectly through food, water, first aid and medicine should be a priority. The results showed 107 votes in favor, compared to the 133 in favor from the assembly in August.

But while discussing the issue at hand is imperative and the acts of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad absolutely abhorrent, nations at large must first evaluate the situation before rushing into armed conflicts without comprehending the repercussions and utilizing information that might not be valid.

Conflicting reports from a battle on March 19 allege that Assad’s army delivered chemical weapons using a Scud missile. The State Department recently discovered that there is “evidence that chemical weapons were used in Syria’s brutal civil war, but it is unclear who used them.”

Finding chemical weapons in the country would be strategic to building an international coalition to put boots on the ground. Looking to the historical example of Iraq as a guide, Obama has decided to wait for such reports to be fully substantiated before committing American soldiers to the conflict.

It appears that such a decision delays the fulfillment of short-term goals in the country and the region. However, even if chemical weapons were actually used, the specter of rebel factionalism would still remain; foreign aid would not coalesce the rebel splinters.

A full-on invasion might be the most preferable option once the matter is fully investigated. For the time being, the facts of the matter show that our armed forces not be ruled by the dictate of their passions.

 

Jack Merritt is a sophomore majoring in history.