President Obama and his team are under growing pressure to make up their minds. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
The crisis in Syria now holds the attention of the world. It brings the world perilously close to yet another conflict, with the US planning possible action in the country following the incident a few days ago where chemical weapons were allegedly used on the outskirts of Damascus, killing hundreds of people. The Baathist regime of President Bashar al-Assad is blamed for the hideous attack on its own people though it denied carrying out the action or having anything to do with it.
Few believe this however, either in Syria or outside of it. The civil war there has raged now for over two years as the rebels’ attempt to throw the Assad set-up has led to greater violence. Following the chemical weapon onslaught, the feeling in Washington has been that it cannot really stand by and watch. But, at the same time, it is also obvious that US President Barrack Obama is caught in a dilemma. He has made it clear that he is still pondering the options. US allies have also been lately considering what to do — with the UK, which would play a key part in any military action in Syria, initially suggesting it would fully back a US move in the country, but more recently, seeking a full report from the UN Security Council before any final decision is taken on the matter. Within the Security Council, Russia, a key Syrian ally, is almost certain to use its veto powers against the use of force.
President Obama and his team are under growing pressure to make up their minds. What should be clear is that air strikes on Syria will not really resolve matters. With an expensive military campaign in Afghanistan drawing to a close, the US and its allies are leaving that country with arguably bigger problems than Afghanistan faced when it was invaded. A similar scenario playing out in Syria will be a huge disaster for the country, the US and its allies, and the region at large. What happens next is something that could determine a great deal about the way things stand at present in the world and how the future will shape up for the Middle East, as the US ponders its equations with countries in that region.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 30th, 2013.
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Not a good idea. It will simply cost too much money and our nations is still hurting despite the better news for Wall St and the wealthy. Retirees on Social Security have had miniscule increases and can barely make it now. There is barely a middle class left in this country. Our infrastructure has been neglected for so long, we are on very dangerous ground literally. All of these areas have lacked attention due to so much money going to fund the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. If we make Syria a priority instead of our very own citizens, the consequences will spell disaster for those families who are suffering now. Don't do anything big in Syria. Think of some other lower cost strategies that also include a lower profile. I do not see Syria as a direct threat to our nation. It is dire there but together with other countries, other measures can be taken.
Go ahead u.s save world from terrorism
A simple question to all? From when Israel has become the supporter of "oppressed muslims"? As one of the supporter of attack on Syria is Israel.
Use of chemical weapon is drama conducted to divert the attention from Egypt. The Drama is conducted by Opposition of Mr. Asad on behalf of Saudies.
If the US does strike in Syria, it's not likely to solve any problems there, but it will be a message for Iran.
In a perfect World everyone would come together and get rid of Assad who has slaughtered over a 100,000 of his own people and is now resorted to using chemical weapons. That ain't going to happen. Second best thing would be for the Muslim World to finally get it's act together and remove Assad themselves - he's as bad as they come. That ain't going to happen either. So your left with the West handling it or nothing.
Invasion is not a good idea, but using poison gas on your people needs some response. Only dictators with unlimited powers and not afraid of opposition can do that.
"After Afghanistan and Iraq, now Syria " You missed Libya in between. After Syria it might be Iran in all probability unless she goes nuclear before that. Chances are high that Syria might be get spared as Russians are getting aggressive and have brought their navy in Mediterranean.