The Problem With Syria

The problem with Syria is that it is populated with Syrians. This has proven to be the same type of issue with Egypt being populated with Egyptians, Iraq with Iraqis, and Afghanistan with Afghanis.  The one thing they all of these countries have in common is that they are not populated by Europeans, Americans, or other western nationalities. I hope this last statement is not misread to believe my thoughts lean toward some modern crusade. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I want very little to do with them, and I am certainly against any further arming of bands of the so-called freedom fighters du jour.  The problem is centered on the continuing wrong-headed belief that these rebel bands want the same thing that we would want.  They do not.

Iraq is the best, or worst, example. We defeat their armed forces, depose a dictator, provide assistance in setting up a democratic-style government, spend billions of dollars to repair damaged infrastructure, and then we leave. Instead of embracing this newfound freedom, they return to tribal warfare, murder and the slaughter of Christians who had long called Iraq their home.  As brutal as the Taliban in Afghanistan was, there appears to be no shortage of support for their return to the good old days of female oppression, more tribal warfare, and maintaining a way of life rooted in the 12^th century under Islam and Sharia law.

So why would we want to be involved in Syria? The best answer is that our government feels like they should do something. After all, Senator John McCain makes the claim that it is in our national interest to be involved there to protect the innocent civilians who are being killed by the Assad loyalists and army. I seriously doubt whether a dead man, woman, or child cares who pulled the trigger or planted the bomb. If Senator McCain believes these groups of freedom fighters are different than those throughout the Middle East, he needs to offer up his evidence.  At the present time the evidence points only to more of the same (here).

If we are just chomping at the bit to help, then let’s send food and medical supplies to Syria. I’m not naïve enough to believe it will all get to where we think it should go, but the same can be said for the weaponry we are so willing to send.