Syria: America’s next mistake
Syria is immersed in a civil war whose incipience dates from March of 2011. Popular demonstrations during that time were concurrent with the Arab Spring in other countries, which called for transitions in their various governments. In Syria, protesters vehemently demanded Syrian President Bashar al-Assad immediately step-down from his long-term post. Equally as significant, they wanted an end to Ba’ath Party rule. Assad responded to these civil protests with violent acts including but not limited to mass shootings, torture, and outright murders of political dissidents. Assad came to power on the heels of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who died in 2000. Desperate to hold onto the reins of power, Bashar has shown he will go to the extreme. Recent revelations his army used chemical weapons on civilians displays he will do anything to quell the opposition. Estimates of 100, 000 casualties to date, from this civil war, creates a growing pressure on the surrounding countries to find a solution to this “uncivil conflict.” Countries and rogue political groups are involving themselves in the mix. Hezbollah has sided with the Syrian regime while Al-Qaeda has moved in the direction of the rebels. Russia has sent munitions to Assad and recent news reveals Iran is sending 4,000 troops to aid the current regime. As the days go by, more needless deaths are paraded across World Media outlets. Within the last week, the Executive Branch has decided to aid the rebels with a level of armaments yet to be determined. Obama Administration officials know that once the two sides find common ground and settle their differences the newly unified country will return to its hate America posture. Why provide Syria with weapons knowing that enemies of this country will take possession of them? Obama’s penchant to place Muslim interests before those of Americans is very well known. Similar to the minor pretext used by the Johnson Administration to involve the nation in Vietnam, Obama is taking a page from history and repeating an error. In this case, Obama’s pretext is utilization by the Syrian regime of chemical weapons on a small number of its citizens. America is risking involvement in a conflict which can quickly explode into a regional war. Polls, taken by both major political persuasions, show overwhelmingly lack of enthusiasm to enter this civil war. While ancient John McCain pushes for our hand in the mix, Sarah Palin has shouted from her media pulpit the reverse. From a historical perspective, America will inch its way forward towards full involvement, including boots on the ground. In nearly every decision President Obama has made on foreign policy, the consequences have been nothing less than fatal to a country that has seen enough war. America should stay out Syria, nothing good will come from our involvement. Mark Davis MD, President of Healthnets Review Services, platomd@gmail.com, www.healthnetsreviewservices.com, Author of the book Demons of Democracy and the forthcoming work, Obamacare: Dead on Arrival, A Prescription for Disaster. Manager of the group on LinkedIn, Government in Transition. Join, comment and debate with some of the best minds on LinkedIn. Look for us on twitter.com/americassage.
