American entanglement in Syria could escalate tension in region
Ryan Scott
There have been discussions recently as to whether or not the United States should get involved in Syria’s national conflict; a decision which will have consequences and repercussions that will vary depending on what decision is ultimately made.
These conversations began after it was discovered that Bashar al-Assad’s government used chemical weapons on their own citizens, killing more than 1,400 people including children.
“We face major uncertainties regardless of what we do,” said national security analyst Anthony Cordesman.
The proposed strike would result in the death of more innocent citizens.
According to officials at the Pentagon the target list being worked on is being put together with an emphasis on limiting civilian casualties, though it is not possible to guarantee that no civilians will be harmed.
The U.S. has emphasized its focus on preventing the use of chemical weapons with President Obama saying in his address to the nation on Tuesday that the use of chemical weapons is a “crime against humanity”, and that it is a violation of the laws of war.
However, even if the U.S. strike succeeds in preventing the use of chemical weapons, it will not prevent Assad from using other methods of killing more Syrian citizens.
“It’s a mess,” said Brian Dillie, a Political Science teacher at MCC. “Is there any way out of the box we’re in?”
Dillie, who has a PHD in Foreign Policy, believes that there is potential for a diplomatic solution as opposed to a strike.
“I am not a pacifist,” added Dillie but he feels that the U.S could attempt to diplomatically isolate Syria, and thus not allow them the benefits of a civilized nation.
“Their actions were unprecedented so we should have an unprecedented response,” Dillie said.
Another potential consequence would be the need to deploy ground troops in Syria if the situation escalates; however, President Obama reassured citizens in his speech Tuesday that he has no intentions of deploying troops.
There would be roughly 75 thousand troops needed in Syria if the U.S. were to have to have to put troops on the ground, according to estimates from the Pentagon last November.
“We’re going to stretch ourselves to thin,” said ASU student Nick Depietro.
