The Politics of Military Action in Syria - Research Paper Example

The Politics of Military Action in Syria The United s stands as the world’s superpower, besides being the largest economy in the world (Hafiz 2). This puts it in a good position to ensure that everyone in the world lives in peace and tranquility. In fact, as the world’s superpower, the U.S. has had a huge influence on the major decisions affecting the world. This includes intervening in crises in different countries in the world. However, even as it tries to intervene in crises affecting some countries in the world, especially those in conflict, politics often comes into play. In this regard, some section of the country and some politicians in the country have often argued that all U.S. wars with other countries are based on lies. The U.S. has engaged in several wars in the past, most of which have generated controversies. On one hand, there are those who have been supporting the U.S. foreign policy of going into war when it deems necessary (Hafiz 2). On the other hand, there are those who have often maintained that the U.S. use lies and ill intension to invade other countries. Some of the wars that have generated condemnation in recent times include the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. The war in Afghanistan, though received significant support from many Americans and politicians across the world because it was aimed at dismantling and killing Osama bin Laden, some people condemned it on grounds that it was going to result in the killing of innocent civilians. The war on Iraq was also very controversial with some people in support and other against the war. The U.S. invasion of Iraq was based on allegation that Sadam and his henchmen were enriching weapons of mass destruction (Womencitizen par. 5). However, this turned out not to be true after the war since nothing has been further from the truth. This has put the U.S. at a bad position, especially anytime it intends to use military force against a country in crisis where intervention is necessary. The Obama administration has found itself at it again in August 31, 2013 when Obama announced its intension to use military intervention against Syria (Kahn 3). This is after politics came into play with some bipartisan group of senators and congresspersons criticizing the Obama move arguing that Obama should have sought approval of the Congress. However, regardless of the political bickering, the war in Syria has escalated to the extent that it needs intervention. The war that began in 2011 between the Syrian government under president Asaad and opposition forces has been termed as one of the worst wars in recent times. The conflict that began in 2011 as an Arab Spring and has continued unabated for more than two years now with no sign of the war ending any time soon. Report indicates that the conflict has affected at least four million Syrians most of whom are civilians. The report also indicated that at least 7,500 people have so far died since the war began, while about one million others have been displaced from their homes (Laub and Masters par. 3). In fact, most refugee camps in Syria and neighboring countries are full with refugees from Syria. Laub and Masters revealed that thousands of Syrians are forcefully being displaced every day by the ranging war between the Syrian government and the opposition forces (par. 6). Most of the displaced persons leave their homes in a bid to seek protection, medical care, and aid. In fact, findings show that the neighboring countries such as Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt are hosting thousands of Syrian refugees. Some Syrians even opt to seek refuge as far as Morocco and Yemen. As earlier stated, at least one million Syrians have crossed the border into other countries to seek refuge. As a country that believes in democracy and the rule of law, the Obama administration announced its intension to use military intervention in the war. In a speech delivered to the Congress, the Obama administration maintained that the U.S. could not sit back and see innocents lives continue being lost in the ragging war between the al-Assad forces and the opposition forces. This move was particularly triggered by the alleged use of chemical weapons against opposition forces and civilians on August 22. As such, the Obama Administration announced on August 31, 2013 its intension to carry out sustained bombardments and missile strikes, which is aimed at destroying Assad’s arsenals, as well as increasing the insurgent forces’ capabilities without necessarily strengthening Al Qaeda and finally toppling al-Assad from power (Kahn 3). However, this move has since received strong opposition and support in almost equal measure. Those against the use of military force have argued that the move is uncalled for and is based on lies. In fact, immediately after the Obama administration announced the use of military force, civil rights activists and a section of politicians staged a huge protest in the streets of Washington urging the Congress to reject the proposed use of military action against Syria. The protesters even went to the extent of playing soccer next to the White House. The activists opposed the war not because of them being isolationists, but because they believed that, the use of military force would result in the death of many innocent Syrian citizens (Hayden 12). The Socialist Equality Party together with the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) also called on the Congress to ignore the proposed use of military force against Syria terming the war as illegal and based on lies. They pointed out the Obama administration was struggling to create a political cover to start an illegal war that majority of Americans are against. In addition, they noted that the Obama administration is lying to the Congress and public that the military force would be limited and only aimed at removing al-Assad from power for using chemical weapon (Political Committee of the Socialist Equality Party par. 3). At the same time, a section of the media have also pointed out that President Obama, Joe Biden, John Kerry, and Chuck Hagel were all senators during president George W. Bush administration where they were vocal in calling for congressional approval at a time Bush was considering using a military action against Iraq. As such, they see the move by the Obama administration to use the military force against Syria as being highly hypocritical (Hayden 12). However, as much as the proposed use of military force against Syria has received lots of criticism from both the public and rights group, some politicians from both Republicans and Democrats have supported the proposed use of military action against Syria. Senator John McCain, for example, voiced his support for the use of military action to solve the crisis in Syria. In a speech delivered on September 2, 2013, McCain criticized any vote by the Congress against the proposed use of military action against Syria arguing that it would be catastrophic. McCain who was with his fellow republican Senator Lindsey Graham in a meeting with Obama argued that they supported changes in the proposed use of military force (Hayden 12). In his speech, he called on Obama to broaden the resolution to include broadening it to make it, not just response to the use of chemical weapons, but to include a goal that will degrade al-Assad’s capabilities, enhance and upgrade the free Syrian government, as well as the capabilities of Free Syrian Army to enhance its strength on the battlefield. However, an approval of the use of military force against Syria is likely to be met with strong opposition from Christians and various religious groups in the country. In fact, Christians and various religious groups have both supported and condemned the use of military force in almost equal measure. Thos against the use of military force against the military action have called for dialogue in solving the conflict. They argue that, even though the military action may help end the conflict, its consequences cannot be overlooked. They maintain that the use of military force will result in the death of many Syrian citizens who will be caught in the midst of the military strike. According to these religious voices, killing innocent lives is not only barbaric, but also unethical. According to them, God condemns killing innocent people. Therefore, the best solution to the conflict is the use of diplomacy. Among Christian leaders who have condemned the use of military action against Syria, include Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Rick Warren, and pastor of Saddleback Church just to name but a few. In fact, study conducted by the National Association of Evangelicals on September 3, 2013 revealed that 62.5% of evangelical’s leaders are against the use of military force in Syria. The Muslim religious groups have also voiced their concerns regarding the proposed use of military force against Syria. Imam Feisal Abd Rauf, of the chair of (ASMA) also condemned the use of military action in Syria terming it unethical since it would result in the death of innocent people (Hafiz 2). Despite strong opposition from many religious groups, some have supported the use of military action, arguing that it will help deter future use of chemical weapons against innocent people. Among the religious groups and individuals who have supported the use of military force in Syria, include the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) (Hafiz 2). In conclusion, the situation in Syria needs an urgent intervention. Many people continue to die while thousand others are displaced every day due to the escalating conflict. Therefore, regardless of the political or religious stand that one may have on the conflict, military action is needed very urgently. This will not only help end the conflict, but also restore democracy in Syria. As such, the proposed military action against al-Assad should be approved by the congress. Therefore, religious leaders and rights groups needs to change their stand regarding the matter to save millions of Syrians who are suffering at the hands of a cruel and merciless president Works Cited Alleyne, Akil. Congress Should Reject Obamas Proposed Authorization For the Use of Military Force Against Syria. 2013. Web. 9 Nov. 2013, http://www.policymic.com/articles/61871/congress-should-reject-obama-s-proposed-authorization-for-the-use-of-military-force-against-syria Hafiz, Yasmine. Where Religious Leaders Stand On A Military Strike On Syria. The Huffington Post, September 10, 2013. Web. Hayden, Tom. The Real Reason for War With Syria. The Nation, September 6, 2013. Web. Kahn, Paul. Syria Conflict: The Politics Of The Presidents Use Of Force. Aljazeera America, September 9, 2013. Web. Laub, Zachary, and Jonathan Masters. Syrias Crisis and the Global Response. Web. 9 Nov. 2013, http://www.cfr.org/syria/syrias-crisis-global-response/p28402 Political Committee of the Socialist Equality Party. No To War Against Syria! 2013. Web. 9 Nov. 2013, http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2013/09/02/pers-s02.html Reuters. Senator McCain: Congress Rejecting Use Of Force In Syria Would Be Catastrophic. Chicago Tribune, September 02, 2013.Web. Womencitizen. Obama Seeks Congressional Approval to Bomb Syria. Web. 9 Nov. 2013, http://www.womencitizen.com/world-21/obama-seeks-congressional-approval-to-bomb-syria-1848.html Read More