“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good
men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke 1770. This is one of the most common quotes
to be attributed to WWII, when good men stood by in Italy and Germany and
allowed the fascist regimes of Mussolini and Hitler to rise. I firmly believe
that this can be attributed to Syria right now. The international community is
still sitting on its hands, largely neutered due to Russia and China.
Hillary Clinton has issued a statement where she accuses
Russia of lying; Russia claims that the only weapons they are sending to the
Syrian Army will not be used against civilians. This claim is not believed by
the international community, considering that all weapons available have been
used against civilians. Clinton is using increasingly angry rhetoric, most
people believe that she is trying to apply diplomatic pressure to Russia in an
attempt to change Russia’s viewpoint.
The only problem is I think it will take a lot more pressure
to change Russia’s mind. When Russia abstained over the Libya vote, and Libya
turned out to be such a success Russia felt ignored. Now Russia is trying to
show the world that it is still important and still powerful, by allowing the
deaths of thousands. Russia may not be participating in the actual killing, but
it is guilty by consent.
Months ago I would not have advocated military intervention,
but now I believe it is the only thing we can do to prevent all out civil war
between the different groups in Syria. What would be best would be an UN peacekeeping
mission that would not take sides, but protect civilians.
The Assad regime cannot stay. It must stand down, or get
blown up.
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