News What To Do About Syria?

[twopenny]

I'm conflicted about the whole thing.

On the one hand, sovereign countries should not be interfered with in the way that happened with Iraq (Bush and Blair wanted rid of Saddam, and didn't care how), but on the other hand, governments should not be allowed to slaughter and torture their citizens without consequences.

As far as I can see, that's what the UN is for, and they should be going in. The fact that two countries, particularly countries such as Russia and China, with appalling and sickening human rights records, can block action when it's (arguably) justified frightens me.

Yes, let the inspectors do their work, and file their report, but then what, if action is still being blocked. Again, this is one of the reasons the UN exists... If action by them is to be perpetually blocked, then they're useless, and may as well be disbanded.

I'm not sure how I feel about the parliamentary vote - we (UK) can't really afford more military action, and there isn't the will in the country to carry it out, but there does come a time when you have to stand up and say that something is wrong, regardless of what it costs, or what the law says.

Like I said, conflicted.

 

[saffy]

I think by Sunday we should know the report from UN. If it says it was chemical they will still not be able to say for sure who dropped it. Whether the traces of it can be pinpointed to a particular group is doubtful.

If however, without a shadow of doubt be proved that it was asaad who did it then he breaches so many conventions that legally he can be arrested and overthrown. Without the use of more bombs. If this was on the table I think we would get the backing of Russia and China who evidently do not like what is going on but are making too much money on arms deals with Syria and neighbouring countries.

Let us not forget thought that the overthrowing of saddam did not make it any better or more stable in that country. Bombing and interference by our military did not make it more stable or better either.

Therefore by going in with military forces will not make Syria stable or better for the people as it is a civil war as well.

Syria and allies still know we are a military and country to be reckoned with and this will not make us appear like we dont care or that we are weak. Infact, it will do the opposite and show we are not just gun ho bomb it first ask questions later attitude anymore.

Vietnam was another wrong doing.

Best wishes
Saffy :)

 

[Pietro]

NYTimes article by David Brooks -- pretty much sums-up the situation.