The Conflict in Syria, Reaction Paper Example

The most important thing to keep in mind about the Syrian crisis is that outside intervention could lead to a serious escalation of the civil war and spread into regional countries, thereby creating instability in the Middle East.

The Pro intervention stance – Nick Hopkins of the UK Guardian newspaper states that western intervention is looking increasingly more probable because of the fear of the conflict spreading into other Arabic countries.  There is an added concern that the Syrian Assad led Government has stockpiled chemical weapons and may use these against the people or Israel. The civil war is a tribal conflict between Suni and Shia forces and has already attracted external terrorist elements like Al Quada and spread into neighboring Lebanon.  The west views this as a proxy was between Iran and Saudi Arabia and has so far been reluctant to intervene because of lack of support from Russia and China in the UN Security Council.  I tend to disagree with the analysis that the west will intervene militarily; it is already dealing with the aftermath of Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan.  There is not really the will to further escalate the problems by adding Syria to the list, particularly at a time of burgeoning financial instability in the west.  The west is likely to continue using sanctions, international diplomacy and providing aid / support to the freedom fighters.  (Hopkins, N. 2012).

The anti intervention stance – Both China and Russia have blocked military intervention moves in the UN Security Council, despite being endorsed by a wide number of other countries.  China and Russia have both advocated for an internal resolution to the problem but have been seen to be supportive of the Assad regime. The US and other western allies have condemned this veto on the grounds of not considering the humanitarian issues and the genocide that is taking place in Syria by the Assad regime.  The Russians have stated that they fear intervention will bring a wider conflict into the region involving countries like Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq and Iran.  Nevertheless, it is viewed that this is a self-serving interest by the Russians and Chinese and not supportive of  the majority of the people in Syria.  I tend to think that the only real solution would be intervention by the UN Security Council with full endorsement by its members and the active and willing participation by members of the Arab League of Nations. A western lead intervention would only further deteriorate the situation and promote wider conflict in the region. (Bodeen, C. 2012).

Works Cited

Bodeen, C. (2012, 8 13). Beijing, Moscow repeat stance on Syria intervention. Retrieved from Macau Daily Times: http://www.macaudailytimes.com.mo/china/36445-beijing-moscow-repeat-stance-on-syria-intervention.html

Hopkins, N. (2012, 8 13). Syria crisis: western troops ‘increasingly likely’ to intervene. Retrieved from The Guardian : http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jul/25/syria-crisis-western-troops-intervene/print