Syrian government and Russian forces are fighting armed opposition groups in the northwest; ISIS is stepping up its attacks across the country; Turkey is attacking Kurdish-led forces in the northeast; the Kurdish-led forces are fighting local tribes; and the United States and Israel are hitting back against forces linked to Iran.
With the region in turmoil, a dedicated international effort to contain the fighting on Syrian soil is imperative. Over a decade of bloodshed needs a diplomatic end. A lasting truce in Gaza would also considerably calm the situation in Syria, decreasing tensions between the foreign powers — including the United States, Israel and Iran through its proxies — that are active militarily inside the country.
In the meantime, the most egregious violations could end if the fighting stops. We implore the international community to not lose sight of the Syrian crisis. Syria needs courageous diplomats, daring donors and determined prosecutors more than ever. And more than anything else, after nearly 13 years of conflict, it needs a nationwide cease-fire now.
@TariffCodGreen3mos3MO
Syria was a secular country with full religious (though not political) freedom. It had one of the highest university enrolment of women in universities. Free healthcare and dental care.
Syria’s cardinal sin and unpardonable crime was refusing to accept Israel’s occupational and then annexation of its Golan Heights.
Brutality has nothing to do with it (witness the red carpet treatment of Saudi Arabia and Egypt). Washington has no problem with vicious dictators. It is disobedient ones it cannot tolerate.
Plenty of other countries refused to accept Israel's occupation and annexation of the Golan Heights but somehow managed not to sink into permanent warfare. Syria itself occupied a large segment of Lebanon until it had to give it up, most unwillingly. There must be other explanations. I agree that journalists label 'complex' situations they either do not know much about or do not feel at liberty talking about. I doubt Golan Heights is one of those situations. So, what else might have ailed Syria?
@VoleAriaRepublican3mos3MO
Syria feel apart when the movement called the "Arab Spring" arrived. Nothing about the Arab Spring had to do with Israel or the Golan Heights. The Arab Spring was about citizens trying to obtain some kind of dignity, respect, and rights in the authoritarian nations of the Arab League.
Nope, not Israel's fault.
@S0cialistLynxDemocrat3mos3MO
I admire Obama, but he made a huge error not taking out the Syrian military air bases like he threatened to do if they started poisoning civilians again. Yeah, the British conservatives in Parliament surprised him, with their successful bid to take over, but going to Mitch McConnell for Senate approval was weak. Worst, of course, was falling for the Russian intervention to “remove the chemical weapons” which brought them in where they would dominate.
@UnicornGenesisDemocrat3mos3MO
The primary US goal was to topple Assad by arming and supporting Islamic extremists who shared the same goal. Secondarily, to weaken ISIS. But the US regime change effort has failed. At Syria’s invitation Russia intervened to save Assad.
@9JSYBX73mos3MO
There are so many people against each other so this war has broken into chaos.
@9JSFPKF3mos3MO
america should stop being a ****** leave countries alone!
@9JSB8FP3mos3MO
I think the U.S doesn't take war in other countries seriously enough. We need to keep an eye on war in other countries to protect ourselves.
@9JS54CW3mos3MO
Why can’t we just not have a war
@9JS4K4D3mos3MO
If the conflict doesn’t involve us, we need to get our troops out of there.
@9JSB3XF3mos3MO
Have a greater effect on the nation
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
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