Should America intervene in Syria?

Syria is presently in a state of civil war. President Bashar al-Assad is attempting to quash a rebellion by cruel attacks on his enemies. Many innocent victims, including innocent women and children, are being injured and killed. In western nations, pressure is mounting for America, with or without its allies, to intervene and halt the slaughter. This writer believes this would be a mistake for the following reasons:

* Intervention in Syria does not meet the criteria for a just war

Syria is involved in a civil war between two factions within its borders. The country is not a direct threat to the safety and security of the United States. In addition, in this day of modern weapons and advanced technology, many more innocent civilians will be needlessly slaughtered if an outside nation causes the intensity of the battle to escalate.

* The US cannot afford it.

The U.S. debt is presently over 15 trillion dollars and that amount is increasing every minute. The country is trying to dig its way out of a recession and it simply cannot afford to take on any other projects or responsibilities at this time.

* Each nation has the right to decide its own destiny.

From 1861 to 1865 America was involved in its own civil war. No other nation interfered, stepped in, or tried to dictate the outcome. In the end, justice prevailed and the United States endured to become the greatest democratic country on earth. American politicians, and their allies in NATO must allow the Syrians the freedom to work out their differences without interference.

* Intervention in another Arab conflict will further damage the American image.

America's foreign policy has already made it extremely unpopular in the Arab world. After the invasions of Iraq, Afghanistan, and the killing of Osama bin Laden, resentment against US and its leaders is at an all-time high.

* Charity begins at home.

Within the United States, there are 1.5 homeless people, Many children and adults don't know where their next meal will come from, and numerous citizens of all ages can't afford necessary health care. Returning veterans with emotional illnesses lack treatment to help them resume normal lives. State and local governments are cutting social programs because of large budget deficits. It seems only reasonable that the country should get its own house in order, before rushing off to help those in a distant land.

* Intervention is likely to be a useless endeavor.

America backed the pro-democratic Egyptian rebels as they deposed dictator Hosni Mubarek. What was gained? Following the first election, there are rival claims to victory between Mubarek's ex prime minister, and a member of the fundamental Islamist Brotherhood, neither of whom is likely to be friendly to the United States.

The U.S. military spent about 1 billion dollars backing Libya’s revolution against dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The Libyan Transitional National Council has been recognized by the United Nations as the legitimate governing authority for Libya. It announced that Transitional National Assembly elections will be held in June, 2012. Whether or not that will actually occur remains to be seen.

Syria's revolution is indeed an tragedy, but the Syrians must be allowed to settle their own problems. There are American citizens who exist in dire need each and every day,  and that is where its priorities must lie.