Should the United States intervene in the Syrian conflict? ( July, 2013 )

It would be ill-advised indeed for the United States to intervene in the Syrian conflict. In the recent past  America and its allies have become involved in the following conflicts in the Middle East. When the outcome of each is examined, it will become evident that the lives lost and the financial cost were far from worthwhile.  

The Persian Gulf War (1990-1991)

 

In response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait, American forces with coalition allies, under orders of President George H. W. Bush, entered Kuwait, expelled Iraqi forces and liberated the country. Subsequently, U.S. forces pursued the enemy back into Iraq, but stopped short of marching to Baghdad and deposing dictator Sadam Hussein. Kuwait was freed but the Iraqi regime still had to be dealt with. 

The Second Gulf War (1993-2010)

 

After the first Gulf War, the Iraqi government failed to cooperate with United Nations' weapons inspectors. It was reported that Saddam Hussein was amassing deadly chemical and biological weapons to use against his enemies. Coalition forces, composed mainly of the military from the United States and Britain, invaded Iraq, executed the dictator and overthrew his regime. No weapons of mass destruction were found.

A provisional Iraqi government was set up, but there was much unrest because of warring factions within the country itself. In 2010, U.S. combat operations officially ended. Troops which remained for the support and training Iraqi forces were withdrawn in December of 2011.

 Operation Enduring Freedom (2001 to the present)

 

In 2001, the United States, with coalition forces, invaded Afghanistan, with the intention of ousting the Taliban government. The conflict has become the longest war in which America has been involved. The present plan is for all U.S. troops to be withdrawn by the end of 2014. Tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians have lost their lives in this war.

 

Conflict in Pakistan (2004 to the present)

Nominally an ally of the United States in the War Against Terror, the citizens of Pakistan are the most resentful of the American presence of any group in the Middle East. National forces are in constant conflict with radical Islamic groups within its borders. Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda, was killed in Pakistan in 2011. The country is important because it is the main supply route for oil and supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan, and it possesses nuclear weapons. The country is a major recipient of American foreign aid.

Intervention in Libya (2011)

 Under the direction of the United Nations, America and its allies intervened in the Libyan civil war, helping rebel forces overthrow dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Gaddafi was killed and a new Islamic government was set up. Islam is the religion of the majority of Libyans and there are continuing problems due to armed groups of extremists who disagree with policies of the present government.

The outcome of earlier interventions in the Middle East has been:

 

 1. Tens of thousands of deaths of American troops, foreign forces and citizens.

2. Tremendous financial cost at a time when America cannot afford it.

 

3. Resentment and ill will toward America and its citizens by those countries where the intervention has occurred.

 4. The continuing threat of acts of terrorism on the homeland because of this resentment and ill will.

 

Except for the death of Osama bin Laden and the liberation of Kuwait, it could be argued that nothing of value has been achieved by previous American interventions in the Middle East.

The majority of people in the area have been Muslim for centuries. Unfortunately, there are extreme elements in all religions. Most Middle Eastern people are accustomed to the laws, traditions and customs of Islam. This will change only when they themselves decide to change it.

 

Democracy cannot be crammed down the throats of the citizens of any nation. It's high time Western nations accepted that fact.