Syria, Violence and Immoral Unilateral Action

The images from the Middle East are clear. Chemical weapons have been used against a civilian population. These weapons represent a form of warfare that was banned by more than 183 nations as beyond having any value to humanity. These uncontainable instruments of war are a scourge upon the planet on which we all live.

There is no doubt that nations that use such weapons represent a grave threat to humanity as a whole. Where I diverge with the opinion of our national leaders is in what response is reasonable, prudent and in our national interest.

Syria is flanked by nations that have a direct national security interest in insuring that such weapons are not deployed in their region.  Turkey, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon all share a mutual interest in securing their populations safety from any possibility of chemical attack.

The question that should haunt Americans as they consider our governments plan to launch an attack on Syria is Why Us?  For decades, American foreign policy has focused on unilateral action that sets our nation up as the police force of the world. This policy has alienated millions and feeds the ranks of extremist organizations with fresh recruits.

Further contemplation of the current situation leads me to wonder why violence is automatically put forth as the only alternative. With our nations vast influence across the globe surly there should be a plethora of alternatives upon the table.  Unilateral military action holds little chance of insuring that chemical weapons will not again be used.

Violence as a first alternative is immoral; policing the world for other nations represents a policy of imperialism that has failed to insure the safety of our own population in the past.

Now is the time to enter into serious discussions with regional nations as to how to respond to this unacceptable escalation of attacks on innocent men, women and children. Yes, there must be a response, but it is the national interests of the regions nations that are being threatened and any response should be firmly grounded in the intent, efforts and opinions of those nations that surround Syria, not American unilateral action.