Occasionally there are situations in the world that are too big, imposing and confusing to even consider getting your head around. The current crisis in Syria feels like one of those. It’s far from straightforward, and by the time you read this, the situation will no doubt have changed. So how do we explore this with young people? How do we even explain it?
To skip over years of history, it all began with the Arab Spring uprising in early 2011. Following on from similar protests in Egypt and Tunisia, the people of Syria rose up against dictatorial President Bashar al-Assad. However, unlike in Egypt and Tunisia, there was no swift resolution. The government forces reacted to the protests by opening fire on protesters and killing activists. In retaliation, the protestors shot back and the country descended into civil war.
In the two years that followed over 100,000 died and 2 million fled the country. What’s changed recently is that evidence was uncovered of a chemical weapon attack on the outskirts of Damascus, which left possibly hundreds dead - including many children. Last year President Obama said the use of chemical weapons would be a ‘red line’. And that’s where we are now; at the time of writing the UK parliament voted against military strikes against the Assad regime, but other countries, most notably the US, are still discussing them. Other measures such as confiscating Syria’s chemical weapons have also been discussed.
To complicate the matter further it has been argued that any strikes against Assad would be less about solving the crisis in Syria (as it certainly wouldn’t end the conflict), but more about a warning to those who may consider using chemical weapons in the future. The sad reality is that no matter what the UK, US and UN decide to do, there is no end in sight for this political crisis and humanitarian tragedy.
• How much do you know about what’s happening in Syria?
• How do you feel when you see the coverage on the news?
• How have you responded so far?
Christian activist Shane Claibourne has said: ‘Over and over we have tried to use the sword – in Iraq, in Afghanistan, now possibly in Syria… and the sword has failed. The cure becomes as bad as the disease. When we fight fire with fire, we only get a bigger fire, and a bigger mess. Two wrongs do not make a right.’
• Do you agree with this?
• Do you feel the UK should intervene in this situation?
• Do you feel the UK should intervene in any situations abroad or just leave them alone?
• Is it ever acceptable to take someone else’s life? In what situations is it ok?
For some ideas on how to respond to this issue, check out www.village.rhythms.org/square/syria-what-can-i-do-now/
