The issue in Syria has been a problem that has been occurring for a long time but began to recieve coverage after civilians were fired upon during a protest by authorities. Theses various protests can be referred to as Arab Springs and were the turning point in which the civil war began. The conflict has claimed over 100,000 civilians lives(Desk). Chemical weapons, Sarin gas, have been used on citizens, even killing women and children. This is inhumane as chemical weapons do not target a specific person or group but an entire area. This weapon is designed to hurt the masses rather than on a smaller scale. President described the killing as an "assault on human dignity" and looks for the United States to intervene but is waiting for the approval of congress. Many innocent civilians have been killed by the government with no regard for their death.
Not only has the country suffered greatly due to the loss of many citizens but also in other areas. Unemployment has increased by 5 times as well as major hits to the economy, decreasing many businesses. Over 2 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries in search of a better place to live(Desk).
In cases such as the one in Syria, the United Nation must act out. This is why the organization is set in place. It is the responsibility of the U.N. to help those in need while they are unable to help themselves. The U.N. must step up and act as need to in situations like the one present here
Desk, News. "Updated: Your Cheat Sheet to the Syrian Conflict." PBS. PBS, 02 Sept. 2013. Web. 17 Sept. 2013. <http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/09/your-cheat-sheet-to-the-syrian-conflict.html>.
That's an accurate summary of the PBS website. Why, though, do you come to the conclusion that the UN must act as opposed to the US? Do you feel that US was right to start out by threatening military action in order to create the situation in which the UN would be more likely to succeed? That's the argument Obama has settled on recently, but I wonder if it is just self-serving, even if going to the UN may be a good idea.
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