In spite of the fact that it has been labeled as the “biggest humanitarian calamity since World War II,” the current situation in Syria continues to shock and appall in equal measure, and it is not difficult to see why. As the world comes to the conclusion that these migrants are not, in fact, freeloaders, but rather are battling for their own survival and are prepared to sacrifice their lives and limbs in order to ensure that they are granted the opportunity to settle in Europe, the world is beginning to wake up. Since the Arab spring in 2011, the Assad administration has had a difficult time maintaining control against the numerous rebel organizations that have emerged, including the Free Syrian Army and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS). More than fifty percent of the individuals who have been displaced in Syria are children. It is believed that eleven million Syrians have been forced to from their homes, which is equivalent to half of the country’s total population. Considering that there have been over 220,000 deaths so far and the number is still rising; there is a lack of hospital care, basic sanitation or shelter; and there is the possibility of being an unwitting victim of the violence that is occurring on a daily basis; life can appear to be very bleak for those who choose to remain. Who exactly is fanning the fires and enabling this catastrophe to flourish? The question of how to handle the vast flood of migrants is at stake, which is producing friction and infighting throughout the political landscape of Europe. Which is more likely: Assad, the dictator, or Western propaganda? The argument that this is a clear example of propaganda by the West to malign him in the eyes of the world and create the right atmosphere for them to pursue their goals is being made by the President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad. Does he have a point in his argument? If it weren’t for foreign intervention, the terrorists would have been able to strengthen their resolve with a constant supply line being presented to them from sources such as Western allies and Saudi Arabia, providing them with additional military personnel, equipment, training, and funds to continue their campaign. He claims that he would have been able to deal with the terrorists right from the beginning, and it is highly likely that he would have defeated them within a matter of weeks. Assad has been accused of using barrel bombs, which are metal barrels that are filled with oil, explosives, and shrapnel and are then dropped from airplanes. This is one of the most severe charges that has been leveled against him. It is alleged that they are designed to specifically target civilians, and it has been reported that they have killed more people than both ISIS and Al Qaeda combined. The suggestion that Assad would intentionally target his own people has been ridiculed by him in interviews. He has referred to the barrel bombs as “cooking pots,” and he has stated that this would be “illogical” because his soldiers are Syrian. He also stated that his armies would simply implode if it were known that possibly their own families and friends were being killed on the orders of their president. This would not be conducive to maintaining a fighting force that is motivated and committed. In a statement that is filled with passion, Assad asserts that he would be ready to engage in conversation with anybody who has genuine aspirations of eliminating terrorism. He goes on to say that the doctrine of the terrorists does not permit discussion and is pointless because their sole objective is to establish an Islamic state. He explains that they accomplish this by methodically making civilians desperate and dependent on support, any support, or their own support. Playing a game of geopolitical chess Syria holds a strategic position, and it is essentially the location where this power struggle will be fought. Russia, which is a supporter of the Assad regime, is looking to strengthen their position in the world in Eurasia. The West, on the other hand, is vying to curb their ambitions, which is not surprising. Although it may be an exaggeration to say that Bashar al-Assad is totally blameless, charges that he used chemical weapons against Syrians are, at best, completely without foundation. In the same way that we now know that the story of weapons of mass destruction that was used to justify the Iraq war in 2003 was a fiction, how could we possible know if this were real and not just a fantasy thought up by Western powers? There is evidence that this intervention has been long in the making, going as far back as 2006, and that it was launched by forces that wanted to see Assad removed and a Western puppet put in his place. It is possible that Assad is the victim of what amounts to a “coup.” We should at least maintain our skepticism and keep an open mind, rather than following the herd and risking stepping in something that they frequently like to shove our way. No one is going to tap us on the shoulder and reveal the truth about it, but we should at least maintain openness and remain skeptical. Critical Eye is a website that is devoted to addressing social concerns, foreign politics, and other themes. Christopher is the creator of Critical Eye and the founder of the website. Christopher resides in the United Kingdom. Reflecting Critically on the Issues That Are Currently Trending Email:cevans@criteye.com
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