Does this New York Times headline bother you as much as it does me? Here’s the headline: “Exodus of Syrians Highlights Political Failure of the West”. And here’s the supporting squib:
“The migrant crisis in Europe is essentially self-inflicted,†said Lina Khatib, a research associate at the University of London and until recently the head of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut. “Had European countries sought serious solutions to political conflicts like the one in Syria, and dedicated enough time and resources to humanitarian assistance abroad, Europe would not be in this position today.â€
Got it? Nobody in the Middle East is ever responsible for anything. How patronizing can you possibly be?
Quite to the contrary I think the flood of refugees highlights the extraordinary political and economic success of the West while the desire of so many people in the Middle East to flee highlights their abject political and economic failure.
Meanwhile, Russia appears to be expanding its military commitment to Syria:
The numbers are small, but Moscow may be looking at its own version of mission creep in the treacherous Middle East.
The end of summer. It means back-to-school shopping, tearfully ended beach-borne romances, Labor Day barbecues—and, it would seem, the increased likelihood of new Russian adventurism. As if Moscow weren’t satisfied with the game in Ukraine, the last month has seen a flurry of reports about its ever-expanding military involvement in Syria.One report has even alleged that Russian pilots are gearing up to fly missions alongside the Syrian air force, dropping bombs not just on ISIS but on anti-Assad rebels who may or may not be aligned with the United States or its regional allies.
There have been several good posts on this subject at Pat Lang’s place. The Russians aren’t that nuts about Assad but they’re really unwilling to lose their last remaining ally in the Middle East. Call it the “post-Qaddafi syndrome”. And Assad was never going to leave power peaceably. Dictators of his stripe never have retirement plans.
Got it? Nobody in the Middle East is ever responsible for anything. How patronizing can you possibly be?
Given what a horrible job the Arabs have done governing themselves, I think a little verbal patronage hardly matters. That’s just acknowledging the realities that the BEST leaders the Arabs come up with are the House of Saud, the Egyptian hunta, Qaddafi, Saddam, and Daddy Assad.
The Pat Lang link is busted.
Maybe it’s geography. Once they are resettled HERE, things will be just fine.
Ellipsis:
thanks.
Had to look that up. Of course things won’t be fine. so it was sarcasm. Islam is something the West needs to protect itself from, not pretend to embrace, while simultaneously embracing gender fluidity, gay marriage, open borders….. how long would these things last under the Caliphate? But, ” the future does not belong to those who would insult The Prophet”.
Why appease this monstrosity?
I have been following it somewhat, and I learned that Syria and Russia have a defensive treaty. Also, it looks like a lot of this is from the Patriot Missiles the NATO/US placed in Turkey. Apparently, nobody is touting the wonderful deal the US got with Turkey.
I do not know if you saw this one: Vladimir Putin confirms Russian military involvement in Syria’s civil war
Also, Ukraine is not in the news, but it is still ongoing. I saw post about the interview of Henry Kissinger. I am sure there is a hitman after him.
Something to think about is that the Russians, who’ve been asked for help by the internationally recognized Syrian government, are behaving legally while in providing close air support for the rebels and/or the Kurds we aren’t.
I’m starting to lose track of when we believe in the rule of law and when we don’t.
I’m starting to lose track of when we believe in the rule of law and when we don’t.
That’s easy: When it’s convenient, or even better, when I say so. Now sit down, and eat your peas.