Gabrielle Doucet Mr.

Vanderzee World Geography / 7th 9/8/13

Are you Syria-ous?

While many Americans are not aware of the seriousness of the violence in Syria, they should be; for peace looks to be nowhere in the near future. The last several years of violence can be traced to the election of Bashar Hafez al-Assad who was voted president in the year 2000. He has a history of violence using his military on the rebels of the country, but innocent citizens have also been victims of his brutality. His most recent attack gained national attention on August 21, 2013 when it is believed that he released chemical weapons against the rebels, killing a total of 1429 Syrians of which 429 were innocent children. As the gas slowly and painfully suffocated the victims it was not only painful to experience, it was also heinous to watch. With the world in an uproar, the United States has a difficult decision to make intervene or stand idly by. Pope Francis did not hesitate to respond, addressing the world as brothers and sisters in Christ. His message was clear, Peace is a precious gift, which must be promoted and protected. With the world divided by conflicts we must turn to peace, and peace is never gained through war, War never again! Never again war! He called on all, regardless of religious belief, to pray and fast on September 7th stating clearly, Humanity needs to see these gestures of peace and to hear words of hope and peace! Pope Francis has made a call for peace without war, however, I believe that only through war will some form of peace be acquired. Prayer from both sides of the parties will bring peace but the Middle East is not praying for the end to this war therefore prayer will not completely

Gabrielle Doucet Mr. Vanderzee World Geography / 7th 9/8/13

solve this conflict. This situation is important to Catholics because God has taught us to help our brothers and sisters in Christ but by standing idly by we would be turning our backs to them. In addressing this situation many things could be done. First, President Obama should call on all Americans to pray for a peaceful resolution. Second, he should clearly state his objectives for both the short and long term. Lastly, he should seek support from the Congress and the United Nations in making a decision.