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If I were in charge … how would I respond to the Syria crisis? If I were in charge … how would I respond to the Syria crisis?
(25 days later)
Yesterday, US secretary of state John Kerry condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people. He said that the administration had little doubt that the Assad regime had finally crossed President Obama’s red line and used chemical weapons against its own people. Kerry’s announcement left no doubt that the US would take action. The Washington Post reported today that the Obama administration was considering a military strike “of limited scope and duration", and secretary of defense Chuck Hagel said in an interview that possible US attacks on Syria were "ready to go".Yesterday, US secretary of state John Kerry condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people. He said that the administration had little doubt that the Assad regime had finally crossed President Obama’s red line and used chemical weapons against its own people. Kerry’s announcement left no doubt that the US would take action. The Washington Post reported today that the Obama administration was considering a military strike “of limited scope and duration", and secretary of defense Chuck Hagel said in an interview that possible US attacks on Syria were "ready to go".
Other world leaders have taken steps towards intervention in Syria. British prime minister David Cameron has called for a vote in Parliament and the government will have to have a plan by Thursday. France and Australia have also aligned themselves with the US in opposition to the Assad regime. Russia and Iran, on the other hand, are displeased with the western allies’ intention to act.Other world leaders have taken steps towards intervention in Syria. British prime minister David Cameron has called for a vote in Parliament and the government will have to have a plan by Thursday. France and Australia have also aligned themselves with the US in opposition to the Assad regime. Russia and Iran, on the other hand, are displeased with the western allies’ intention to act.
We’re asking you to imagine that you are a head of state, such as President Obama, David Cameron, or Australian PM Kevin Rudd. Would you directly intervene in Syria – or not? Tell us in detail how you would respond … if you were in charge.We’re asking you to imagine that you are a head of state, such as President Obama, David Cameron, or Australian PM Kevin Rudd. Would you directly intervene in Syria – or not? Tell us in detail how you would respond … if you were in charge.
Those with expertise on subjects like the Middle East are especially encouraged to send us proposals. For examples of what we’re looking for, check out “If I were in charge in Egypt”. We ask respondents to consider the pros and cons of their proposals, so be prepared to defend your ideas! The best, most thoughtful responses will be published and featured on the Guardian. The deadline for this assignment is before us: August 28, noon, EST.Those with expertise on subjects like the Middle East are especially encouraged to send us proposals. For examples of what we’re looking for, check out “If I were in charge in Egypt”. We ask respondents to consider the pros and cons of their proposals, so be prepared to defend your ideas! The best, most thoughtful responses will be published and featured on the Guardian. The deadline for this assignment is before us: August 28, noon, EST.
Some things to bear in mind as you respond:Some things to bear in mind as you respond:
• The situation is fraught with conflicting ideas as to what amount of force – if any – is necessary and what consequences could result from intervention. You’ll need to be thinking several steps ahead of each move and envision the long-term repercussions of your actions.• The situation is fraught with conflicting ideas as to what amount of force – if any – is necessary and what consequences could result from intervention. You’ll need to be thinking several steps ahead of each move and envision the long-term repercussions of your actions.
• Leaders are trying to bear in mind the lessons from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama is reluctant to start another costly, extended military operation in the Middle East, and David Cameron must tread carefully to avoid political pitfalls back home.• Leaders are trying to bear in mind the lessons from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama is reluctant to start another costly, extended military operation in the Middle East, and David Cameron must tread carefully to avoid political pitfalls back home.
• Syria sits at the center of the Middle East’s very tangled web of enemies and alliances (for a good visual, see the Washington Post’s chart, via @TheBigPharaoh ). Syria could become a global foreign policy nightmare if you aren’t careful. Also, consider how much help, and in what form, you would ask for from the international community.• Syria sits at the center of the Middle East’s very tangled web of enemies and alliances (for a good visual, see the Washington Post’s chart, via @TheBigPharaoh ). Syria could become a global foreign policy nightmare if you aren’t careful. Also, consider how much help, and in what form, you would ask for from the international community.
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