The Western world fell into mourning over the cowardly terrorist attacks which occurred in several locations within Paris, France roughly three weeks ago. There’s been a number of terrorist attacks over the years which have all been absolutely tragic but there’s something about these Paris attacks which is weighing heavy on my heart. Maybe ‘cos they’re essentially the next-door neighbours but this one feels way too close to home. With the dust settling and people attempting to rebuild, the U.K. has decided to launch airstrikes of their own against ISIS – the terrorist group said to be behind this massacre. To say that this has divided opinions is an understatement; some feeling that this is the appropriate action to take with others morally against it. Let’s be clear though, with the decision to intervene passed on the eve of December 2nd and airstrikes of great magnitude commencing less than 24 hours later, it’s clear to say that affirmative action was taken.
So here we are again, same old story. Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and now Syria. I was contemplating entitling this blog ‘War on Terror: Syria Edition’ just so it’s clear which tragedy I’m referring to. It seems like an endless cycle of war and terror with bloodshed the only true outcome. I feel so privileged that my reality has never been impacted by war, I couldn’t even fathom the prospect of my life being in danger due to circumstances outside of my control. I’m hoping things stay that way despite Britain’s latest involvement. Just when I was starting to wonder where the money from all those public sector cuts had gone aye. But what exactly have we achieved? Billions of pounds spent on defence, countless of lives lost and a greater divide between us and the Middle East I suppose. Creating an ideology of Western countries oppressing the Middle East leading to a minority of youths being groomed and radicalised with the objective of causing havoc. And yes, this is a very simplistic take on things.
Bombs don’t have the ability to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys, the guys causing the terror from the civilians. Too many innocent lives are being caught in the crossfire. Whilst we’re comfy at home, millions of people in less privileged countries are being force out of theirs. Refugees forever get a bad rep whenever they’re referenced but imagine having to flee your home, your friends and family, your country, in order to seek safety – a freedom we all take for granted each day. These people are getting shelled from all directions, yet the Western world are putting quotas on how many refugees they’re choosing to accept, with over half of the U.S. states refusing them access altogether. Is it no wonder hatred is brewing? Imagine our future generations discussing the impact of these Western interventions – or lack of interventions – as a major contributor to a third World War?
Bombs don’t have the ability to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys, the guys causing the terror from the civilians. Too many innocent lives are being caught in the crossfire.
It feels weird that I’m writing about a topic more from an angle of emotion than logic. I perfectly understand the opposition at hand, a terrorist group with no desire to negotiate. An issue that won’t get resolved over tea and crumpets, it’s much deeper than that. This is an opposition who have no regards for their own lives and are willing to do inhuman acts in the name of what they believe in. I have a whole bunch of questions but not enough answers. As I aimlessly type this blog I understand the frustrations of all those involved. We’ve seen over the course of history that the policy of appeasement is a dangerous one, yet I can never advocate for war in any circumstance. The ever-present evils in this world have reared its ugly head again for us all to see. Thoughts and prayers go out to all the innocent lives involved.
Joe
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