SYRIA: Look at the similarities

There are several similarities between the start of Syria’s Civil War and our Revolutionary War. Many Syrians believed the al Assad regime was holding their nation hostage. Our fledgling Colonies revolted in opposition to King George’s iron-fist rule. Both causes began underfunded and had little chance of success without the aid of other nations.

When the ongoing Syrian war began, the oppressed believed that their cause was just and that other nations would join them in liberation. Grandstanding, President Obama declared, “Assad must go.” The rebels heard Obama and thought help was on the way. At that time you could distinguish the good guys from the bad, but now you can’t tell the difference. If Obama had backed up his statement with aid, the present slaughter of innocent Syrian civilians might have been averted and there would be less need for millions of dollars in refugee aid.

In the winter of 1777, the Americans were in a similar dire situation. Washington’s army was encamped at Valley Forge. His force was nearly barefoot, clothed in tatters, with limited numbers of blankets and nothing to sleep on but the frozen ground. Congress was out of money, and our nation was in debt, seemingly beyond hope. France came to our aid financially and they and Poland put troops on the ground to support the Colonies.

During several news conferences, President Obama stated he would not allow Assad to use chemical agents against Syrian civilians. The world now knows this was a hollow threat. Russia viewed the lack of resolve and determined that much could be gained in world stature if they became negotiators. Apparently, Obama never read American history; because, both sides must be ready to negotiate. During the years of 1774 through 1777, the Americans tried three times to negotiate a resolution to end the war with England but King George would not consider any negotiation. Assad’s political position is much stronger now and he will never enter into negotiations that will end his rule.

Today, 80 percent of Assad’s chemical weapons are still not destroyed and he is hampering United Nations inspectors. Chemical weapons have been replaced with barrel bombs, dropped by helicopter on innocent civilians. Time and time again, the Obama administration and the United Nations have set deadlines for chemical destruction, only to see the dates come and go. We have squandered the opportunity to be leaders in resolving the conflict and have reduced our national stature to one of an ineffective bystander. Russia’s stature has been greatly enhanced.

We can’t police the world, but we could have done much to inhibit the Assad regime without putting troops on the ground. If we are destined to become a pacifist nation, our president needs to curb his tongue and not be so bellicose. Iran has listened to Obama’s grandiloquent speeches and probably considers his threats and deadlines as chatter without consequences.

LEONARD BRANT

Rathdrum