Town Meeting in Syria

Over 100,000 people have been killed due to the civil war in Syria.  In the past few weeks there has been a reported chemical weapons attack in Damascus by the government on its own people causing surrounding nations to contemplate whether to intervene.  There are many rebel groups against the government.  Some rebel groups are receiving help from terrorist groups.  The war began in 2011 when troops open fired on peaceful protesters and the protesters shot back.  The protesting began because civilians were unhappy with the current government and its president Bashar al-Assad. 

                At a meeting in a small town in Syria, civilians discussed their options on the situation.  As the danger worsens, they must decide what to do.  They feel it is important to take action either to improve the corrupted government or avoid being hurt by rebels and the government.  Everyone is afraid of the lack of safety and worsening economy.  People in this town are going to be making life changing decisions.

                One option discussed was to flee.  Over 2 million Syrians have fled to surrounding countries like Lebanon.  Many said fleeing may be a good option for families who have no education and want to provide food, shelter and safety for their children.  One fact not mentioned was that many countries that refugees are fleeing to lack sufficient funding.  The UN refugee agency requested 1.1 billion dollars and received less than half.  But, many did argue this would be a bad option since everyone would need to leave all possessions behind and essentially start their lives over.  Many agreed, saying that fleeing is a temporary solution.

                Another option discussed was to join in arms.  Many agreed this would be another poor choice since one could get killed and not help any cause.  It was argued though that this solution could speed up the civil war and it would protect everyone in the town.  Even though not mentioned, this option could mean forming strategic alliances with rebels that could possibly harm them otherwise.  Some rebel groups have already harmed many innocent civilians.

                The final option discussed was protest.  Many expressed concern that this could get everyone killed by the government as it did in the beginning of the conflict.  Someone mentioned that protesting could be done anonymously through social media outlets, but there was no mention of the potential difficulties with this due to increasing internet censorship by the government.  If it is possible, though, it might draw attention and action from other countries.  Almost everyone liked this as a solution.

                The best option that was not discussed at all may be to stay put.  Though the problem is not likely to solve itself, many other countries, with resources that civilians in Syria lack, are working towards helping, whether it be by military intervention, humanitarian intervention, or getting the Syrian government to agree to a deal to release their chemical weapons.  The US especially wants to make sure Syria receives the much needed help.