Additionally, military intervention risks making an already bad situation, worse. Matters are already very delicate with the lives of many at stake and all the talk of attacking Syria might tip-off Assad, resulting in him attacking back, therefore putting more lives on the line. This links in with the fact that a military attack could ultimately result in another war, just like the events in Afghanistan which was a similar situation in which Britain was supposed to carry through a quick operation but got dragged in to extended conflict. Is it worth putting the lives of troops and innocent civilians on the line, when the probability of an extended war as a result is still very strong?
Moreover, I strongly argue that more time should be spent helping the refugees who have suffered as a result of the chemical warfare and killings, rather than trying to harm those responsible. I believe that what’s done is done and fighting violence with violence would simply mean stooping down to Assad’s level, which poses the question ‘what is the difference between us?’ Lastly, if helping the refugees is not convincing enough, surely other methods can be thought of, other than warfare? The idea of taking away the chemical weapons is a lot less damaging both mentally and physically, and can also save time and resources. If not this, then designated no fly-zones or sanctions should be imposed on those responsible, to limit their options and protect the innocent without using violence.
Despite me bring strongly against the idea of military intervention from the west; it would be unfair to completely rule out the arguments in favour of this idea. There are, truthfully, many valid reasons condemning foreign attack on Syria, but these all come with a price that makes the risk not worth taking. For example, many argue that those responsible for the chemical warfare and damage, deserved to be punished for their wrong doings and that punishing these people would mean brining justice to the people who have suffered. Nevertheless, I disagree with this because the method being used to bring this ‘justice’ is violent and destructive, in the same way Assad’s chemical warfare regime was violent and destructive. As stated earlier, this would simply mean we are stooping down to their level and fighting violence with violence, making the idea totally irrelevant and morally incorrect. Moreover, a few people bring forward the argument that military intervention did work in Libya and so it should also work in Syria. However I disagree with this and believe it is wrong because the events and situation in Libya was different, and just because military intervention worked that once, does not give any guarantee whatsoever that it will also work in this, different, situation.
As well as this, one reason in favour of intervention that is commonly put forward and was introduced by Obama himself is that the airstrike launched by the USA against Syria does not have to be major; it can be limited and be used as a means of’ getting the message across’. Yet I think this idea is deluded. Why waste the time, money and resources on launching this ‘limited’ airstrike to get a point across that can otherwise be put across without using violence. For example by imposing sanctions and proving to other countries that their options will be limited; should they use chemical weapons. As well as this reason, it is argued that it is immoral to sit back and do nothing whilst genocide continues, but considering we would be fighting genocide with murder, the idea of it being immoral sounds hypocritical.
In conclusion, the idea of taking military action against Syria is unappealing, destructive and immoral. Attacking the country is not worth the risk and there is a very high chance of innocents being killed, troops dying and a new war starting. A non-violent form of help is the best method, preferably taking away the chemical weapons completely and punishing Syria by imposing sanctions, no-fly zones and jail sentences. I have argued strongly about the fact that intervention would result in murder, and I stick by this, but I do not believe that those who have committed such deeds should go unpunished. The major culprits should be punished aptly, but the whole country does not have to suffer; the troops don’t have to go on another mission that could last longer than expected. Getting more people involved will only worsen things, it is, in my opinion, best to avoid violence and send a message out to all other countries by non-aggressively punishing Assad and those responsible.