Paris
This past week, one of the most dangerous organizations
in the world conducted an attack on of the most famous cities in the world.
When the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) took responsibility over the
attacks on Paris, the severity of the situation seemed to have escalated. What
were initially feelings of confusion and terror suddenly shifted into emotions
of hate and revenge. As more people began to express their similar reactions, a
sense of unity began to rise, a dangerous unity that called for violent
retaliation against those responsible for the horrific events that transpired
in France. Many leaders of the world also felt these same emotions, and some
took federal action. The emotional response triggered by the attacks in Paris
proved enough to motivate long-standing opponents of the Islamic State to adopt
more aggressive tactics in Syria, where the organization is based. This may
have resulted in a more effective assault against ISIS, however it has also
proved detrimental to the millions of refugees fleeing the war-torn region.
The organization commonly referred to as ISIS has seen
growing opposition ever since they have successful penetrated countries with
feelings of fear and terror. ISIS has been unique in that it has been able to
influence people within various borders to act on behalf of the ideas the
organization stands for, even without proper orchestration from a central
command. These instances are meant to prove that ISIS should be considered a
significant actor, and that their presence should not be taken likely. In
response, there have been many military tactics and strategies employed that
attempt to combat or endure the growing threat. Nations like the United States
have adopted a strategy of containment, employing military tactics to prevent
the spread of Islamic State borders in the Middle-East. The strategy has been
largely dependent on the use of unmanned drones. These drones have carried out
numerous bombings in areas of interest, such as suspected bases of operation or
suspected locations of high-ranking officials among the organization. The
recent attacks on Paris, however, have left both the public and their
respective governments with the notion that a policy of containment no longer
seems an appropriate response. Instead, people have called for a more
aggressive strategy against ISIS, a strategy that does not focus on heading the
spread of the organization’s influence but rather focuses on the group’s total
eradication. Such a policy would require more dedicated military resources,
quite possibly to the point of a declaration of war. Prior to what happened in
Paris, most people were against military intervention in disputed areas,
especially in Syria where political strategy has become the new face of the
conflict. The emotionally driven global reaction to the tragedy in Paris,
however, has united people and governments alike under the banner of vengeance
and justice. France has thus far increased the amount of bombings in Syria.
Member of the United States Congress have called for a motion of war in
retaliation of the attacks on Paris. The world appears unified in its effort to
reign hell down on ISIS, and it can no longer tolerate the strategy that was
containment.
But what about the people; what of the refugees that have
also endured terrorism and now search the world for solitude? The people of
Syria have unquestionably suffered the worst of both ISIS and the military conflict
that ravages their country. The country is weak now, and its government has
both powerful allies and powerful enemies, both of which are willing to contribute
to the war effort. The military intervention carried out by many of the
involved nations has resulted in the total destruction of the homes of
innocents, and has left the country marked with blood of innocence. These
refugees, fleeing what homes they had left in search of safety and care now
face closed borders and unwilling neighbors. The United States Congress has
voted to no longer abandon its policy of accepting Syrian refugees into the
country; the French government has declared a state of emergency and has closed
its borders to all incoming migrants. Countries originally praised for their
seemingly unwavering acceptance of providing solitude for the fleeing people
are now criticized under suspicion of terrorists lurking among and posing as
refugees. The recent wake of events in Paris may have moved the world in the direction
of eliminating one of its most violent threats, but it has also stripped the
world of the humility to help and trust those in desperate need.
