Paris

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.