April 22, 2014
Focusing on the interests of the US in the Middle East during the Obama administration, Freedman points out good news and bad news with respect to the relationship between the Middle East and the United States. Although there has been a better connection to Iran through more conversation, our relationship with Syria and Russia is still crumbling. The discussion goes into the relationships that the US should’ve maybe developed instead of spending so much energy on Iran and Syria such as Turkey, Egypt, and Iraq. Freedman then goes into the three main issues in the Middle East assessing the Arab Israeli Peace Process, Iran, and Syria. He expresses his disappointment with the lack of action from the Obama administration in Syria. The mantra of the Obama administration according to Freedman is, “I got us out of Iraq, I’m getting us out of Afghanistan, I’m not going to get involved in Syria.” The administration didn’t believe that US involvement in Syria would’ve made the situation much better. Pushback from this decision emphasized that no action is action. Freedman expresses that the US is not starting to provide arms to the rebels in Syria and that a full-blown military operation in Syria isn’t particularly necessary.
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
