April 8, 2014
Ford expertly gives a crash course of the civil war in Syria in order to better understand later in his presentation, what implementation the US should do about it. There seems to be a stalemate where both the Assad Regime and the rebels have had significant wins and losses, but neither has been able to through a knockout punch. Ford explains the help of the Turks, Saudis, and Qataris to the Assad opposition or the rebels. The Assad regime is aided by Iraq, Iranians, Lebanese, and Russians. Ford emphasizes that this is certainly a regional conflict in the Middle East, but it is also a Civil War. Concern rises over the North and the South of Syria when Assad is reelected and doesn’t have much power in those areas. It is apparent that Al-Qaeda-connected groups will take control of these areas and implement the gruesome laws of the Islamic State. He efficiently goes through the numbers of refugees and civilians who are ripped from their homes or starving because they cannot escape. Ford feels as though Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq are at risk for a complete state meltdown. The US feels personal concern along with the need to provide humanitarian aid because as the states melt and the ungoverned spaces increase, terrorist elements will have more room to plan which in turn can be a major threat to the US. He highlights that we can no longer just do nothing in dear of war. He deciphers a difference between action and war that the US can participate in and hopefully help in the long run.
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.
