Is condemnation enough for Syria and Iran?

Looking at the situation in Iran and Syria always brings us back to the same question- how come the outside world doesn’t step in? Physically. The mass murder and slaughter, as well as the rapid process of building a nuclear weapon, are both issues considering not only the countries involved, but the entire world. The situation in Syria can surely be given the name of “crimes against humanity”. The situation in Iran is a direct threat to the countries of the world. Both situations are familiar and proven- Both Assad and Achmadinijad should sit on the electric chair, and both of them are well aware of it. The reason they are so proud of their actions, and don’t even bother to deny (Assad did try, but he knows we know…), is the simple fact of their assumptions that the world would do nothing drastic. These assumptions also led them to go on with their crimes with full confidence, even after the truth came out.

These assumptions are unfortunately true. Up until not too long ago, world leaders have started wars with the primary goal of destroying the enemy. They entered war with all they had and exited either winners or dead. This type of a war no longer exists amongst the leaders of today. In the age of nuclear weapons, total wars are almost never a realistic option. We have soon came to the conclusion that entering a total war, while many modern states carry nuclear weapons, will lead to a fast destruction of the world. That is why many leaders of the modern world take time and thought before starting a war. Today’s situation in both Syria and Iran is the perfect example- the world condemns everything, but there is no action. Some will call it “diplomacy”, but I want to believe no intelligent person will see a threat to the world and react with words, unless one fears for one’s life. Don’t’ get me wrong, I am a fan of diplomacy. I was even told I am pretty good at it, but when I look at my Middle- Eastern neighbors, I see no room for diplomacy.

Common sense says “fight fire with fire”, but the leaders of the world fight fire with words. Instead of sending forces, they are busy being quoted by the press, saying what we all want to hear. Once again, the world acts like this is high school, as the teachers preach to the “problem” teens. This may be unfair and even irritating at times, but it is actually very understandable. The leaders think of their people first, and don’t want to take the risk of provoking a ticking bomb. Since I believe in the good nature of humanity, I always saw in the actions that have been the best solution, considering the circumstances. I wrote “saw” in past tense, because everything changed a couple of days ago. I read about the embargo the western world cast on Iran, as a reaction for the failure of the diplomatic conversations. This seemed like the smart thing to do- now Iran will feel an economic pressure like never before, its economy will collapse, and they will not be able to complete their evil plan to “take over the world” (Achmadinijad’s words, not mine…). After reading this headline in the paper, I put a smile on my face, but it soon disappeared. It took me a few seconds to realize this embargo, this diplomatic solution, may hurt the decision makers of Iran, but it hurts the citizens. It hurts the millions of people who will feel the inflation in every action, every day. In Syria things are far more worse, because for every day the world chooses to stay out, people lose their lives for no apparent reason.

As much as I hate to say this, a diplomatic solution may not be the answer for every issue. While wanting to keep the world intact, we need to keep in mind that by staying out of Syria and Iran, we may put people at risk. I must admit that even though I tend towards the idea of an attack, I am very scared of the consequences, considering my residency.  I know there is no magical solution, and I am well aware of the complexity.  However, this is, indeed, not my decision to make. As much as I am relieved that I’m not in charge of a country, I am anxious because those who are in charge are clueless.  Now is the time for them to stop playing games, and sit down, no excuses, until they make the right, reasonable, call. Soon, it may be too late. It is now the world leaders’ turn to think to themselves whether this damage is irreconcilable or just collateral…