Are You Syria-ous?

Last weekend, the American Military raided a target located in Syria where a top Al-Qaeda agent, Abu Ghadiyah, was supposedly located. American Officials have reported this mission as a success, killing the terrorist and eight militants. Syria asserts that Ghadiyah’s status remains unknown and only Syrian civilians were killed.

Disputed facts are not a rare occurrence during our Middle East campaign. The results of assaults using Predator Drones or Special Forces in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Syria have received scrutiny. We say one thing, while the “host” country says another, usually in a complaint. A prominent example is that Pakistan has condemned American efforts on their borders multiple times and has even promised to open fire.

Do our military officials not realize the repercussions of their actions? Yes, I know they get to cross out a name on their wanted list, but at the same time they further push a country away from a possible friendship.

Syria responded a few days later by closing an American school and cultural center linked to our embassy. Syrians also staged a demonstration just outside the embassy. Many reporters believe the Syrian government staged the protest since the country heavily restricts political speech. Either way, the people or the government of Syria dislike what happened. How can we fight the “War on Terror” when the countries that can possibly help regard us with such low admiration?

Even Iraq retaliated by pushing America to agree to stop using Iraqi land to launch attacks on its neighbors. Their Parliament already struggles to pass legislation about America’s presence in the country and more backlash could harm our relationship.

One of our main objectives in the Middle East was to form much needed alliances and drum up support. Our current strategy fails us in those regards. Wrong decisions, such as the strike in Syria, can lead to American disdain and increases in terrorism. I fear that we are like a mother in a grocery store who only went in to buy one item. However, we and the mother saw items nearby and felt as though they were necessary as well. Instead of actually finishing the Afghanistan War, America has headed to tour the entire Middle East.