Behrend reacts to Syrian airstrikes
The United States moved forward in launching a military air strike on a Syrian airbase on April 6. These strikes were in response to chemical attacks on civilians by the Syrian government.
Seen by Syria as a potential act of war, the airstrikes are the first direct action taken by the U.S. since the start of the Syrian civil war six years ago. President Donald Trump ordered the launch against the actions of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Following the order, U.S. warships launched 59 cruise missiles at the airbase responsible for the chemical attacks, according to CNN.
The strikes, which killed six people are seen by Russia as an act of aggression, while the office of Assad is calling it “a disgraceful act” that “can only be described as short-sighted.”
Trump justifies his actions by stating, “It is in this vital national security of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons.” He went on adding, “years of previous attempts at changing Assad’s behavior have all failed and failed very dramatically,” according to CNN Politics.
Students and faculty at Behrend have various opinions on the issue and how it will affect our country.
Marshall Hunsaker, junior Communications major, believes that if crimes against humanity are being committed and somebody has the opportunity to intervene, it could potentially be beneficial.
He stated, “I’m not particularly political so I don’t have an obligation to think one way or another based on who ordered them... do I think we’re being the world police? I don’t know, maybe. But those are kind of big deals and people need to know that’s not okay.”
Going along with this, Amanda VanBuskirk, senior Industrial Engineer, claims to support the actions of retaliation by President Trump 110%.
“I think that it is validated. The Syrians did an atrocious act. We need to put them in their place. Killing innocent children is the worst act that anyone can permit. The only way that you are going to get into the rebel Syrians’ heads is to use the types of tactics that President Trump has used,” she shared.
For quite some time, Dr. Colleen Kelley, Associate Professor of Speech Communication, has felt that Mr. Assad has broken international law, causing a crime against humanity. Her personal reaction causes her to appreciate that Obama took his time when dealing with the same issues and not jumping into anything.
“I wish Mr. Trump had waited at least to consult with the Security Council knowing full well that Russia is going to veto it, but still allow that process to unfold and then had taken another day or so to deal with the Congress,” she disclosed. She continued, “He’s kind of in a shady area about legality so my personal opinion is what Mr. Assad did is not acceptable across the board. Some kind of response was needed. I just wish that the President had gone through some additional steps.”
While many U.S. lawmakers support Trump’s ultimate decision to strike back, they warn him against starting a war without first consulting Congress.