What’s going on?

Syria has been amassing stockpiles of nerve gas right under our not-so-watchful eyes since the 1980s, and recently used the chemical weapons to launch a full-scale attack against its own people. The August 21, 2013, attack is the last Assad-sponsored (or so American intelligence reports claim) blow against rebel forces in Syria who have engaged in a 2.5 year civil war to topple the regime.  The number of casualties depends on the source, but the range is anywhere from 1500-500. The chemical agent to blame is called sarin. 

What’s Assad got to say about all this?

In the lyrical genius known as Shaggy, “It Wasn’t Me.” Assad went on Charlie Rose and denied the whole thing. He said that it was the rebels that were behind the chemical attacks—allegations that others have confirmed as plausible. To which the Obama administration responded…“[But we] even caught you on camera…” The administration claims it’s got SIGINT, satellite images, and intercepted communications to prove Assad’s involvement. 

To which Assad said…?

Essentially, Assad claims that if Congress indeed does authorize the Obama-backed airstrike against the regime, he’s ready to retaliate. Sorry, it’s really hard to fit that sentiment within the Shaggy lyrics. But this should start reminding you of a not-so-distant 2003—the year that Tenet claimed our intelligence on Iraq’s stockpile of WMDs was a “slam dunk.”

Wait…so why should I care?

Well, people are torn: do we do nothing, or do we approve the airstrike? And if we choose the latter, is this an act of war? And if it is an act of war, is America able, financially, militarily, and otherwise, to engage in yet another war? People who support intervention are highlighting the difference between Iraq/Afghanistan and this particular situation—the difference being that instead of an extended air campaign, our intervention in Syria is meant to be a limited and specific offensive meant largely to scare Assad into knocking it off. People who oppose it fear the unraveling of the Syria situation into another Iraq. 

The verdict?

Members of Congress voting on this issue have yet to challenge the intelligence reports that support Assad’s involvement in this chemical attack. No movement on the American front after the recognition of large-scale attack of a government against its people will have implications. And these implications will not end in Syria—Iran will be watching. North Korea will be watching. Hezbollah will be watching. Russia will be watching. The eyes of the world are yet again on the shining city on the hill. Is it our place to intervene? Let us know what you think! Tweet us @SINDC

-Helena B, contributor for Student Intern Network