On Friday November 13, 2015 at least 129 people were killed and hundreds more injured during the Paris Attacks. This event marked history as the French President Francois Hollande claimed war has been declared through this “act of barbarity.” The attacks took place in at least six different locations throughout the city including explosions, shootings, and a hostage situation. Hollande claimed these horrific acts were “committed by a terrorist army” and has been linked back to ISIS. Following these acts France’s President stated they would be “merciless toward the barbarics of the Islamic State.” One of the bombers from the attack correlated with the national stadium was found with a Syrian passport with questionable authenticity. This discovery spread concern that these attacks would cross over into Turkey and move toward Western Europe. This theory adds support to the terrifying question being whispered throughout the world… will this lead to a World War III? The French Ministry of Defense released a statement of their retaliation only 48 hours after the attacks. They dropped approximately twenty bombs on ISIS target areas in Syria’s capital Raqqa, such as a command post, a weapon warehouse, a recruiting center, and a terrorist training camp. Ten French fighter Jets were also launched in coordination with U.S. military, according to the French defense ministry.
Syrians, trying to run from the war are seeking refuge in other countries and according to Obama, “our nation can welcome refugees who are desperately seeking safety and ensure our own security. We can and must do both… Slamming the door in their faces would be a betrayal of our values.” The United States has promised to take 10,000 more refugees throughout 2016. Governors across America were asked if their states would accept Syrian refugees and their responses were alarming. Over half of the Governors have stated refugees are not welcome in their states, due to safety concerns. All but one of these governors were Republicans and face scrutiny from Obama and other Democratic politicians. Many of them have released statements and explanations after being prompted by the media however six states remain silent about their decision: New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Dakota, Kentucky, and Nevada. Although Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey remains silent about his rejection of refugees he allegedly said he would accept no one, “not even three year old orphans," according to Hugh Hewitt’s tweet earlier today.
Many are concerned about letting refugees in for safety purposes, one of the main bombers in the Paris attacks was a Syrian taking refuge in France. Americans continue to refer to the Boston Marathon bombing and several other attacks, which were committed by refugees. The debate will never be quite settled and only continues to develop.
On Monday November 16 a new video was released by the “Islamic State” celebrating their efforts and threatening none other than Washington, D.C. ISIS claims they have hundreds of soldiers already stationed throughout America, waiting for a command. So the real question is aren’t we at risk of danger whether or not we accept these refugees? Will accepting these refugees further that danger? What do you think?
(Refugee photo credited to CNN.com)
