A couple of days ago, I decided to research the current situation in the Syrian War. It’s no surprise that I uncovered the brutality of the Syrian regime and the use of weapons of war on its innocent civilians. However, one of the worst weapons of war that this corrupt regime has used and continues to use, isn't being heavily discussed in the media. A chemical that is known as a “silent killer”, is one of the most deadly forms of warfare and continues to be used in Syria. Sarin an odorless, colorless liquid chemical agent has killed thousands of innocent civilians in the Syrian War. This chemical weapon is known to wipe out masses of people within 1 to 10 minutes. The Syrian regime has unethically used this chemical to combat the revolt and protest of innocent people in Syria. Moreover, the UN reported that the regime used this chemical in the deadly 2013 attack of Ghouta in the suburbs of Syria. The attack in Ghouta left an estimated 281-1,729 innocent civilians dead, many of which where children and parents. Although 2013 seems so long ago, I write this op-ed because chemical warfare in Syria is still happening. In 2016, a UN official reported that the Syrian regime continued to use the nerve agent in 2014 and 2015, to kill helpless innocent civilians.
Even though I’m not shocked by the means of war and the destruction it can bring; I felt sick to my stomach and my heart broke in two when I saw the horrific pictures. Pictures of infants, toddler, children, and parents lying lifelessly on concrete floors from chemical warfare. I felt tears flood my eyes and couldn’t believe that a "government" could be so ruthless and inhumane against people who wanted to fight for their rights. Throughout history chemical warfare has been criticized and disregarded as a means of war. Furthermore, the Chemical Weapons Convention, an arms control treaty has put forth an extreme effort in having countries dispose and stop production of chemical agents of war. This treaty has worked extremely well and has eliminated 90% of the world’s stockpile of chemical weapons. It seems the majority of the world understands how dangerous and senseless chemical weapons have become, but the Syrian regime has regarded chemical warfare as an appropriate weapon of war.
Even in 2017, the Syrian government has come under fire for using chemical agents against civilians in an attempt to gain control. As I write this, I feel so compelled to shed a bright light on chemical warfare in Syria because it’s often overlooked. The news puts out repetitive information on bombings, ISIS, and mass shootings in Syria, yet they rarely mention the use of chemical warfare. This type of warfare should be covered more by the media because it needs international attention. There needs to be international outcry for such an evil act by a disgusting regime. I have been moved to tears, distraught by the images I have seen, and completely troubled by the description of Sarin and its horrible effects on a human’s body. My life is a dream come compared to Syria, even with a Trump presidency. I sincerely hope that intervention and aide will touch the people of Syria and end this tragic nightmare. To my people of Syria, my soul is with you and I hope my prayers protect the many babies, children, teenagers, adults, and others who are desperately trying to escape destruction.
