You have seen the headlines and you have heard the stories, but are you really concerned with the issue facing the Syrian refugees? Are you really paying attention? Do you really understand why they fled?
The media has flashed images of covered women and tired men dragging their feet across dirt paths. Every anchor has described it is The Syrian Crisis but do we really understand what that means? In 2011 a civil war erupted under Bashar Al Assads rule. Since the Syrian Crisis in 2011 more than 450,000 people have fled to neighboring countries leaving home behind and hoping to find some calm in the midst of chaos. Within EU borders 8,920 refugees have applied for asylum in 2011. The country is split between loyalists and rebels. The war keeps raging without any end in sight. Blood and bombs spilled everywhere. It has been reported outside sources are sending aid to the loyalists and it seems the rebel are fighting s losing battle. But it is 2016 and 2011 has already passed.
Do you remember hearing about Syria since? Damascus, Syria’s capital is at the heart of this battle. Just a month or so ago I was scrolling through Facebook and a few friends of mine had posted about something. Ghana was drowning. Literally. Ghana was facing horrible floods. Did you hear about that? Most likely not. The media seems to have selective storytelling. Granted Suzy from ABC cannot report three stories all at once especially from different countries. However, as Americans we are only hearing about specific stories. Are some televisions networks biased or supported by one party? Maybe but we keep forgetting there are other lives out there. The root of this civil war seems to lie somewhere between religion and differences. Muslims make up most of the religion however there are many different branches of Islam.
The Current ruler, Bashar Al Assad, is of Alawite decent. The Alawites have only had power for five years. Back in the 9 century they had broken off the mainstream religion of Shiite Islam. Like many who had broken off they were criticized. Many described the Alawites as very secretive and heretical. They rejected Sharia law and many common practices of Islam. They also celebrate Christian holidays and revere many Christian saints. When it comes to changing political regimes it turns into a slippery slope. Under Bashar’s rule predictability with its foreign policy sets Israel at peace. Israel has been silent about the conflict trying to maintain alliance. Surrounding countries that have an alliance with Syria are only interested in core gains and having one regime can seem annoying but it will not cause any issues for Syria’s stakeholders.
NATO and the United Sates are still trying to reconcile the humanitarian emergency within Syria that led to military intervention. More military action does not seem plausible or a smart move in another part of the Islamic World. This is why many especially America is simply relying on policy changes in Syria. This is why it rarely is reported about anymore. Long stressful meetings do not make good juicy stories or good television for that matter.
Reporting news is an actual job and it is not easy however how many parts of the world do we really know about? Shouldn’t reporters bring the world to you? Maybe this is part of the issue. Media is only saying what it wants to tell you however we need to look beyond the lens and behind the well-dressed reporter talking to a microphone. The Syrian refugees are important lives that should at least something to you. They are families, friends and humans who have fled political unrest and the stories of Syria need to at least be considered.
