Dear Editor
Syrian and other refugees have been and are experiencing a harrowing existence and their desperation to find refuge in the EU is understandable and due - not only to its proximity - but also the promise of a better life. Refuge for them in and around countries neighbouring Syria - particularly oil-rich countries - is a closed door policy, a phenomenon which Amnesty International has called ‘utterly shameful.’
The Syrian government - regardless of the cost to human lives and the destruction of the country - is not seeking a humanitarian solution.
The religious and ethnic conflagration in the region, the politics and geo-politics and the complicity and agendas of many countries supplying arms and ammunition to the conflict has exacerbated and extended this human tragedy for far too long. Also, the involvement of unscrupulous carriers of refugees across the Mediterranean for profit only - regardless of the loss of more lives - has also become a part of this equation.
While it is understandable that many countries in the EU show disdain to accept refugees and asylum seekers, many are to be commended to have opened their borders in accepting thousands. Indeed, the mass rallying of people in a few EU countries appealing to their respective governments to accept refugees expresses the magnanimity of the human spirit towards the hardship of their fellow human beings.
Notwithstanding security issues, the United States of America’s intake of a limited number of refugees is of note particularly when its position is that ‘it is the EU’s problem’ given its direct and indirect involvement in all affairs Middle East.
Sadly, the unimaginable loss of lives and the refugee crisis due to the conflict in Syrian has become a numbers game.
Members of the UN Security Council have acted promptly, independently, pre-emptively and with obvious bias when matters of military logistics, power politics and energy resources are at play in the Middle East, yet they have been dragging and continue to drag their feet in seeking an urgent solution to the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
Let us pray and hope that sanity prevails and all the role players and powers that be can expediently resolve matters in Syria and prevent more death and protect those who are suffering in this human catastrophe.
The Mercury, Daily News, Independent on Saturday, The Witness, The Star
Monday, 07 September 2015
Darul Ihsan Media Desk
*PUBLISHED: Daily News - Wednesday, 09 September 2015
