Syria, Realists and Barack Obama

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             First, according to Realists, by allowing the Syrian government to terrorize its own people, with no apparent consequences, the United States is empowering the existing Syrian administration, allowing them to escalate their response to what in effect is a growing revolt. Because Realists perceive power to be a limited resource, through empty words and inaction, the United States weakens its own global influence while simultaneously strengthening that of the Syrian regime. One can observe the zero sum nature of action and reaction. What one side gives up, the other side automatically accrues to its benefit. President Obama went on in his speech to the United Nations to bring up the possibility of Syria becoming a safe-haven for terrorists, such as Afghanistan was perceived to be in the late 1990s. Morally it would be wrong to turn a blind eye to the proliferation of violence and intimidation in other countries as a means of control. However, to a Realist, the idea of doing what is "right" has little to do with ethics and everything to do with national self-interest. They would argue that President Obama should only be concerned with the threat that terrorism and instability in Syria might pose to the United States. In their opinion, the welfare of the Syrian people is not our concern. Allowing Syria to become a base of planning and marshaling resources for future terrorist attacks puts America's safety at stake, therefore strong action is not a choice, but a requirement. .
             In examining President Obama's stated course of action, the Buddhist perspective would have a much harsher critique of his plan. Yet, rather than skirt the issue of any possible growth in terrorism as a consequence of military action, President Obama sought to face it head-on by speaking of the downside of non-engagement. As the President said: .
             "I believe such disengagement would be a mistake. I believe America must remain engaged for our own security, but I also believe the world is better for it.