I remember, very specifically, Sept. 11, 2001. My sister and I were getting ready for school and our parents were watching the morning news in the living room. All of a sudden the news goes live to New York City and one of the Twin Towers is smoking. My sister and I heard our parents talking, so we went to go see what it was. As we watched a plane came flying around, crashing into the other tower.
I was 12-years-old and it was really the first time I was introduced to conflict of that magnitude. I remember being so lost, wondering what was going on. I recently felt slightly lost again as I began reading about Syria this past week and more on North Korea.
I will be honest, I have been somewhat out of worldly news for awhile. It can be overwhelming, there are so many conflicts everywhere it would seem that cutting myself off from what's happening in the world while focusing on local events and what's going on in the general area. I've been preparing for coaching the junior girls' volleyball team and without cable I don't always go out of my way to watch the news.
Obviously I had heard there were issues regarding Syria and North Korea, but I hadn't known just how close the world really is to conflict. Which as we all know, in today's society a third world war would bring only complete devastation.
In the end it would seem the Cold War never really ended. The United Kingdom, France, and the United States have all been quick to bring about the idea of military action. Though if attacked Syria has the power of Russia behind it as well as Iran and China. However, it is believed Russia wouldn't take direct action but help to fund Syria and provide it with weapons.
Now as tensions seemingly continue to rise in the Middle East with Syria, there are continued tensions with North Korea as well.
To me, it just seems that military action will bring one thing, war. Yet, as we remember through history allowing too many concessions without consequences is not good either.
It's a difficult situation, but one that needs to be addressed in a matter that won't mean a third world war. It's tricky, however, that is the entire point of ambassadors and leaders. They are chosen to do what is right for the country and right now for our country, I don't know if military strikes against a country in the Middle East, which the United Nations is advising against is a good idea.
I do worry that Canada will jump in over its head. I do remind myself that when the US and UK were preparing to invade Iraq because of their apparent weapons of mass destruction, Canada did not join. They entered Afghanistan following the attacks of 9/11 to find those responsible. The World Trade Centre attacks were therefore seen as an attack against all countries situated there and I think many Canadians felt sending troops to Afghanistan was acceptable.
Canada is always thought to follow its big brother, the United States, or its mother country, Britain, but Canada did prove during the invasion of Iraq that this is not always true.
Through past writings I think I've shown that I'm not the biggest fan of Harper and the Conservatives, but he is our Prime Minister and I do respect him as well as the views of the party. This respect, however, doesn't outweigh a fear in the pit of my stomach that he will simply jump to war behind the United States and Britain.
I know that I've heard a phrase along the lines of, "If we don't help, who will?" which is possibly where the problem lies. In Syria, in North Korea, there are atrocities happening every day. People are in work camps and others are simply being killed, there are people seeking asylum and that's fine. But, when is the line crossed sparking our intervention?
But, alas I'm not a leader of a country nor do I know the intricacies in dealing with other countries diplomatically. I do know it's good to think globally, but at times it can be a bit much in this small world and at times I'd rather live in a bubble.
