- The United States of America is perhaps the most flagrantly irresponsible nation on Earth. We, who have the power to end wars. We, who have the power to save lives. We, who triumph over injustice, oppression, and any other petty obstacles the world throws in our path. We have failed in our duty to help make the world a peaceful and pleasant place to live. It is thus our duty now to resolve the aftermath of that oversight.
We have known for some time that the Syrian government is an enemy in our campaign for liberty in the Middle East. Who but an enemy would support and finance the guerillas who wreak havoc on Israeli society? Who but an enemy would encourage and aid the insurgents sneaking into Iraq? Who but an enemy would deliberately intervene with the administration of justice?
A government must look after its subjects, like a gentle parent. It must protect and provide for them, offer pertinent advice, and moderate when conflict grows out of hand. A government must not stand by and refrain from intervention when inequity and disorder develop under its watch. To allow such problems to persist unmitigated is simply unconscionable. To support and facilitate this anarchy belies the most basic tenets of humanity.
A government must not ignore conflict on its doorstep, but must react by pacifying, not exacerbating the problem.
Rafik Hariri was a symbol of greatness to the Lebanese people. Born to poor parents, he worked hard, making success where he could not find it. He made opportunities for himself, and became an extremely prosperous, self-made businessman. But he did not stop with his own success. He continued serving his country, as prime minister, for ten years.
Hariri remained devoted to his people, and steadfastly opposed Syria’s overt political and military domination of Lebanon. This effective occupation persisted for three decades, constantly grinding the Lebanese people under the disdainful boot of the Syrian government. With Hariri’s assassination, Syria only affirmed its predisposition to rash and disastrous action, and its inability to govern itself responsibly and effectively.
The United Nations’ report regarding the assassination is clear in its implications of the Syrian government. This despicable act of terrorism could never have succeeded without the direct involvement of high-ranking Syrian officials. Indeed, among the key conspirators were the chief of military intelligence and the president’s brother. Blame is also cast upon the Lebanese security forces. Considering Syria’s obvious influence over Lebanon’s government, is this a surprise?
Not only have Syria’s officials denied involvement in the assassination, they have blatantly and deliberately attempted to mislead investigators and obstruct the issue's clarification. Why would they resist, if they had nothing to hide?
The time to act is long past. We should have stopped Syria's defilement of justice long ago. Hopefully, though, it is not too late to make a difference. Let us not waver in our resolve, but take the action we must, and ensure that we will leave the world a better place than we found it.
Harmodius
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