Just once

The problem with spending so much money on the military is that the temptation to use it becomes overpowering. Military options always make the short list. It does not matter whether the president is a Republican or Democrat. We have appointed ourselves as the world's SWAT team. Yet, our leaders act genuinely surprised when Americans become targeted by terrorists. If these great minds were half as intelligent as they claim to be, they would examine the fruits of our wars. What peace have we ever achieved with our weapons? There are no good wars, only theoretically "good" reasons to do terrible things. 

We need a fresh approach. Consider Syria. Here is one example of the collapse of critical institutions in that country. 

The conflict in Syria has led to what is arguably one of the world's worst humanitarian crises since the end of the Cold War. An estimated 100 000 people have been killed, most of them civilians, and many more have been wounded, tortured, or abused. Millions have been driven from their homes, families have been divided, and entire communities torn apart; we must not let considerations of military intervention destroy our ability to focus on getting them help. 

As doctors and medical professionals from around the world, the scale of this emergency leaves us horrified. We are appalled by the lack of access to health care for affected civilians, and by the deliberate targeting of medical facilities and personnel. It is our professional, ethical, and moral duty to provide treatment and care to anyone in need. When we cannot do so personally, we are obliged to speak out in support of those risking their lives to provide life-saving assistance. 

Systematic assaults on medical professionals, facilities, and patients are breaking Syria's health-care system and making it nearly impossible for civilians to receive essential medical services. According to WHO, 37% of Syrian hospitals have been destroyed and a further 20% severely damaged. Makeshift clinics have become fully fledged trauma centres struggling to cope with the injured and sick. According to the Violations Documentation Centre, an estimated 469 health workers are currently imprisoned, and about 15 000 doctors have been forced to flee abroad according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Of the 5000 physicians in Aleppo before the conflict started, only 36 remain.1

Syria has no functioning medical care system, but thousands of people are horribly wounded in thus vicious civil war every week. So why aren't we talking about dropping food and medical supplies instead of bombs? Maybe we should push a resolution in the UN to care for Syria's wounded and sick. Let's risk our lives to save some lives in Syria and it should not matter which side of the conflict the wounded happen to be on. That would be truly courageous leadership. That would be Christ-like.