By MAYA NAKKOUL
Opinions Editor
In an attempt to retaliate against Iran backed militias, President Joe Biden ordered an airstrike on Syria on Thursday Feb. 26. This act is receiving pushback from democrats and other individuals who voted for Biden a few months ago in the 2020 election.
According to the Department of Defense the strikes “came in response to recent attacks and threats against Americans and coalition personnel in Iraq.” When asked what message he would like to send to Iran through his actions, Biden responded “You can’t act with impunity, be careful.”
This airstrike was the first major military act that the Biden administration has conducted, and it is one already shrouded in controversy which is not necessarily the foot you want to start off on only 36 days into presidency. Biden’s actions have stirred up conversation regarding the presidential-congregational balance of power when it comes to military action, just as conversation was sparked when Donald Trump ordered an airstrike on Syria.
It should be noted that, time and time again, what appears to the American people as a sad event that leads to a mildly uncomfortable conversation is, to people halfway across the world, an absolute disaster that takes lives, destroys homes, and ruins livelihoods. Politicians are not to use the world as a battle ground that can be taken as lightly as a board game. They are not to act irrationally and without full and supported backing from congress. It is the president’s duty to prioritize the safety and prosperity of the American people, but each action should be calculated and done so in a level headed, legal manner.
Biden’s attack on Syria is as strategic is it is painful to hear about. And while one must accept that that is simply the fact of the matter and that politics is one intricate game, hearing stories like this never gets easier. That is a heartbreaking reality when you take into consideration that Syria is not just some wrecked wasteland, it is still home for many individuals, which is why decisions like these should not be taken lightly. If one of our presidents makes a militant choice, they need to be sure that it is done with a clear mind, that it is something worthy of congressional approval, and that it is for the greatest good of this country which we all live in and hope to feel safe.
It is justified to recognize and vocalize that the previous administration was not benefiting the country in ways that were significant and positive enough to have left Donald Trump in power for a second term. Recognizing this would mean that it was a citizen’s duty to do what they saw fit in terms of who they voted for. But what is not okay is letting the actions of a politician slide simply because you voted for them or because they were the lesser of two evils. Letting “evil” slide by in any capacity by an individual who is supposed to lead and serve this country is unacceptable. And part of that is holding those individuals to their word.
Each and every president should have their actions overseen. No one individual should be left to lead with reckless abandon while American citizens offer support by turning a blind eye. Democrats giving push back on Biden’s actions does not necessarily signify regret for their decision because ultimately, at the time being, it was in the best interest of the country; but that does not mean they will blindly follow a president simply because they are of the democratic party.
Biden should not act with impunity. He is to know that his role as president is to act with level-headedness, and that his decisions be fair and just. No president gets a free pass simply for being president. There are promises to keep and a role to fulfill.
