A schoolyard brawl, a group of 5-8 kids armed with words and fists. Whatever started the conflict is resolved in a matter of moments. The will brush the dirt off and wipe away the blood from their chins and depart to their homes, settled or angry about the conflict's resolution.
You would think that, in this day and age, a national resolution to a conflict would best be agreed upon with a forced sit down of both sides in a public forum. Except, you would be asking too much. Wars rarely end once they begin after the deaths of thousands of people. And just as when you were a kid, the'big bro' or 'big sis' is called upon when a nation is having internal or external conflicts. Guns blazing and all.
For Syria, Israel, Palestine, and Egypt's, international efforts to push for peace have become more in demand. No thanks to decades, sometimes even centuries, of conflicts between their country and a neighboring one slowly builds into a grudge-like volcano. Ultimately erupting, the grudge begins a war unlikely to cease in a matter of moments.
The international involvement or assistant for world wide conflicts in constantly being debated:
- Is international support truly helpful?
- Do NATO, the UN, and other multi-country connections increase the chance of an end to any of the current wars, or would these only further agitate the issues?
Below, I discuss some of the pros and cons of International Assistance, a.k.a calling in the 'Big Bro". *(Pros and Cons based off U.S.-international involvement)*
What may be the upsides to becoming allies with or gaining support from other countries?
Exhibit A: International relief efforts for natural disasters (USAID, The Red Cross, Russia's Famine Relief Act, NATO, UN)
Exhibit B: Agreed disuse of nuclear/chemical warfare after the Chernobyl 
Exhibit C: The Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 by the U.S.
Pros (which are directly affecting the U.S.)-
- A long-term friendship.
- Joint international activism (e.g. human rights and anti-terrorism).
- Facilitates or encourages peace talks and cease-fires.
- Exchange of ideas, technology, and natural resources.
Pros (which are indirectly affecting the U.S.)-
The ally country:
- Appears more intimidating in the eyes of your enemy.
- Receives training, weapons, and financial support from their ally.
- Eligible to receive support from the U.S. in any major conflict or political elections.
- Receives relief funds for natural disasters, a push for better governmental control and equal rights, and better education,
What are some of the downsides to international support and/or relations?
When it comes to international relations, not all outcomes are positive. While it may be done in the best interest of the country, many new age alliances contribute to the stirring up of old conflicts.
Exhibit A: WWI
Exhibit B:WWII
Exhibit C. D, & E: The Vietnam War, The Gulf War, The War on Drugs.
Cons (which are directly affecting the U.S.)-
- The civilians' lives are put into danger while in active as travelers, or the media.
- A bad rep with other UN members or country's the ally is at peace with.
- May be unknowingly supporting a politician who is a criminal (e.g. Saddam Hussein genocide after we helped him the Iraq-Iran war), which may result in purposeful ignorance from the ally.
- At risk of being invaded by the ally country's enemy.
Cons (which are indirectly affecting the U.S.)-
- The country and/or opposition exploit the financial, weaponry, and training support given to them in a way the allying country didn't agree to.
- Lack of trust by neighboring countries due to an alliance.
- The civilians' lives are put into danger in their own country or in outer-country havens for the country's refugees.
- Anti-democracy vs. pro-democracy, a.k.a. 'Don't tell me what to do'.
The one issue that may pose the biggest threat with any international alliances: Vulnerability.
Although the James Bond franchise creates a badass interpretation of spies, the idea of having another country knowing too much about its governmental or social activities may not be as desirable. When a international agreement creating an alliance between two or more countries might as well be a giant welcome mat.
But should these countries not hide their secrets from their allies? To each his own, maybe?
Do you think national and/or international conflicts can be stabilized without international help?
Is it possible for 'Big Bro' or 'Big Sis' to always step up to help whenever an ally is in need?
Or are national and/or international conflicts to be only dealt with between the involved parties?
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Sibling Image Credit: Capture Queen ™
