This story was first published on December 8th, 2013.  Due to the current Syrian situation, this story was republished to highlight a view of turmoil in Syria from a student perspective.  

With 1,400 dead, should the U.S and Russia stop the Syrian conflict or let more people die? We all know what happened when the U.S. let it slip in the past. World War II was caused. Also, Syria broke an international norm of using chemical weapons, and by using them on citizens. Lawbreakers need to face consequences.

One reason I consider agreeing with the U.S. and Russia trying to stop the Syrian civil war is that the population in the world will decrease slightly.

Also, using chemical weapons can affect the environment. Leaving chemicals in the air is not a good idea because it can also kill the people who use them.

People around the world say that “Wars always happen but were wrong sometimes.  Most will agree that Syria is 100 percent wrong because they broke an international norm which is the use of chemical warfare.

“If the U.S want to be leaders, then let them be leaders,” said Freya Nagle, a student in Unis Middle School. “The U.S. and Russia were smart and stopped using chemical weapons, but they have not stopped this tragedy that is occurring now.”  “Putting a stop to it can help others in many ways”, Freya said.

On the other hand, others are saying U.S. and Russia should mind their own business. But, as I have said, World War II began because countries did not act.

“My family is suffering in Syria right now and I don’t want any more problems by the U.S. entering because they can go through some more problems,” a student from Unis Middle School said.

It’s called playing smart because you are supposed to learn from your mistakes. That’s exactly what U.S. is doing, learning from its mistakes.

All in all, the U.S should do what it does best, which is to be a leader. Syria’s leaders broke an international norm and should suffer as their people suffered. That’s how life is however, life should be fair.

Ahmed Almarwi

Unis Middle School Journalist