#3 Lessons we learn from Syria and Korea ::
Syria
#Lesson-number-1: Assad is the problem, not part of the solution
There is one reason for Syria’s dismal human situation: the Assad government’s response to peaceful protests in 2011.
Syria’s brutality has vastly outstripped the response of other Arab governments to the region-wide uprisings of the “Arab Spring.” Long-simmering anger at Assad’s repression turned into a full-scale civil war. The fact is that the regime’s trail of destruction has been unmatched by any other group, including the Islamic State, or ISIS.
#Lesson-number-2: helping refugees doesn’t necessarily help Syria
World leaders are confronted with the critical challenge of what to do with over 4.5 million Syrians who have managed to escape the terrible conditions in their country.
This staggering number has strained the financial resources of the international refugee system. At the same time, the focus of existing refugee law – to allow a limited number of people to resettle in other countries, instead of being persecuted in their homelands – is not working.
#Lesson-number-3: no regional or global security is likely while the crisis continues
Indeed, the Assad regime’s ongoing brutality, and the refugee crisis that it and its more ruthless rivals have produced, only continue to intensify.
In addition to Syria, internal and regional warfare in Libya and Yemen is magnifying the chaos in the Arab world. Hundreds of thousands of Arabs, in addition to those from Syria, are being forced to leave their homes.
Faced with the complexity and enormity of the problem, many in the West argue that there is nothing to be done apart from doubling down on border control to contain the conflict.
Korea
#Lesson-number-1:If you enemy has clearly been defeated and retreats, go not go chase him (i.e. what MacArthur did).
#Lesson-number-2:Never underestimate China.
#Lesson-number-3:If you are going to commit to a conflict, give it your best shot and don’t try half-heartedly.