Letter: Find peaceful alternatives in Syria
Published: September 4, 2013 6:30 PM by Newsday

Newsday’s editorial “Syria: red lines, bad choices” [Aug. 28], arguing for a limited military retaliation against the Syrian government, raises many profound questions. Why are we rushing to war without waiting for the UN inspectors’ report?

Why intervene now in a civil war that has claimed over 100,000 lives and forced 2 million refugees to flee the country?

Why is a military strike the only option? Should we not consider the consequences of the United States’ unilateral action? Have we learned nothing from the Iraq War?

Why not use the considerable power of the United States to lead international efforts for a cease-fire, a weapons embargo on all sides and concerted negotiations? Negotiations should include the Syrian government, the rebels, Russia, Iran, Turkey and others, for a diplomatic and political solution to end Syria’s civil war.

Why can’t we pursue peace, instead of war and more violence? Why not consider how many more Syrians will die if we decide to use military force yet again?

The American people must let our leaders know that we do not want another U.S. war and must say no to war against Syria.

Margaret Melkonian, Uniondale

Margaret Melkonian is the executive director of the Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives, a nonprofit activist and educational organization.
Photo credit: AP | Secretary of State John Kerry testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, before the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing to advance President Barack Obama’s request for congressional authorization for military intervention in Syria, a response to last month’s alleged sarin gas attack in the Syrian civil war. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)