Syria has recently asked for help from other Arab nations regarding the influx and presence of more than 1 million Iraqi refugees. Given the recent economic trends worldwide, and more specifically in Syria, the Syrian officials claim they are “economically strapped for resources” for these refugees.

Up to this point, Syria has been spending approximately $2 Billion per year on Iraqi’s. Unlike Sweden and other states, Syria does not extradite Iraqi refugees. Sweden has been in the news recently for stopping incoming refugees, arresting them, and sending them off to be deported back to Iraq.
The article I found in an Azzaman publication states:
“The U.S. and U.K, whose troops invaded Iraq and devasted it’s towns and cities with their ongoing bombing and invasions have shamfully shrugged their responsibilities.”
Syria is known for being tolerant when it comes to refugees. The cost to provide social and public amenities is supported through the UN refugee organization, UNHCR, although the article states those budgets are “highly limited.”

I thought the quote was interesting and showed an obvious discontent for the US and its mission. Although I feel aware of the destruction done in Iraq since the war started, I have a hard time imagining America turning their back on reconstructing the area, providing resources for the citizens and encouraging or promoting human rights. If the US had no commitment to restabilizing the region and establishing democratic peace with human rights, then we would have withdrawn troops the moment Saddam had been overthrown. With that said, I believe that we cannot be content with the current state of Iraqi’s and must find a way to give them something of hope, similar to what we are searching for here in the states.