Political Writing - Is the U.S. supporting Al-Qaeda in Syria?

President Obama has received support and opposition from all sides - Republicans, Democrats, Americans, and international officials and citizens - since announcing his stance on the United States' potential role in the Syrian conflict. Many question his objective for interference as well as the impact on American lives. The media, particularly Fox News and CNN, permitted representatives to speak either for or against the President's position, as depicted in the videos below.

Fox News

Senator Rand Paul (R), believes that if the U.S. goes into Syria on the side of rebels, we, in fact would be supporting Al-Qaeda. He had even been cited to consider delay voting on the matter by implementing a filibuster. 

Senator Paul states that he believe the President has attempted to prove he can go beyond the law and take matters into his own hands, outside the realms of what the Constitution allows. This video depicts the President, his position on U.S. interference in Syria, and international authority as hazardous to Americans. 

Chris Wallace of Fox News seems to be in agreement, asking few questions to deter from Senator Paul's summation. They both allude to all rebels being members of Al-Qaeda.

CNN

Secretary of State John Kerry (D) and Former National Security Adviser Stephan Hadley believes that not all rebels are part of Al-Qaeda and supports U.S. involvement in the Syrian conflict on some levels. There are many core groups that are Democrat-linked and the U.S. can and should be working with them during the conflict, according to Hadley. 

Again, John Berman of ABC News did not press Hadley on his perspective, similarly to the Fox News interview conducted by Chris Wallace. Berman and Hadley illustrated the President's decision as being a sound one; however, they did possess an underlying tone of not agreeing with sending troops in Syria and U.S. involvement should be more diplomatic. 

***

The agenda on behalf of Fox News and CNN is to only rely particular information to the public in support of their own initiatives. Fox News portray the President as incompetent overall, as well as his position on the level of U.S. involvement in the Syrian conflict as a push to exhibit powering beyond his intended scope. Yet, CNN backs the President's political measures rather than his methods, per se, and upholds his level of authority. Amid their differences, both reporting mediums agree the fact remains that President Obama and Congress will execute military or diplomatic action. They also concur that some rebel groups are part of Al-Qaeda.

Either way in my opinion, both agendas must be scrutinized by the public. We must conduct a comparative analysis to weed through facts and assumptions to make more informed verdicts on international affairs affecting American politics and our communities. 

Please comment on this post and respond to the related poll below (the poll closes 10/27/2013 and will be deleted once votes are tallied).

Political Writing - Congress Divided: Syrian Plan in Question

After more than two years of fighting, Syrians have turned their conflict toward one another during the quest for territory and power. Civil war has erupted, and citizens are experiencing high unemployment rates, significantly declining currency values, decreasing human rights, detriment to the health care infrastructure, and impending vehement backlash from its government, which has led to over 100,000 deaths.

Foreign forces stand on high-alert, for the Syrian violence is spilling into neighboring lands. International administrations have been carefully monitoring Syria and even cautioned their populace on the dangers of traveling there. Western nations, among others, are considering intervening in the crisis due to its impact on innocent Syrians and potential effects on international affairs. Syrian officials responded to this notion with threats of chemical weapons attack.   

The U.S. notes that the Syrian government has already initiated a chemical assault in the Damascus suburbs, killing more than 1,429 people, including 426 children August 21. Additionally, Doctors Without Borders treated 3,600 patients with “neurotoxic symptoms” shortly after the attack. This strike further demonstrates the Syrian regime’s merciless intentions.

The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) plans to establish a command and control center in Syria, and August 31, President Obama announced that he will seek Congress approval to send in U.S. military forces as a preemptive measure for war. Thus far, plan supporters of the President’s plan believes it will send a message to Syria that chemical attacks will not be tolerated. Opponents feel more diplomatic methods should be set in motion to avoid further oversees conflict. Either way, trouble lies ahead.

Informational Map and related articles

***

Fox News versus CNN Politics (political ticker) and Fourwinds10

Fox News states, “The president and his aides are sending out conflicting messages.” On the one hand, CNN Politics (political ticker) reports that President Obama indicates that he would not strike until Congress approves. However, Fourwinds10 writes about multiple signs indicating President Obama has already taken a stance on the matter.

Four U.S. warships with ballistic missiles are already moving into position in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to bring Tomahawk cruise missiles down inside Syria, if necessary. F-16 fighter jets were also placed in but not removed out of Jordan, per request of Jordanian government officials, earlier this year, with claims that this action was due largely to facilitate military exercises. (See Fourwinds10's 5 Signs That Obama has Already Made the Decision to go to War with Syria.) 

It appears U.S. citizens are receiving conflicting information from our government regarding the military's level of involvement, as well as overall intent. American citizens, such as myself, would likely rather be informed on the government's truthful status in the Syrian civil war, along with corresponding information from the news segments, to remain aware of potential effects on the enlisted, our economic affairs, resources and so forth. In this instance, TRUST is of high importance concerning the United State's position and media reporting to ensure citizens are educated appropriately on matters impacting our communities and our nation.

Please comment on this post and include insight on how U.S. interference may affect our nation as well as our communities. Also, please view the video on Obama's seeks military action in Syria and respond to the related poll below (the poll closes 09/12/2013 and will be deleted once votes are tallied).

 

Poll results are in:

 

Should the U.S. interfere with the Syrian conflict?

Yes = 33%

No = 33%

Undecided = 33%