What Is The Difference?....

[agchristie]

Following the kidnapping of girls by Boko Haram there was a significant campaign to 'Bring Back Our Girls'. Yet when an Iraqi MP wrote to Michelle Obama about the Yazidis she received no response.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/11793353/Yazidis-left-to-their-fate-in-Iraq-The-world-has-forgotten-us.html

[Old_Geezer]

I have no real answer but wonder if the first kidnapping incident was seen as a moral issue one could get behind, but subsequent similar situations risk setting a president of needing to respond to every cause brought to their attention with the same vigour. And the thought that they are already doing what is considered what they should agains isil anyway ?

[naomi24]

Perhaps it’s because the situation has accelerated far beyond expectation. With so many atrocities being committed on a daily basis just where do opposing forces begin? They are, metaphorically (or perhaps literally) speaking, between the devil and the deep blue sea. On the one hand they are facing a barbaric organisation the like of which the world has never encountered previously, and one that doesn’t fight by the rules of any civilised nation, and on the other hand our moral code determines that we cannot resort to what we would deem unacceptable warfare. Unless ISIL is countered with greater force, more determined energy, and a resolve to destroy them regardless of method, there is nothing that can be done. We are fighting with one hand voluntarily tied behind our back.

[agchristie]

// but wonder if the first kidnapping incident was seen as a moral issue one could get behind, but subsequent similar situations risk setting a president of needing to respond to every cause brought to their attention with the same vigour//

I don't accept that theory. If we are talking about morals then surely what has happened to the Yazidis should rank very highly. This is not a case of numbers or precedent setting, it is about an international response that, if anything, should be tackled with more vigour.

[Old_Geezer]

Again and again and again ?
Authority figures aren't going to be forced to be at the call of every request. Practicalities.

[agchristie]

@ Naomi

// Unless ISIL is countered with greater force, more determined energy, and a resolve to destroy them regardless of method, there is nothing that can be done. We are fighting with one hand voluntarily tied behind our back.//

Absolutely correct. The predicament of the captured women is not going to end until the ante is increased. The Iraqi MP makes a similar point, more needs to be done but we are imposing our own constraints which is preventing the rate of progress which is necessary.

Where is the collective conscience?

Who are the strategists with the great minds to deal with this type of enemy? It is not someone elses problem

[agchristie]

@OG

// Again and again and again ?Authority figures aren't going to be forced to be at the call of every request.///

I refer to the OP. The outcry and response against the kidnapping of girls by Boko Haram was given serious attention. The same cannot be said of the Yazidis. It is a complete travesty.

[agchristie]

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/08/12/yazidi-refugees-flee-isis-but-find-door-to-us-asylum-closed/

More disinterest from the US.....

[wildwood]

It is unfortunate that the barbaric idiots seem to have virtually free reign in the Middle East. What can be done?

Iraq is now supposed to be phasing out its nuclear war development programs. Do we rekindle the "cold war" by interfering in Its internal business? Apart from offering aid to fight the cruel custom, I can't see what the Western world can do.

[agchristie]

Wildwood // Do we rekindle the "cold war" by interfering in Its internal business?//

The US/UK interfered before and helped create the major instability we now have. All the more reason to act more decisively to deal with the threat of ISIL.

[Zacs-Master]

So Ag, where would you target, geographically?

[agchristie]

Zacs, this is where the governments, military strategists come in and the use of known intelligence and technology/weaponry. Not forgetting the inclination to do more.

I know, I've not answered your question but I am way down the pecking order when it comes down to tactical considerations.

[Khandro]

ag; //All the more reason to act more decisively to deal with the threat of ISIL.//
Should I take that as an offer from you to join up and fight in a foreign (Muslim) war, or would you prefer some mother's son to do it for you?

[agchristie]

@ Khandro

They wouldn't be doing it for me they would be serving their country. If a decision was taken to put boots on the ground then those brave persons who join the armed forces know they may be called upon to engage in conflict.

[naomi24]

//Where is the collective conscience?//

Unfortunately for the Yazidis the collective conscience also takes into account the ‘collateral damage’ that would result should greater force be utilised. It seems our lofty moral codes can be detrimental to our own success – and in this instance potentially to our own well-being and security.

[Zacs-Master]

'I am way down the pecking order when it comes down to tactical considerations.'

Correct. So how do you know it's even possible to target anywhere? I don't believe it is.

[agchristie]

@ Zacs

// So how do you know it's even possible to target anywhere? I don't believe it is.//

Neither of us can know as we are not in receipt of any Intelligence. We have to trust that all that can be done is being done to fight this enemy but my question remains, is enough being done to locate and liberate the Yazidi women?

[Zacs-Master]

'We have to trust'

'Is enough being done'


I think you'd best decide which side of t'fence you're on lass.

[agchristie]

Zacs, I don't believe I am being indecisive in what I stated. Even if it is accepted that the coalition are doing what is possible in warfare doesn't necessarily mean that this is matched by attempts to locate and rescue the women.

[Zacs-Master]

Ah, I see.