Whose Wedding? What Revolution?

So im confused, I thought we did away with the English monarchy in 1776 and then again in 1812, why are they on my TV? For the past few months the broadcasting systems of the United States have been captivated over the up coming wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. No matter what time it is, day or night, if you turn your television on to a news provider you will hear countless hours of debate and gossip revolving around the Royal Wedding. This catastrophic distraction seems to have come just in time in order to avert American attention away from our three wars in the Middle East, yes three, we're at war with Libya too. Currently one of the most pivotal geographic locations in the world is in turmoil and I'm watching some English bloke make jelly molds of Buckingham palace? Really?

One of the most important political transformations in years is occurring, our generation in Syria, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya and the U.A.E has spoken and is currently fighting and dying for political freedom. Although I do not believe that all of our media's attention should be placed on these uprisings, and of course a little distraction can be good at sometimes, I feel that not enough people have come to terms with what is happening in the Middle East. Since the end of World War II many Middle Eastern nations have been dominated by military rule. Dictators such as Muammar Gaddafi in Libya have ruled over their people with an iron fist for generations, preventing political freedom as well as economic growth in their nations. For the first time in over 50 years it seems that a break through might occur throughout these nations. With the help of NATO troops as well as the United Nations, Libyan rebel forces have been able to mount a quasi organized military campaign against Gaddafi and if successful will finally be able to over throw the dictator. In the nation of Syria, hundreds of students and citizens have taken to the streets to protest the regime of President Bashar al Assad. Over the past few weeks these protesters have been met with growing violence by the Syrian Military. Even though thousands of un armed citizens fill the Syrian streets, President Assad has not hesitated to order his troops to fire upon the rallies. These horrible acts of violence have been condemned by President Barack Obama but what is the correct action to take? Do we intervene in a sovereign nations affairs just as we have done in Libya? Or do we sit back and watch? This is a very tricky line to walk. We are constantly bombarded through our many sources of media by the atrocities being committed in nations such as Syria, however, we can not be quick to jump the gun. Though many say we should use our military force as the worlds great super power to end the violence, what do we do once we've won? There is no organized political group willing to take power in many of these nations, perfectly displayed in the recent Egyptian revolution. Though we might be able to easily depose many of these dictators such as Assad, we have no out, no way to end the conflict. Once the governments are disposed we will be unable to simply leave the future of these nations to the un organized masses. Many of these revolutions have no figure head leader, no George Washington to lead them through reconstruction once the war is won. Due to this we as a nation have much to think about. We find our selves in a limbo of wanting to help our fellow man but also not wanting to create a political disaster in the Middle East. Short term might say save the men and women being killed in the protests but what will the long term consequences of our actions be? Food for thought.

Over all I hope that throughout the next few weeks, more of our generation will begin to focus on the political struggle which is occurring in the Middle East. Finally shifting our attention away from media side shows such as the Royal Wedding. I say this because, one day, the problems our parents faces today will be ours and ours alone.

-Timmy Out