Weekly Reflection #4 10/10

A few hours ago (as of this writing), the US mobilized and sent forces to Jordan to help re-affirm the country's security with regards to the rising struggles in Syria. Before starting this course, I felt  (along with what I think is most of the media) that the US' best option was direct military involvement in Syria. Now however, I can see there are many more factors to consider in the Syrian conflict (studying Historical Materialism and Constructivism in World Politics has also led to me to ponder and question everything, particularly in terms of the relative history of the issue). We have yet to study the Syrian conflict in depth in class but every week the readings opens my mind more and more that every state in the region holds varying internal characteristics. Reflecting upon this I realize that my opinion has changed, I am not in the American mindset to shoot first and ask questions later with regards to Syria. We can no longer play the role of the knight in shining red, white, and blue armor that rides into fight and saves the 'good guys' from the 'bad guys', every issue, particularly in MENA.