Written by Jacob Franklin.
In a move that seems ripped from the pages of a never-ending script, the U.S. launched a staggering 75 airstrikes across Syria in just one day, reportedly targeting ISIS strongholds. These attacks come hot on the heels of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s abrupt fall, a moment outgoing President Joe Biden described as both a “moment of risk” and a “historic opportunity.”
The strikes were spearheaded by U.S. Central Command, deploying an arsenal of B-52 bombers, F-15 fighter jets, and A-10 Warthogs to “disrupt, degrade, and defeat ISIS.” But the sheer intensity of the operation raises some eyebrows. Can such heavy-handed intervention ever lead to anything but chaos?
Critics, like Danaka Katovich of CodePink, argue these attacks are just another chapter in a bloody saga of U.S. interventionism. “The U.S. has sowed chaos in Syria and the entire region for years,” she said. “Ongoing airstrikes show there’s no intention of reversing this deadly policy.”
Meanwhile, Greek politician Yanis Varoufakis chimed in with his signature sharp critique, slamming Western media for ignoring the human cost. “The Western press is waxing lyrical about the ‘new Syria’—but not a word about the bombs falling from the sky,” he tweeted. And let’s not forget, this is the same media that champions democracy while sidestepping uncomfortable truths.
Israel Tightens Its Grip on the Golan Heights
As if things couldn’t get more heated, Israel took the opportunity to expand its reach in the Golan Heights. Residents of five villages were warned to stay indoors “if they want to remain safe.” Safe from what, exactly? The right-wing Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, claims it’s merely ensuring border security. Yet Netanyahu himself faces allegations of war crimes, casting a long shadow over these actions.
Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights dates back to 1967, when it seized the territory in a war that’s left a legacy of tension and conflict. Despite international condemnation, the annexation of this land in 1981 has been a sticking point for decades. Now, with Assad fleeing to Russia and Damascus in rebel hands, the power vacuum grows, and so does the uncertainty for the people caught in the crossfire.
A Legacy of Interventionism
The U.S. airstrikes in Syria are part of a broader pattern that stretches back through the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations. Dubbed the “War on Terror,” this campaign has left tens of thousands of Syrians and Iraqis dead or maimed, all in the name of combating ISIS. But at what cost?
Katovich and others believe these policies only deepen the wounds in an already fractured region. “Every bomb dropped,” she said, “is another blow to the prospects for peace.”
Our Take
At some point, the cycle of intervention needs to stop. While defeating groups like ISIS is undoubtedly important, the U.S.’s heavy-handed approach often creates as many problems as it solves. These airstrikes are not isolated incidents; they’re part of a larger narrative that prioritizes military solutions over meaningful diplomacy.
And let’s be real: the Western press’s selective coverage doesn’t help. Ignoring the human toll of these operations perpetuates a sanitized version of events that’s easier for the public to swallow. But the truth is messier and far more tragic.
For conservatives, this endless cycle of interventionism is particularly galling. It’s a drain on resources, a stain on our moral standing, and a betrayal of the principle of limited government. How can we claim to champion liberty while trampling over the sovereignty of other nations?
If America truly wants to lead, it needs to stop relying on bombs and start investing in solutions that build rather than destroy. Because right now, the only thing being “disrupted” is any hope for lasting peace.
