t24.com.tr
Sachs: US Order Sparked Syrian War, Resulting in 600,000 Deaths
Jeffrey Sachs alleges that the Syrian civil war began in spring 2011 with a US presidential order to remove Bashar al-Assad, involving a CIA operation called "Operation Timber Sycamore," resulting in an estimated 600,000 deaths and wider regional instability, according to Sachs' claims.
- What triggered the Syrian civil war, and what immediate consequences resulted from it?
- Jeffrey Sachs, director of Columbia University's Center for Sustainable Development, claims that the Syrian civil war, starting in spring 2011, stemmed from a US presidential order to overthrow Bashar al-Assad. This involved a clandestine CIA operation, "Operation Timber Sycamore," supplying and training rebels. The conflict resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths.
- How did the stated aims of the US and Israel in the Middle East contribute to the outbreak and continuation of the Syrian conflict?
- Sachs argues that numerous Middle Eastern wars originated from regime-change ambitions. He specifically cites a 2011 US decision to remove Assad, influenced by Israel's desire to reshape the region according to its interests, and the subsequent arming and training of rebels, including jihadists, by the US and its allies. This created widespread chaos.
- What are the long-term implications of US-led regime change operations in the Middle East, and what conditions are necessary for achieving lasting peace in the region?
- The long-term impact, according to Sachs, is a legacy of instability and conflict across the Middle East, including seven wars (excluding Iran) instigated within five years. He emphasizes that lasting peace requires regional self-determination, free from external interference, particularly from the US and Israel, which he holds responsible for these conflicts.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing consistently emphasizes the culpability of the US and Israel, presenting their actions as the primary cause of the Syrian conflict. The headline and introduction directly point the finger at the US and its alleged role in orchestrating the conflict, establishing a biased tone from the outset. The repeated use of phrases like "This war started in Washington" reinforces this framing.
Language Bias
The language used is highly charged and accusatory, frequently using words and phrases that strongly condemn the actions of the US and Israel. Examples include "gizli silah tedarik ve eğitimi," "rejim değiştirme fikrinden," "diktatörlüğünden," and "kaos yarattı." These terms lack neutrality and convey a strong negative sentiment. More neutral alternatives would be needed for balanced reporting. The article frames the actions of the US and Israel as purely malicious without nuance or consideration of other possible motivations.
Bias by Omission
The analysis focuses heavily on the alleged role of the US and Israel in the Syrian conflict, potentially omitting other contributing factors such as internal political dynamics, sectarian tensions, and regional power struggles. The perspective of the Syrian government and other actors is largely absent. While acknowledging space constraints is important, the lack of diverse perspectives weakens the overall analysis.
False Dichotomy
The narrative presents a stark dichotomy: either the US/Israel orchestrated the war or there would have been peace. It ignores the complex interplay of factors that led to the conflict. The suggestion that removing external influence automatically leads to peace is an oversimplification.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article details how US foreign policy decisions, particularly Operation Timber Sycamore, destabilised the region, leading to the Syrian civil war and other conflicts. This directly undermines peace, justice, and strong institutions in the affected countries. The prolonged conflict has resulted in massive loss of life and widespread suffering, hindering the development of stable governance and justice systems.