by Mike SmithEvil can’t be contained. It can’t be subdued, reasoned or negotiated with. Evil has no regard for morality or life. Evil is only interested in growing stronger, and it will destroy anything or anybody that may get in its way.The only way to eliminate evil is to defeat it.Evil exists in many forms. But the evil we are trying to come to grips with, in light of Paris, manifests itself in an organization called ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Their actions are incomprehensible and gruesome. Killing those who will not convert to their religion. Oppressing women and, when they step out from under a subservient role, brutally punishing or killing them. Forcing young girls into prostitution. Beheading journalists and others who don’t share their values. Tossing homosexuals and suspected homosexuals from high buildings to their death. The orchestration of slaughter as in Paris, killing 129 civilians, as well as the bombing of a Russian airliner, killing 224 passengers and crew. These are acts of pure evil.
Collectively, world powers have allowed ISIS to flourish and grow by trying to avoid the confrontation necessary to defeat them. It was easier to look the other way and not commit fully to their defeat; after all, they are not really a nation and they do not control enough oil and other interests that Americans and their allies saw it necessary to commit enough resources to destroy them. What has changed since Paris is that we are now in a world where direct opposition is required.
Like it or not, the U.S. needs to take a leadership role in the world to defeat this evil. We have the same obligation to help the peaceful people trying to escape it.
To defeat ISIS we must coordinate and collaborate with our Western allies, our regional allies, and with Russia, Iran and Iraq. If it is a military plan that needs to be implemented, then it is naïve to think that our Gulf State allies can conduct a military operation on their own. Although they have standing armies and air forces, they have limited logistical capability to launch and sustain a sophisticated and potentially lengthy operation outside of their borders. As we ponder possible military solutions there should be no illusion that this can be done without the involvement of U.S. troops.
As we contemplate how to defeat ISIS militarily, equal attention must be given to answering this question: what does a post-war Syria look like? This kind of planning should take place before any military action in Syria. If we do not have a plan for Syria, or even Iraq, then what fills the void after we remove ISIS? If we allow this cycle of radicalism, violence and war to prosper yet again, then we have accomplished nothing. The overarching goal is to defeat evil, and it is this goal that will, hopefully, provide the impetus for many countries to come together to resolve differences, agree on solutions and enhance the chance of a successful long-term strategy.
And while chaos reigns in the region, the international response to accepting Syrian refugees seems to get more complicated by the moment. As reported, some of the terrorists responsible for the Paris attacks may have made it into France, and elsewhere, posing as refugees from Syria. What is more terrifying than someone posing as a victim only to perpetrate violence? How do we balance our fears of a similar attack with our commitment to protect and support those refugees fleeing the horrors of war and seeking security and a better life?
In Vermont there are discussions about whether to allow Syrian refugees into our state. We should. We have a rich tradition of allowing refugees into our state, and many go on to lead successful, productive lives. We also have to recognize that there are legitimate safety concerns surrounding this resettlement effort, and we shouldn’t dismiss them as frivolous, but address them head-on.
The role of the governor is very important with regard to these issues. He must show our state’s compassion by welcoming refugees here. But he also must quell any fears.
Gov. Peter Shumlin has stepped up and proclaimed Vermont open to refugees, showing compassion. But he has yet to give sufficient details about the process to ensure the safety of Vermonters. He needs to explain the national vetting process, how it is done and by whom, and why he is so convinced that safety measures are in place. He has convinced himself — according to news accounts — that sufficient safety protocols are in place to protect Vermonters. But that’s not enough. He needs to give that same level of confidence to others. That’s a challenge, but it is important that attempts are made. Transparency is not a foe in this effort; it will be the governor’s biggest friend and asset.
With more information about safety, Vermonters, with our rich and long-held beliefs about freedom and justice, will be more at ease and will be accepting. And this resettlement effort — like our previous efforts — will be welcoming and successful.
Whether it’s evil or the fear of evil at home or abroad, it must be confronted and it must be defeated — sometimes with force, sometimes with compassion, and sometimes with information.
Mike Smith was secretary of administration and secretary of human services under former Gov. Jim Douglas. He is the host of the radio program, “Open Mike with Mike Smith,” on WDEV. He is also a political analyst for WCAX-TV and WVMT radio and is a regular contributor to the Times Argus, Rutland Herald and Vermont Business Magazine.