When understanding this situation in Syria over the past decade and a half is taken in full, it becomes apparent that those who faced persecution have not stopped struggling. Putting the readings and video from this week in chronological order, Syrians first lived through a civil war, were terrorized by ISIS, lived in poorly accommodating refugee camps for those who escaped, looked for asylum, and now face pressure to return to an insatiable regime.
The Beekeeper of Sinjar was one of the most horrifying and detailed accounts of a mass tragedy I have ever read. It is one thing to learn about the holocaust in history books, but to know that these stories happened in my lifetime was truly saddening. Reading the stories of so many women who were forced into abusive situations and the people who helped them, I question our own morality today in the comforts of a (relatively) stable democracy and society. I understand that policy-makers must make decisions in the best interest of their constituents, however I find it hard to believe that someone could read this book and not want to offer the protections of their country. Perhaps it is my optimism that thinks this, but I believe that if those who held hostility towards Syrian refugees would read this book, the xenophobia would begin to dissipate. The personal narrative through which this story is told allows Mikhail to cover atrocities in a way that keeps the reader connected to the characters, and root for the protagonists risking their lives.
The video we watched of the refugee camps was also disheartening. Without other options, refugees were living without sufficient water, food, or medical care. It was especially sad to see that the few mental health resources provided were not being used by most, even though it is undoubtedly true that all refugees are still suffering from trauma. The reason for this, as was speculated, is that there is a stigma around seeking support for mental struggles. I can understand how families go through such terrible experiences, knowing that others of their same community face the same problems, and do not believe themselves to be harmed much worse than their neighbors, and decide not to ask for help. The fact that this type of suffering has been almost normalized for this community is unacceptable.
Moving forward to this year, it seems as though Germany and other European countries have begun retreating into their hole of xenophobia again, with the struggles of Syrians being many years ago. The idea of the government paying migrants to leave and go back to Syria certainly sends the message that they are not wanted. I find the article discussing the ideas that now there are different categories for Syrian refugees, with “good” Syrians being doctors who are necessary to their welfare, while “bad” Syrians do not hold high-paying jobs and should return. I find this rhetoric to be entirely hypocritical, and almost aiding in the brain-drain of the country.
