[View the story "Syrian-Americans combating apathy with action" on Storify ]Syrian-Americans combating apathy with action Facing apathy in the U.S., we discuss how Syrian-Americans are working to raise aid for their ancestral homeland. Storified by AJAMStream · Fri, Feb 21 2014 14:32:32
At least
140,000 people have died in Syria, and the UN estimates
9.3 million within Syria are in need of help. The United States has given $1.7 billion in humanitarian aid to the country since violence broke out in 2011. Despite the humanitarian crisis, recent polling suggests American aversion to taking an active role in Syria:
people-press.org
Online, many gave their thoughts on how war fatigue has influenced American views on Syria:
@AJAMStream Iraq was a huge mess. I do think this is a major factor in American reluctance to get involved in Syria.Jessica
The American people are weary of continuous war and loss of our ownnationaljournal.com
@AJAMStream of course they have no average American wants to go 2 war with #Syria because of the wars in #Iraq and #Afghanistan #AJAMStreamReginald Turner II
@AJAMStream Majority of Americans wanted no more war, no more wounded warriors; Obama delivering just that.Tough call for our government.cathyprimack
Others questioned whether involvement in Syria is in the best interests of the United States:
@AJAMStream We need to fix our shattered, corrupted democracy before spending tax dollars on wars & coups "for freedom" abroad! #AJAMStreamNothing
@AJAMStream if we invade or support another revolution, I want something tangible that will help our economy, not just help spread democracyBrian Virgil
45% of Americans disapprove of the way President Obama is handling the situation in Syria, according to a January
poll . Several offered their own ideas about how the US should proceed:
I believe watchful waiting is the best course. Nothing has really changed. Assad will fight until he wins or loses. If he loses will the west like the new government any better? I don't believe we are morally obligated or have a strategic necessity to get involved in the over throw of every government in the middle east.nationaljournal.com
@AJAMStream @ajam united States policy towards #Syria should set a humanitarian tone aiding those affected by the long conflict #AJAMStreamTony V
@AJAMStream UN, NATO, Arab League must give Iran/Russia something to save face to initiate a regime change hoping the new boss is no worseEric
One columnist wondered whether the dire humanitarian situation will eventually force action:
AS THE savage killings and stratospheric refugee numbers in Syria continue to climb, a key question emerges. When will the United States and other global powers experience a “Srebrenica moment,” when they can no longer stand on the sidelines and resolve instead that they finally have to act?bostonglobe.com
However, many Syrian-Americans are taking action on their own instead of waiting on the US administration. The Karam Foundation has created programs to provide support for Syrian children:
Zeitouna Kids: In their Own Wordssouriahabebatee
Islamic Relief USA has undertaken trips to the region to document humanitarian needs:
Hope for Syria: Islamic Relief USAislamicrelief
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