In the seven years since civil war erupted in Syria, refugees have fled the violence and destruction. But starting over in a new country after such experiences is much harder than it may seem.
Flashy interceptor systems attract media and government attention. But bomb shelters and warning systems are at least as important in the midst of missile strikes.
We looked at ten countries in East Africa and found poverty and politics were much more important drivers of conflict and displacement than climate change.
While the Syria strikes were clearly violating international law, using force to uphold the ban on chemical weapons is becoming acceptable in the international community.
The bombing in Syria is based on a flawed strategy – just as Operation Rolling Thunder was during the Vietnam War. But will world leaders learn the lessons of history?
The United Nations Charter doesn’t allow the use of military force to prevent chemical weapons attacks — no matter how evil — without UN Security Council approval. That needs to change.
Rebuilding Syria will be complex and costly. But expertise and extensive funds will be in short supply due the geopolitical absence of the US and other Western countries.
The US, France and Britain launching air strikes this weekend on Syria in retalition for an alleged gas attack by the Assad regime – but niether side is likely to up the ante soon.
Associate Professor in Islamic Studies, Director of The Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation and Executive Member of Public and Contextual Theology, Charles Sturt University