Isn't the real denial that of the Arab and Islamic Worlds and their apologists? This is a crisis of Arabs killing Arabs and Muslims killing Muslims. More expansively it is Arabs and Muslims trying to murder non-Arabs and non-Muslims. All the while the Europeans are sure that it is Israel's fault. Isn't it time the world demand that Arabs take responsibility? They have put monsters in power who will do anything to stay in power. They have religious fanatics who murder those who do not share their view of their faith. As long as their is civil war within the Arab and Islamic Worlds it is unlikely enough can be done for the refugees.
32
The denial is rather who is causing these people to be uprooted, not what country may or may not accept them. It's glaringly obvious what leadership and organizations are behind the depopulation of Syria. The Editors peddle a tragic photo of a dead youth and conclude the "terrible human cost of Europe’s failure to deal with a surging refugee crisis." It's not Europe's failure to deal, it's the US, UK, IL and SA refusal to stand down. As for the photo, it has all the hallmarks of emotional programmatic manipulation, as this article makes quite clear.
18
Hats off to Barack Obama.
Still no public comment to the American people.
Obama's failure on ISIS, his red line in Syria and JV team stupidity destabilized Syria, and led to the deaths of 200,000 Syrians.
Now millions are fleeing and Europe is in chaos.
Still no public comment to the American people.
Obama's failure on ISIS, his red line in Syria and JV team stupidity destabilized Syria, and led to the deaths of 200,000 Syrians.
Now millions are fleeing and Europe is in chaos.
19
In the U. S, why does politics always seem to get in the way? During the last several Presidential Election Cycles, the Republican Party debates have always focused on stealing our borders. More illegal immigrants come to the U. S. on Visa these days, than cross our borders. Sealing the borders is of little consequence, in solving the overall problem. And why not the northern one, with Canada, eh?
The GOP political base is more concerned with brown and black immigrants, rather than those of "good" European stock--white, "like us". Let's say that a boat with a Cuban, a Haitian and a Mexican arrived on the beach in South Florida. The Haitian and the Mexican would be deported back home. A Cuban, however, who reaches dry land, according to the Cuban Adjustment Act, could stay and he/she would be granted Permanent Residency Status within one year, and be fast-tracked to Citizenship. Cuban-Americans have traditionally voted republican?
Why can't we see the advantages of accepting today's refugees? Of course the claims of "Islamo-…" (something or other) will be made. But, isn't that the same type of Code that comes through, loud and clear, with the term "Southern Border"?
Shouldn't we be above the idea that I have my freedom, I am living comfortably, my family is safe, and focus on: what needs to be done, who can we help, how do we relieve other people's pain and suffering. Just do the right thing!
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
The GOP political base is more concerned with brown and black immigrants, rather than those of "good" European stock--white, "like us". Let's say that a boat with a Cuban, a Haitian and a Mexican arrived on the beach in South Florida. The Haitian and the Mexican would be deported back home. A Cuban, however, who reaches dry land, according to the Cuban Adjustment Act, could stay and he/she would be granted Permanent Residency Status within one year, and be fast-tracked to Citizenship. Cuban-Americans have traditionally voted republican?
Why can't we see the advantages of accepting today's refugees? Of course the claims of "Islamo-…" (something or other) will be made. But, isn't that the same type of Code that comes through, loud and clear, with the term "Southern Border"?
Shouldn't we be above the idea that I have my freedom, I am living comfortably, my family is safe, and focus on: what needs to be done, who can we help, how do we relieve other people's pain and suffering. Just do the right thing!
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
3
What we do next is what matters. Chancellor Merkel will accommodate almost 1 million refugees. the first 450 who began walking to Germany were greeted with applause by ordinary Germans when the first train arrived from Vienna Saturday.
Where is the United States when our allies need us to assist the relief effort?
We pushed our European allies into our wars.
Our President should speak to the nation and reach out to the refugees. N Y Times, you should call out the president on this. .
Where is the United States when our allies need us to assist the relief effort?
We pushed our European allies into our wars.
Our President should speak to the nation and reach out to the refugees. N Y Times, you should call out the president on this. .
23
The problem with the way Germany is dealing with this problem is that, though morally admirable, it will lead to problems for Germany and Europe in the future. The Muslim immigrants who have gone to Europe before have not assimilated well and the threat of terrorism from young, alienated and often unemployed Muslims is overwhelming security services in the EU.
If the EU allows large numbers of Sunni Syrians into the member states those refugees will be grateful but in a generation, when their children, who have no direct experience with what brought their parents to Europe, come of age and feel outsiders there and when they hear radical clerics preaching a message that gives them a sense of self esteem and fulfillment by taking up jihad against secular values the problem could make those of today look small.
If Germany tries hard to find work for the refugees it is taking in and if it adjusts socially to accept Islam as of equal value with indigenous Christian beliefs and secular values then a later crisis may be averted but that is unlikely to happen. Already many German citizens appear to resent what Merkel is doing and when the reality of a million (or more) new refugees of different customs and beliefs hits home the resentment will grow. One need only look at the anger among republicans over the less fraught immigrant problem here to get an idea of how it will be.
If the EU allows large numbers of Sunni Syrians into the member states those refugees will be grateful but in a generation, when their children, who have no direct experience with what brought their parents to Europe, come of age and feel outsiders there and when they hear radical clerics preaching a message that gives them a sense of self esteem and fulfillment by taking up jihad against secular values the problem could make those of today look small.
If Germany tries hard to find work for the refugees it is taking in and if it adjusts socially to accept Islam as of equal value with indigenous Christian beliefs and secular values then a later crisis may be averted but that is unlikely to happen. Already many German citizens appear to resent what Merkel is doing and when the reality of a million (or more) new refugees of different customs and beliefs hits home the resentment will grow. One need only look at the anger among republicans over the less fraught immigrant problem here to get an idea of how it will be.
62
Your arguments would gain credibility if you did not repeatedly single out small children and crying women when we all know that they represent at most 10% of the refugees. So we, the reader feel that you want to manipulate us.
Change of topic:apart from the obvious but at this moment impossible peace in Syria, all nations could allow refugees to apply for asylum in their Turkish consulates (right now they cannot). That would keep all registration in the region, and people could spend $500 on a safe flight instead of $4000 to a smuggler with an unfit boat.
Why not in Syria? I think most embassies there are closed or non-functional.
Change of topic:apart from the obvious but at this moment impossible peace in Syria, all nations could allow refugees to apply for asylum in their Turkish consulates (right now they cannot). That would keep all registration in the region, and people could spend $500 on a safe flight instead of $4000 to a smuggler with an unfit boat.
Why not in Syria? I think most embassies there are closed or non-functional.
8
„Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,'
Made in Germany and not anymore made in the US?
Made in Germany and not anymore made in the US?
7
Every Legislator, Democrat and Republican and every supporter of the war in Iraq should offer to take a Syrian family in.
14
Actually according to government officials in Canada the Kurdi family did not apply for refugee status in Canada. The brother of the father did but his application was sent back because of insufficient information.
6
' Poland and Slovakia will not take in refugees who are not Christian ' shame on those countries Muslim and Yazdi lives also matter!
9
There seem to be two sides of the current refugee crisis. Some countries have aging work forces, businesses see any form of immigrants as sources of cheap labor to hold-down overall wage scales. Unskilled workers, on the other hand, view immigrants as competing for the available jobs, especially those at the bottom levels.
The wealthier countries of Europe, the U. S. and elsewhere, do need to step-up and do their parts in solving the crisis, absorbing the displaced people and providing financial support, as well. Where would Europe be today if the U. S. had not established the Marshall Plan after World War II? Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the U. S, among others, are all nations of immigrants. And consider how much better Japan's existing work force would be if it had opened its doors to immigration during prior decades?
The frustrating political situation with the U. S. stepping-up and doing its fair share is that politics gets in the way. The Republican Party has been talking about Immigration Reform for several Presidential Election cycles; but, that is merely "Code" for kissing-up to its political base. Although the GOP constantly stresses sealing our southern border, Cuban's get Permanent Residency within one year of arrival, and a fast track to Citizenship. Why not everyone?
But, shouldn't our response, above and beyond everything else, be based on humanitarian considerations--and not hatred.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
The wealthier countries of Europe, the U. S. and elsewhere, do need to step-up and do their parts in solving the crisis, absorbing the displaced people and providing financial support, as well. Where would Europe be today if the U. S. had not established the Marshall Plan after World War II? Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the U. S, among others, are all nations of immigrants. And consider how much better Japan's existing work force would be if it had opened its doors to immigration during prior decades?
The frustrating political situation with the U. S. stepping-up and doing its fair share is that politics gets in the way. The Republican Party has been talking about Immigration Reform for several Presidential Election cycles; but, that is merely "Code" for kissing-up to its political base. Although the GOP constantly stresses sealing our southern border, Cuban's get Permanent Residency within one year of arrival, and a fast track to Citizenship. Why not everyone?
But, shouldn't our response, above and beyond everything else, be based on humanitarian considerations--and not hatred.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Why can't each church, synagogue and mosque in the United States sponsor one refugee family?
One member would have one or more spare rooms, other members would have unworn clothes and extra food. It would be easy to share the care.
One member would have one or more spare rooms, other members would have unworn clothes and extra food. It would be easy to share the care.
7
If it's so easy, why don't you set an example by sponsoring a refugee family?
Liberals are so generous with other people's money.
Liberals are so generous with other people's money.
15
As long as we remain tribal, 'we' against 'them', no solidarity or inclusion or 'Samaritan law' can be expected. If we do not change radically, and recognize ourselves in others (the refugees) desperate for help, how in the world could we live with ourselves this comfortably? What a challenge towards our will to make a difference, and the courage to carry it out. We are still bodily alive, but with a moribund spirit, hiding from our own conscience. Not a nice picture, for sure.
18
I would hope that the US is pressuring the Saudis to take a leading position to assist Syrian refugees. Was this a topic for Obama and the King of Saudi Arabia as they held meetings this week? What are the Saudi's underlying reasons for not taking in a fair share of the refugees? It seems contrary to their own beliefs and code of honor. Given that it should not be difficult to persuade them to assist.
12
The U.S. should do more. We have more money, more land and more people than any country in Europe, and our invasion of Iraq did more to precipitate the unraveling of the Middle East than anything else in recent times.
22
We recognize that photo: Mater Dolorosa, the Mother of Sorrows. Surely the great nations of the world can relieve her suffering.
5
It is the United States that set the Middle East aflame and sent all of these refugees on the road. Why should the nations of Europe have to clean up after our messes? The United States should be responsible for taking in the refugees that we have created.
16
The same anti-immigration attitude is very alive here in the USA, the hatred towards children from south of our border escaping the mayhem in nations that we exported the criminals to wreak havoc and terrorize compares to the horrors of Iraq and Syria. They can thank George W. Bush for creating the maelstrom of the mid-east and our immigrations policies for the destruction of life in latin America.
6
One can always find an excuse for, "not in my backyard". In a nation where freedom rings and" give me liberty or give me death" still resonate, we want to be known to give liberty. These refugees need compassion and their screening - usually of one another, will suffice.
3
We should indeed help them, all of them if possible. And most likely Europe will do so. Europeans are mobilizing already and they are helping the refugees.
I don't understand however this intensive campaing of NYT of putting a bad light on Europe. What is USA doing for these people? What is the most powerful contry in the world doing to reinstalate peace in Syria so all this refugees can return to their homes?
I would like to see an article about that in this the newspaper.
I don't understand however this intensive campaing of NYT of putting a bad light on Europe. What is USA doing for these people? What is the most powerful contry in the world doing to reinstalate peace in Syria so all this refugees can return to their homes?
I would like to see an article about that in this the newspaper.
15
The US bears direct responsibility, denied yet undeniable. Fortunately, throughout the US, there are towns and even whole cities (e.g., Detroit) where homes are closed up, as people have migrated to more desirable locations. The infrastructure largely exists. Why not re-settle the refugees there?
Trump and Trumpeters take note: re-settlement would truly make America great again. Think of that little boy on the beach and then think of our grandparents or great grandparents who could have been that little boy. The US should act, now.
Trump and Trumpeters take note: re-settlement would truly make America great again. Think of that little boy on the beach and then think of our grandparents or great grandparents who could have been that little boy. The US should act, now.
7
The child died because his father used a rubber raft to set out into the sea. That image should be held up as the poster for stupidity. Soon Europe will be even more anti-Semitic and loaded with the backward peoples of Syria. Notice that Turkey is not taking any, and the other moslem states refuse as well.
22
The Kurdi family was in safe Turkey when the father decided to put his children on an unsafe boat with no life vests.
21
With about half of the world's nominal GDP and 15% of the world's people, Europe and America have been moving their ethnic sectarian socioeconomic political pawns around their Middle Eastern chessboard for over a century. Driven primarily by fossil fuel reserves and strategic geography. The refugees are merely the flotsam jetsam waste products of cynical corrupt crony capitalist exploitation.
7
"One does not ask of one who suffers: What is your country and what is your religion? One merely says: You suffer, that is enough for me..."
Louis Pasteur
Louis Pasteur
7
Two questions: How come the migrants aren't going south, say, Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc.? And, how do you separate the IS infiltrators pretending to be migrants from the actual legitimate migrants?
All it takes is a few IS terrorists going to each country to create numerous 9/11 catastrophes. How do we allow that?
All it takes is a few IS terrorists going to each country to create numerous 9/11 catastrophes. How do we allow that?
26
Good points, but not good enough. One can always find an excuse for, "not in my backyard". In a nation where freedom rings and" give me liberty or give me death" still resonate, we want to be known to give liberty. These refugees need compassion and their screening - usually of one another, will suffice.
Very naive thinking. Judging by the pictures of men only, no women or children, coming to Europe, it smacks of deliberate invasion to partake in Europe's welfare state. Again, they are not going to Saudia Arabia, UAE or Turkey.
4
The Syrian boy and his family are Kurds which America's new-found ally, Turkey, is bombing. The US made a pact with Turkey to fight Isis but Turkey has directed its formidable military power against the Kurds, the people who were successfully fighting Isis to begin with.
15
Terrible and heartbreaking, but this kind of thing happens at our border regularly. Guess it has to be Western European news to hit the papers.
2
If President Obama had not been so quick to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq, we would not be seeing the rising surge of Isis now. His lack of global leadership has left a giant vacuum on the world stage only to be filled by radical muslim extremists.
5
The number of people in denial that Iraq threw the US out by refusing to exempt US soldiers from Iraqi law demonstrates just how stupid the US public really is.
3
Perhaps rephrase this for historical accuracy: if George W Bush and allies had not invaded Iraq, we would not be seeing the rising surge of Isis now. Extraordinary that you would blame Barack Obama for a war he inherited and opposed. What's more, the very outcome was predicted before George W put the world on this course. My country, despite mass internal opposition, joined yours on this drastic misadventure, the human consequences of which continue to be appalling.
7
This is why the U.S. had Ellis Island
Foolish EU.
And why today's beggars are so arrogant and choosy? Surely Turkey, Hungary and the Croats regions are not that bad compared to where they came from?
Germany is creating problem for the German and others.
Think of Ellis Island concept.
Foolish EU.
And why today's beggars are so arrogant and choosy? Surely Turkey, Hungary and the Croats regions are not that bad compared to where they came from?
Germany is creating problem for the German and others.
Think of Ellis Island concept.
10
What's lacking in all this discussion is a serious consideration of ways in which all the violence and destruction can be reduced so that people won't need to leave their native lands to live in peace and safety. Since none of the countries involved manufacture their own weapons, they must be given/sold to them by outsiders, often multinational corporations who, aided by their own governments, profit immensely from all the misery they cause. It makes sense for all of the "civilized" nations of the world -- through the U.N.-- to impose a strict embargo of the shipment of all arms to these unstable regions. Also, it is time for the wealthy, oil rich States (e.g., Saudi Arabia and others) to "step up to the mark" and offer asylum, food, medical supplies etc. to the victims of this violence. Where are the "religious leaders" of the Moslem world? Why are they no outraged by what is happening to their own "brothers and sisters"?
12
It has taken an editorial to identify these people in need of a safe haven as refugees instead of "migrants," which implies people moving to another location by choice. This is the terminology used in other articles on this topic in yesterday's and today's New York Times.
The United States is not only responsible for the chaos in the Middle East that resulted from Bush's ill-advised and ill-fated Iraq war, as has been mentioned in other comments. Our country has a long and continuing history of refusing to recognize and admit refugees, going back to turning away shiploads of European Jews trying to escape from certain death in Nazi Germany and nations it occupied during World War II. Now the U.S. criminalize as "illegal aliens" and deports refugees trying to escape from drug violence in Mexico and Central America, and the Republicans doing everything in their power to maintain this policy of tragic indifference to human suffering. It isn't hard to imagine what the Republicans in Congress and those delusional GOP candidates who think they're qualified to lead this nation if President Obama announced that the U.S. would actively participate in addressing this crisis.
The United States is not only responsible for the chaos in the Middle East that resulted from Bush's ill-advised and ill-fated Iraq war, as has been mentioned in other comments. Our country has a long and continuing history of refusing to recognize and admit refugees, going back to turning away shiploads of European Jews trying to escape from certain death in Nazi Germany and nations it occupied during World War II. Now the U.S. criminalize as "illegal aliens" and deports refugees trying to escape from drug violence in Mexico and Central America, and the Republicans doing everything in their power to maintain this policy of tragic indifference to human suffering. It isn't hard to imagine what the Republicans in Congress and those delusional GOP candidates who think they're qualified to lead this nation if President Obama announced that the U.S. would actively participate in addressing this crisis.
6
The US didn't start the Syrian civil war, Syrians did.
4
"Our 'leaders' are without vision and lack moral fortitude. It is moments like this that show and build character. They should be shamed. One can always find an excuse for, "not in my backyard". In a nation where freedom rings and" give me liberty or give me death" still resonate, we want to be known to give liberty. These refugees need compassion and their screening - usually of one another, will suffice.
1
How confident can you be about a union of states that have to wait until September 14 to decide what to do about a catastrophe that is happening now on their lands.
You would think that EU leaders would have held an emergency meeting by now to deal with the desperate migrants coming from Syria and elsewhere.
You would think that EU leaders would have held an emergency meeting by now to deal with the desperate migrants coming from Syria and elsewhere.
What? Not a word about the U.S. invasions, occupations, and regime changes that are the major cause of this crisis? Talk about
"Denial on Refugees."
"Denial on Refugees."
13
No, actually, there have been plenty of words about these alleged causes of the crisis - re-read the editorials and comments.
What there hasn't been a word about is the responsibility the region has regarding its own affairs? Why not a peep on the fact that these people are economic migrants - many of them are safe where they are, but hey, it's not the good life like Europe.
What there hasn't been a word about is the responsibility the region has regarding its own affairs? Why not a peep on the fact that these people are economic migrants - many of them are safe where they are, but hey, it's not the good life like Europe.
4
Which means that compassion doesn't come naturally to political leaders. They are busy at staying in power.
4
That photo of Aylan Kurdi was very sad. I read that his father took him back to their home town in Syria where he was buried. I thought that his family were fleeing Syria so why did the father return if it was so bad?
A lot of the Mideast is a horror show, dysfunctional countries overrun by sectarian hatreds where civil rights as we know them do not exist (of course except for Israel). How many of these "refugees" are fleeing poverty and a lousy environment? 10%? 50%? As another commenter here mentioned, a lot of these people are anti-Semitic, anti-gay, anti-other religions. What does Europe (or the U.S., if we open ourselves up to more refugees) do when they are living there with these awful attitudes? And why are they not being sent to other Mideastern countries where there is no language or cultural barrier and often plenty of money?
A lot of the Mideast is a horror show, dysfunctional countries overrun by sectarian hatreds where civil rights as we know them do not exist (of course except for Israel). How many of these "refugees" are fleeing poverty and a lousy environment? 10%? 50%? As another commenter here mentioned, a lot of these people are anti-Semitic, anti-gay, anti-other religions. What does Europe (or the U.S., if we open ourselves up to more refugees) do when they are living there with these awful attitudes? And why are they not being sent to other Mideastern countries where there is no language or cultural barrier and often plenty of money?
25
These views make horredous assumptions without foundation. As refugees they - mothers, fathers, children, are having leave "their home" where. Life has become intolerable, i.e.gassing, barrell bombing, hopeless. Their plight as individuals must not be confused with the geo-political events not of their doing and for which they suffer. A compassionate society addresess the two separately and both as intolerable!
When I read a succession of NYT articles critical of Europe I wonder that this is really a Republican paper? The US should be doing a lot more since it and the UK destabilized the region in the first place conveniently separated by an ocean. Secondly taking in a large number of people, with the possibility of IS terrorists hidden among them is no easy task. Thirdly, where is the Arab world in all of this? Many Arab countries are richer on a per capita basis than the EU and US. I agree Europe has to help the refugees but please be more balanced in your articles ?
11
The Briish paper, "The Guardian", published an editorial with the first honest title of the entire refugee coverage anywhere.
"The Guardian view on the refugee crisis:
it is people and stories that move us, not statistics"
To me, that said that people and stories make money, not facts. The New York Times is following this premis too.
How many articles op-eds, editorials, reader letters or comments have begun "That heart breaking photo of the drowned little boy..".
What about the EUROSTAT (statistical dept of the European Union Organization in Brussells) statistics that 75% of the people in the mass migration to Europe this year are young men under 30?
Why do we not hear more about the incomers refusing to follow the EU requirement that they register as refugees? (one photo showed awoman complaining of the ink on her fingers after the registration fingerprinting.)
Why does no reporter/interviewer ask Merkel what happened to the 158,000+ migrants who were not granted refugee status by Germany last year? Did those people go back to their native countries, are they still in Germany living on some social program since they can't legally work? Are German Corporations hire them at low low wages?
If theGuardian is indeed true in its editorial, then we are not Homo Sapiens after all but Homo Adfectus.
"The Guardian view on the refugee crisis:
it is people and stories that move us, not statistics"
To me, that said that people and stories make money, not facts. The New York Times is following this premis too.
How many articles op-eds, editorials, reader letters or comments have begun "That heart breaking photo of the drowned little boy..".
What about the EUROSTAT (statistical dept of the European Union Organization in Brussells) statistics that 75% of the people in the mass migration to Europe this year are young men under 30?
Why do we not hear more about the incomers refusing to follow the EU requirement that they register as refugees? (one photo showed awoman complaining of the ink on her fingers after the registration fingerprinting.)
Why does no reporter/interviewer ask Merkel what happened to the 158,000+ migrants who were not granted refugee status by Germany last year? Did those people go back to their native countries, are they still in Germany living on some social program since they can't legally work? Are German Corporations hire them at low low wages?
If theGuardian is indeed true in its editorial, then we are not Homo Sapiens after all but Homo Adfectus.
10
"The heartbreaking images of a Syrian boy who drowned may finally provoke more European leaders to act."
Will those images perhaps also provoke the weathy Gulf States to act, or oil-rich Saudi Arabia? Or Russia with its vast empty spaces?
The plight of these refugees is heart-rending, but from time to time we might ask ourselves: are they the responsibility of Europe alone?
Will those images perhaps also provoke the weathy Gulf States to act, or oil-rich Saudi Arabia? Or Russia with its vast empty spaces?
The plight of these refugees is heart-rending, but from time to time we might ask ourselves: are they the responsibility of Europe alone?
25
What is your point? Because others have no compassion, nor should we. The others we know have no compassion, so we should followw their way. History will judge. This refugee crisis is no different than any other, and we have a responsibility to live by the values we profess are our brand, our origin, our strength as a world leader. Moral decay, leads to moral rot. Let's stand for compassion, and manage the consequences. This is not naïve, it has proven over and over again to be the stuff of humanity!
This is a tragic situation, but I have trouble mustering much sympathy for people who have 15 children and whose value system is completely incompatible with Western society. Practice some birth control for god's sake.
33
Middle eastern women are generally powerless to control their own bodies or fates. How do you imagine they will obtain access to birth control and abortion?
7
Is women in the United States lose access to birth control and abortion, you may see this situation here in a few years if the Republicans have their way
1
They sure wouldn't have much right to family planning services in this country if the Repeblicans manage to defund Planned Parenthood.
3
I think most people's natural tenancy is to help. But there has been so much uncertainty and unfairness lately that people are worried about their own survival. It doesn't help that politics is so polarized and decisive. Even the NYT has taken an extreme position by criticizing US culture (white, old men, in particular). Now the NYT wants its help and wants it to further give up its culture?
7
How is a quota system supposed to work when the migrants themselves are not interested in an "equitable" distribution across Europe? Despite the understanding that what migrants want is safety, the fact is that the migrants want to end up in Germany or one of the richer economies of Northern Europe, and not in Southern Europe or countries with lesser social safety nets. This makes all the discussions about individual quotas for European countries meaningless.
18
Perhaps if we were less fearful of what others don't have (like these refugees that have almost no material possessions), less protective of what we (the privileged minority) have, were willing to act the principles of equality and freedom we talk about ad nauseam and were prepared to listen to others and show rather more compassion there would be less opportunity for abuse of power by a few tyrannical figures and less opportunity for immoral profiteering by traffickers. Perhaps then we could start to build a world less focused on greed and material wealth and one more focused on sharing and caring for others. Our time on earth is short, our resources limited and we don't own or control any of it. Polarization fueled by fear and greed is dangerous. Exclusivity based on religious beliefs, political leaning, race, or financial security (greed) and the resulting societal divisions they create threaten global stability for everyone.
26
Before we place on the blame on Europe, this mass emigration was caused by our stupidity in the ME.
The bigger issue is the GOP, who would lock all doors into this country for "illegal" immigrants, including those "dark skinned" from the ME. How can we chastise Europe with currently a large, angry immigrant problem.
The Middle East was cobbled together into "countries" with no thought of the tribal conflicts and needed very strong handed dictators to maintain the semblance of peace.
The bigger issue is the GOP, who would lock all doors into this country for "illegal" immigrants, including those "dark skinned" from the ME. How can we chastise Europe with currently a large, angry immigrant problem.
The Middle East was cobbled together into "countries" with no thought of the tribal conflicts and needed very strong handed dictators to maintain the semblance of peace.
4
Wonder how President Assad's wife and family are doing these days? Haven't seen any fawning cover stories lately from Paris Match or American high society press!! Shopping sprees on London or Paris?
3
Vogue magazine also disgraced itself by profiling her some years back. It was appalling even then.
3
The father was NO refugee. He wanted new teeth and sacrificed his own son out of greed. He worked and lived in Turkey.
18
In a previous article:
"The head of the United Nations refugee agency chief, António Guterres, said on Friday that the European Union should take in 200,000 people under an emergency relocation program."
Mr. Guterres, since you speak for the UN, why do you ask just Europe to take in that many refugees from another part of the world? Why don't you ask ALL the member countries of the UN?
"The head of the United Nations refugee agency chief, António Guterres, said on Friday that the European Union should take in 200,000 people under an emergency relocation program."
Mr. Guterres, since you speak for the UN, why do you ask just Europe to take in that many refugees from another part of the world? Why don't you ask ALL the member countries of the UN?
7
The photo of Aylan Kurdi is tragically iconic, as tragically iconic as the photo of KIm Phuc was during the Vietnam War, although she lived. Stop the blame game. The milk is spilled. Will the adults please clean up this mess.
2
Europian union is facing very serious refugee problem .Though the problem is humanitarian but it has also long term serious security ,safety implications besides financial for the Union countries. The Govts. should be cautious and selective in admitting and sheltering the migrants .Already some of the European countries are under terrorists attacks sponsored by ISIS militants with the help of local modules. In such matters The States should be guided by prudence than mere emotions.
11
And yet *still* waiting for the NYTimes Editorial Board to address the US's role in the refugee crisis as well as its lack of response. Stating "But this drama is unfolding in Europe ... " doesn't give the US a free pass. So far, the Board has only done a lot of finger-pointing at Europe at Australia.
7
Melinda - At present and during the past 20+ years the US has been actively taking care of all the "economic" refugees in both North and South America, isn't that enough or should we take in the rest of the world's "economic" refugees as well?
3
What about the Middle East nations. How about Saudi Arabia? Don't they have an obligation to take these immigrants? Why is it solely the West's responsibility?
11
Why? Because they are other Muslims?
No they don't have that obligation.
They don't create that problem in Syria, Afganisthan and Iraq. And they have the right to close their borders if they could or they had wanted.
And the refugees chose to go to Europe because today's beggars are choosy. And Germany encourages them to be choosy.
No they don't have that obligation.
They don't create that problem in Syria, Afganisthan and Iraq. And they have the right to close their borders if they could or they had wanted.
And the refugees chose to go to Europe because today's beggars are choosy. And Germany encourages them to be choosy.
Ever notice?
All this hand-wringing concern for refugees always means SOMEONE ELSE should do something to help them. Ever read an article written by someone who offers to let migrants move into his basement?
All this hand-wringing concern for refugees always means SOMEONE ELSE should do something to help them. Ever read an article written by someone who offers to let migrants move into his basement?
7
Sir Bob Geldoff has apparently offered to let refugees live in two of his houses but he is the exception to the rule you so rightly point out.
1
"Slovakia and Poland are refusing to accept refugees who are not Christian."
Refusing to accept refugees who are not Christian isn't "Christian."
Refusing to accept refugees who are not Christian isn't "Christian."
6
Mike has it right:
"If your conscience is bothering you, give them some money...."
Even better, announce on the Internet that any migrant is free to move into your basement -- AND, of course, that you'll provide spending money to anyone who does.
In other words, walk the walk -- don't just talk the talk, as this editorial does.
"If your conscience is bothering you, give them some money...."
Even better, announce on the Internet that any migrant is free to move into your basement -- AND, of course, that you'll provide spending money to anyone who does.
In other words, walk the walk -- don't just talk the talk, as this editorial does.
10
Again, a very disturbing column. this boy was kurdish, did the NYT forget that the unfortunate situation of Kurds in this region is a very direct consequence of the US letting Turkey and surrounding powers have their way with them, whatever the price, to preserve a local military foothold ?
7
Editorial Board: "The European Commission must act swiftly...to deal with the crisis respond to these demands — before the emotions triggered by the photos fade and more people die."
The European countries are to be commended for what at least some of them have done to date, but why are the Persian Gulf countries -- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates -- not doing anything to assuage the refugee crisis?
This should not only be an issue for the Europeans and other western nations.
The European countries are to be commended for what at least some of them have done to date, but why are the Persian Gulf countries -- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates -- not doing anything to assuage the refugee crisis?
This should not only be an issue for the Europeans and other western nations.
10
Oh yes, it is past time for the West to act. But, what action? We all know what the West must do, but who has the courage to say it (I mean someone consequential, not a mere disembodied voice in the ether, like myself).
The best possible course of action, best for Europe and best for the wretched refugees, is to make it safe for Syrians to live in Syria and Iraqis to live in Iraq. Western armies have to seize the oil fields (ISIS's main source of wealth), kill ISIS, and establish social order.
It is time for a New Colonialism. Which is not the same thing, at all, as nation-building. Nation-building was the fantasy of an ignorant man, it was our misfortune to have as president. On the other hand, the world has long experience with colonialism, which we know how to make work.
The best possible course of action, best for Europe and best for the wretched refugees, is to make it safe for Syrians to live in Syria and Iraqis to live in Iraq. Western armies have to seize the oil fields (ISIS's main source of wealth), kill ISIS, and establish social order.
It is time for a New Colonialism. Which is not the same thing, at all, as nation-building. Nation-building was the fantasy of an ignorant man, it was our misfortune to have as president. On the other hand, the world has long experience with colonialism, which we know how to make work.
3
This refugee crisis is being engineered by the Sunni Gulf Arab countries. First, this will force the West to take out the Alawite armies, you know to stem the refugee crisis. Then the Sunni genocide of the Yezidi, Alawite, and Assyrian will also 'really' be the West's fault, because we are martial as the leftist academics will tell us. (Every week some Arabic Channel discusses who deserves genocidal violence. Alawite today, Jew Hindu and Shia another day.) Further, the refugees will create a permanent Muslim vote and veto on future European policies. If it were just poverty why almost no Indian or Chinese. Why are Sunni Arabs coming to the West in greater number than non-Muslims, Assyrians Alawites Druze? Eriterea Pakistan Afghanistan are no worse off than a dozen other countries. They account for over a third of migrants.
9
The hypocrisy is deafening.
Who is asking for permanent asylum? Most of these individuals are looking for a safe place away from the violence. The family that lost the little children and the mom were in a refugee camp that just had 200 civilians killed by armed militias- who would want to stay there?
Why can't European countries set up refugee camps to allow for families to stay for the short term? Oh, yes, because the refugees are Muslims- so they must be neanderthal low-lives looking for a free meal and waiting to kill non-believers. Fine Christian values you got there.
As for the Muslim countries- they are even worse.
The European countries have been supplying weapons to the Middle East for decades- its only fitting that they take care of the refugees created by those weapons.
Why can't the EU or UN create weapon free refugee centers in Syria? Place a battalion of troops around the complex and make it clear that they are under UN protection. You don't need to fight a war, just keep certain areas war-free.
Who is asking for permanent asylum? Most of these individuals are looking for a safe place away from the violence. The family that lost the little children and the mom were in a refugee camp that just had 200 civilians killed by armed militias- who would want to stay there?
Why can't European countries set up refugee camps to allow for families to stay for the short term? Oh, yes, because the refugees are Muslims- so they must be neanderthal low-lives looking for a free meal and waiting to kill non-believers. Fine Christian values you got there.
As for the Muslim countries- they are even worse.
The European countries have been supplying weapons to the Middle East for decades- its only fitting that they take care of the refugees created by those weapons.
Why can't the EU or UN create weapon free refugee centers in Syria? Place a battalion of troops around the complex and make it clear that they are under UN protection. You don't need to fight a war, just keep certain areas war-free.
2
"Why can't European countries set up refugee camps"
Hungary did.
These migrants refused to go there. They wanted to hang out near transportation go they could quickly get to Germany.
Hungary did.
These migrants refused to go there. They wanted to hang out near transportation go they could quickly get to Germany.
1
Do these people have no responsibility for their actions?
"The European countries have been supplying weapons to the Middle East for decades" - Why is it not "Middle East countries have been buying weapons for decades"? did the Europeans force them to take the weapons?
"Why can't European countries set up refugee camps to allow for families to stay for the short term" - how can they do this, it is the sovereign territory of other governments - that's called an invasion.
"Why can't the EU or UN create weapon free refugee centers in Syria? Place a battalion of troops around the complex and make it clear that they are under UN protection. You don't need to fight a war, just keep certain areas war-free." - see above, still an invasion ... plus, how is it not fighting a war? None of the local militias are going to resist?
Absolutely ridiculous ...
"The European countries have been supplying weapons to the Middle East for decades" - Why is it not "Middle East countries have been buying weapons for decades"? did the Europeans force them to take the weapons?
"Why can't European countries set up refugee camps to allow for families to stay for the short term" - how can they do this, it is the sovereign territory of other governments - that's called an invasion.
"Why can't the EU or UN create weapon free refugee centers in Syria? Place a battalion of troops around the complex and make it clear that they are under UN protection. You don't need to fight a war, just keep certain areas war-free." - see above, still an invasion ... plus, how is it not fighting a war? None of the local militias are going to resist?
Absolutely ridiculous ...
Why aren't the rich Muslim nations stepping in to help their suffering brothers and sisters?
Game theory explains it. They won't do a damn thing because they know the West will. And our Western values prevent us from playing chicken with them or using defensive force to defend our borders from a costly and ultimately destabilizing onslaught.
Result: they win, and we in the West are the suckers. But at least we are suckers with good values.
Game theory explains it. They won't do a damn thing because they know the West will. And our Western values prevent us from playing chicken with them or using defensive force to defend our borders from a costly and ultimately destabilizing onslaught.
Result: they win, and we in the West are the suckers. But at least we are suckers with good values.
13
It's a pity the NYT editorial yesterday chose to misrepresent Australia's position on migration generally - and on her necessary border protection policies. Australia's carefully worked immigration policies mean it happens to resettle refugees at a per capita rate second only to Canada. Australian Government guidelines around the care of asylum seekers in Australian detention centres - formed under the direction of both Liberal and Labor governments - are formidable documents that deserve a close read. The impression of gulags being created in asylum seeker processing centres is ridiculous. Like so many misunderstood issues - have a sernsible set of controls and safeguards in place and you will win wide community support for a policy. Create a complete mess in any area with governement involvement - but particularly in the sensitive area of migration - and you'll wish you had some sensible controls.
7
Why is this "Europe's" failure alone? No matter what we tell ourselves, we are the richest country in the world. We have world's largest navy and it's best-equipped air force. Those forces of defense and war can also be deployed to help those in need. Maybe we don't want to write blank checks anymore, or send our own people half way around the world to act as police and soldiers, but there is more we can do than just those two courses of action. We have been here before, in places all over the world. Hell, we've helped rebuild the world more than once. This time it's helping people, not nation building. Take, for example, what we did to help the Soviet (Soviet!) population during the famine of the early 1920's. We saved tens of thousands, hundred of thousands of lives. If we want the Middle East to change, we better start by setting a better example for the people there who are actually looking for our help.
The Europeans are ineffective in crisis. This has become clear over and over again in recent years (and months). We are not. We are better than absolving ourselves of this.
The Europeans are ineffective in crisis. This has become clear over and over again in recent years (and months). We are not. We are better than absolving ourselves of this.
2
The crisis hitting Europe is a crisis of war-refugees. Considering that the NYTimes and staff have endorsed most, maybe, every, unprovoked US attack in the Middle East, perhaps the NYTimes needs to take responsibility for the role it has played in creating this vast human exodus washing up on the shores of Europe.
For that matter, the European passivity in allowing the US to run rampant in the Middle East and instigate strife in the Ukraine now hit home as well.
Unless there is a major rift led by Europe the crisis will persist.
For that matter, the European passivity in allowing the US to run rampant in the Middle East and instigate strife in the Ukraine now hit home as well.
Unless there is a major rift led by Europe the crisis will persist.
4
Why has the Obama Administration not sent the navy/marines/army etc. over to help provide assistance?
Where is wealthy Japan, China and Korea in all this?
Where are Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Holland and the other "enlightened" welfare cradle to grave liberal states when they are needed to spread their liberal ideals to needy masses of suffering people?
Where is wealthy Japan, China and Korea in all this?
Where are Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Holland and the other "enlightened" welfare cradle to grave liberal states when they are needed to spread their liberal ideals to needy masses of suffering people?
3
It really is a leap of faith to bring children into a world that is burning itself up, and utterly incapable of rational self government.
1
Steve, I would bet money that if these women had legal birth control available, they would not choose to bring children into the world that's burning up
I find it interesting that some criticize the editorial board's comments about the refugees. I wonder if these same people have a problem with the fact that in Paris there is a large area that is dominated by Muslims, in fact they practice Sharia. I don't see these people complaining about that. Great Britain has a significant Muslim population. Where was the outcry then? How many people have left the mid eastern countries for Europe and the United States prior to this latest outbreak of violence.
From what I can find the following counties have tens of thousands of Muslims
Austria 475,000
Belgium 638,000
Bosnia 1,564,000
Bulgaria 1,002,000
Canada 940,000
Denmark 226,000
France 4,704,000
Germany 3,906,000
Greece 527,000
Italy 1,583,000
Israel 1,287,000
Russia 16,379,000
Spain 1,021,000
Great Britain 2,890,000
United States 2,595,000
These are but a few of the countries with significant Muslim populations. Given the fact that the US is more than willing to allow illegals to enter and stay in our country why aren't we stepping up and allowing some of these people to come here? This is a humanitarian issue that takes precedence over the illegals coming across the border. If we are a compassionate nation we will not hesitate to do the right thing. I don't give a damn about the politics and what brought them to this place. I just know it's a crisis and we have the capacity to make a difference and should.
From what I can find the following counties have tens of thousands of Muslims
Austria 475,000
Belgium 638,000
Bosnia 1,564,000
Bulgaria 1,002,000
Canada 940,000
Denmark 226,000
France 4,704,000
Germany 3,906,000
Greece 527,000
Italy 1,583,000
Israel 1,287,000
Russia 16,379,000
Spain 1,021,000
Great Britain 2,890,000
United States 2,595,000
These are but a few of the countries with significant Muslim populations. Given the fact that the US is more than willing to allow illegals to enter and stay in our country why aren't we stepping up and allowing some of these people to come here? This is a humanitarian issue that takes precedence over the illegals coming across the border. If we are a compassionate nation we will not hesitate to do the right thing. I don't give a damn about the politics and what brought them to this place. I just know it's a crisis and we have the capacity to make a difference and should.
2
I see fear mongering and xenophobia are just as trendy today as they were over a hundred years ago. I chuckled at the comment expressing worry that the migrants would start "muslim'ing up the place with their sharia." Really, now? Honestly, as a not particularly religious American, I'm more afraid of Christian sharia than I am of any creeping Muslim influences. Give me a call when the Muslims manage to erect their version of the ten commandments on public grounds or to threaten to shut down women's health clinics or to campaign against abortions even in the case of rape or incest. To claim that Muslims, a minority group that is constantly discriminated against, somehow have the power to disrupt the American or European way of life is laughable, especially considering how the West has managed to spread its influence and lifestyles all around the globe over the past century.
Many of these migrants, as people have constantly pointed out, are economic migrants from the Middle East. Well, yes, they're having a hard time making money because of the CIVIL WAR in Syria and the maniacal wrecking ball that is ISIS beheading people left and right (btw: well over 200,000 dead in Syria, half of them civilians). They are fleeing war and poverty. And they just want to feed their families. Let's help Europe help these refugees. The Guardian has a list of organizations that could use your time and/or money: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/03/refugee-crisis-what-can-you...
Many of these migrants, as people have constantly pointed out, are economic migrants from the Middle East. Well, yes, they're having a hard time making money because of the CIVIL WAR in Syria and the maniacal wrecking ball that is ISIS beheading people left and right (btw: well over 200,000 dead in Syria, half of them civilians). They are fleeing war and poverty. And they just want to feed their families. Let's help Europe help these refugees. The Guardian has a list of organizations that could use your time and/or money: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/03/refugee-crisis-what-can-you...
9
The migration of people from Africa and the Middle East has a root cause: over-population. That root problem is worsened by migration.
Over-population spawns many problems. Among them are climate change, competition for clean water, terrorism and wars.
Migration of Muslims from the Middle East also increases "home-grown" terrorism.
The people fleeing Africa and the Middle East should instead stay in their homelands and work to fix their own problems, instead of spreading their problems elsewhere.
Over-population spawns many problems. Among them are climate change, competition for clean water, terrorism and wars.
Migration of Muslims from the Middle East also increases "home-grown" terrorism.
The people fleeing Africa and the Middle East should instead stay in their homelands and work to fix their own problems, instead of spreading their problems elsewhere.
14
"The people fleeing Africa and the Middle East should instead stay in their homelands and work to fix their own problems, instead of spreading their problems elsewhere."
That is equivalent to say capitalism should have never happened. Population growth expanded exponentially at the same time that capital began its exponential growth. Furthermore, Africa, China, and England at the time of Adam Smith were equally prosperous according to Arrighi (an Italian scholar of globalization). The expansion of markets require more labor and consumers. The enslavement of Africans fit right into the logic of capital accumulation. Without human labor the self-valorization of capital does not happen. Expand or perish. The genie is out of the bottle. You are trying to stop the effects without addressing the causes.
That is equivalent to say capitalism should have never happened. Population growth expanded exponentially at the same time that capital began its exponential growth. Furthermore, Africa, China, and England at the time of Adam Smith were equally prosperous according to Arrighi (an Italian scholar of globalization). The expansion of markets require more labor and consumers. The enslavement of Africans fit right into the logic of capital accumulation. Without human labor the self-valorization of capital does not happen. Expand or perish. The genie is out of the bottle. You are trying to stop the effects without addressing the causes.
1
Boy, would I like to see Cheney, Rumsfeld, G.W. Bush, Wolfowitz, Tenent, and the rest of the neocons and Iraq war drum beaters--who lied our way into the Iraq war that destabilized much of the Middle East and turned it into a chaotic powder keg--doing community service as penance for what their lying actions did to that part of the world.
They should be working 16 hours a day at the Hungarian train stations flooded with refugees, feeding and giving water to the thousands of desperate refugees and their children walking to Austria, and at the working at the shorelines dealing with the bodies of dead refugees who float onto the beaches.
They should be working 16 hours a day at the Hungarian train stations flooded with refugees, feeding and giving water to the thousands of desperate refugees and their children walking to Austria, and at the working at the shorelines dealing with the bodies of dead refugees who float onto the beaches.
18
It's just a throwaway clause in the article but an important one, and should not be ignored. The UK said it would take Syrians directly from the refugee camps close to Syria. It has already been doing so, and recent reports suggest that it has approved 90% of the applicants. These people are following the legal process: they apply as refugees, they are accepted, they do not have to pay smugglers or anyone else to reach the accepting country.
Accepting people who are trying to jump the queue is encouraging more to travel that way. I note in the various Times and Guardian articles that 'refugees' are coming from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as from Albania and Macedonia. Their countries may be poor, but they are not refugees.
Accepting people who are trying to jump the queue is encouraging more to travel that way. I note in the various Times and Guardian articles that 'refugees' are coming from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as from Albania and Macedonia. Their countries may be poor, but they are not refugees.
11
It's not just enough for a few European nations to welcome these war refugees, it's time for the U.S. and Canada to do the same and help make permanent refuge available and a path to citizenship available.
Let's not forget how much of this human tragedy started...with our Iraq War and our bullying our Canadian and European allies to join us in the failed, disastrous Iraq War and then with the never ending, failed and equally disastrous Afghanistan War, all of which destabilized the region that lead to the Syrian civil war and half of Syria in control of ISIS.
Our nation has always benefitted from the waves of immigrants that have made our nation the great nation it is today. We have always welcomed war refugees and they too have improved our nation and culture.
Now we must do the same for these war ravaged refugees.
Let's not forget how much of this human tragedy started...with our Iraq War and our bullying our Canadian and European allies to join us in the failed, disastrous Iraq War and then with the never ending, failed and equally disastrous Afghanistan War, all of which destabilized the region that lead to the Syrian civil war and half of Syria in control of ISIS.
Our nation has always benefitted from the waves of immigrants that have made our nation the great nation it is today. We have always welcomed war refugees and they too have improved our nation and culture.
Now we must do the same for these war ravaged refugees.
71
NO its not. The bulk of them are economic migrants seeking to live in the first world. It appears that a large number are young men who instead of fighting for their country want to move to ours.
This appears to be an invasion of Europe. Its is lawless and the refugees need to be returned to the countries they first entered for processing. Note that the man whose wife and two children drowned returned to Syria. Thus he had no fear but was just an opportunist joining the invasion of the first world.
This appears to be an invasion of Europe. Its is lawless and the refugees need to be returned to the countries they first entered for processing. Note that the man whose wife and two children drowned returned to Syria. Thus he had no fear but was just an opportunist joining the invasion of the first world.
Every needless loss of human soul degrades the humanity. The question is not who created this humanitarian crises. The question who is going to step up and help these folks. I know there is a lot of backlash and resentment because of their faith (I am also not a fan of any religion). In the end it's a humanitarian crises and I believe that we should do our best to help them.
Its a rare opportunity to selflessly help the needy folks, most of the time we as humans are consumed with our own desires and greed. So let's not judge these folks but step up and help. Let the history be the judge!
Its a rare opportunity to selflessly help the needy folks, most of the time we as humans are consumed with our own desires and greed. So let's not judge these folks but step up and help. Let the history be the judge!
27
Agreed fully. What can we do? You are much smarter and better informed than I. I am also non affiliated.
"The question who is going to step up and help these folks."
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran, Russia .... you know, the people who are actively supporting factions in said war.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran, Russia .... you know, the people who are actively supporting factions in said war.
I am stunned by the lack of empathy as well as the sheer ignorance (or maybe just denial) from the NY Times readers as to why these desperate people are risking their lives. The photo of the dead child washing up on a vacation beach hit a nerve because it showed the aweful truth of a devastating war on the Syrian people - a truth we rather turn our eyes away from.
I applaud the NY Times for this editorial as it reflects an understanding of the situation as well as a strong moral stance.
Many Canadian newspapers are writing similar editorials despite negative reactions from their readers. I am ashamed of how little Canada has offered in contrast to its proud history of offering refuge to very large numbers of war refugees, post WW II. Now Canadian private individuals and church groups wanting to sponsor refugee families are blocked by paperwork designed to keep down the numbers.
A lot of the reaction is due the virulent anti-muslim sentiments prevalent today, just like the anti-semitism that lead to countries, including Canada, to turn away boatloads of refugees seeking to escape Nazi Germany. Now Germany is the country acting honorably and showing the world that it has learned a lesson or two from history.
I applaud the NY Times for this editorial as it reflects an understanding of the situation as well as a strong moral stance.
Many Canadian newspapers are writing similar editorials despite negative reactions from their readers. I am ashamed of how little Canada has offered in contrast to its proud history of offering refuge to very large numbers of war refugees, post WW II. Now Canadian private individuals and church groups wanting to sponsor refugee families are blocked by paperwork designed to keep down the numbers.
A lot of the reaction is due the virulent anti-muslim sentiments prevalent today, just like the anti-semitism that lead to countries, including Canada, to turn away boatloads of refugees seeking to escape Nazi Germany. Now Germany is the country acting honorably and showing the world that it has learned a lesson or two from history.
95
With respect, I must object to science prof's comparison of the plight of Muslim refugees to that of Jews in Nazi Germany. The Muslim world has never fully rejected jihadism, and the bare truth is that as an immigrant group, Muslims pose a threat. Ask anyone at the Boston Marathon bombing, or at the Charlie Hebdo offices. By contrast, European Jews in the 20th century were nothing but a boon to the societies in which they lived, and the charges against them were entirely false. To be sure, the great majority of Muslims are not terrorists, but it is also safe to say that the great majority of Muslims have failed to speak out strongly against Islamist terror. One can't blame them, they would be killed for doing so.
Surely it is the responsibility of the stable countries in the world, particularly of the United States, which bears much responsibility for the state of affairs in the Middle East, to take in as many refugees as possible.
But to equate anti-Muslim sentiment today with anti-semitism in the 30's and 40's seems unfair.
Surely it is the responsibility of the stable countries in the world, particularly of the United States, which bears much responsibility for the state of affairs in the Middle East, to take in as many refugees as possible.
But to equate anti-Muslim sentiment today with anti-semitism in the 30's and 40's seems unfair.
1
Let's not forget that we, the United States, put all this in motion to begin with, by destabilizing Iraq, by encouraging the Arab Spring, but giving Assad's opponents enough assistance to mount a resistance but not enough to prevail, etc, etc. We should be focusing not on Europe's responsibilities, but our own, paying much more attention to what we can and should do to address this problem at its roots, the political and military instability that we created in the region.
119
Agreed fully. What can we do? You are much smarter and better informed than I.
This is nuts.
We are being played. Policy should not be a function of emotion or a photo.
The only way to have an immigration policy is to stop illegal immigration. Anything else is play acting. Think, just what does a "path to citizenship" have for an immigration policy that is out of control?
We have to stop illegal immigration or we lose control of our society. I don't care for leaders who want to appear caring, when they are doing so at our cost and expense.
And just how does all this help Syria?
Allocations make no sense when the situation is not controlled. If you allocate 10, 15 will appear; allocate 10,000 and 20,000 will be at your doorstep, and so on.
Whether in Europe or in the U.S., this is something the Western World must get under control, or we lose to Russia, China, and other states, who do control their borders.
We are being played. Policy should not be a function of emotion or a photo.
The only way to have an immigration policy is to stop illegal immigration. Anything else is play acting. Think, just what does a "path to citizenship" have for an immigration policy that is out of control?
We have to stop illegal immigration or we lose control of our society. I don't care for leaders who want to appear caring, when they are doing so at our cost and expense.
And just how does all this help Syria?
Allocations make no sense when the situation is not controlled. If you allocate 10, 15 will appear; allocate 10,000 and 20,000 will be at your doorstep, and so on.
Whether in Europe or in the U.S., this is something the Western World must get under control, or we lose to Russia, China, and other states, who do control their borders.
60
These people are not immigrants, except in the sense that they need a place to live away from their homes - they are REFUGEES.
How does it help Syria, you ask? Rather how does it help THESE Syrians, who have been drven from their homes by a war that exists as a direct consequence of US policies.
How does it help Syria, you ask? Rather how does it help THESE Syrians, who have been drven from their homes by a war that exists as a direct consequence of US policies.
wnhoke: See below. That says it all. Now you must take responsibily for what your elected government did.
The only sustainable solution to the refugee crisis can come through leadership of United Nations where they call for an immediate convention to create international laws of how nations share the responsibility of accommodating refugees. Otherwise countries will keep expecting and wishing that some other country steps up and accommodates all asylum seekers. Its a classic game of chicken where nobody wants to contribute to the solution, and then in the end a few countries (like Turkey and Lebanon and partly EU) take all the responsibility while the rest pontificate.
Don't USA, UK and Australian governments, the key participants of the Iraq War, have a moral responsibility to find a solution to the immigrant crisis. Its like kicking a bee hive and then making others feel the sting. Shouldn't commanders in chief of each of these countries work extra hours to find a solution. Maybe by providing greater aid in Turkey or Lebanon, or else helping broker an international convention that works on principle of shared responsibility.
Also, don't governments of rich Gulf countries have a responsibility to help their neighbours? How more hypocritical can these governments be when they talk of God, peace and brotherhood yet want to let their "brothers" die in hell? In absence of international conventions, hypocrisy of Sheikhs and Sultans gets highlighted and shows truly how the real weakness of the region lies in the powerful clutches of billionaire tyrants it finds itself in.
Don't USA, UK and Australian governments, the key participants of the Iraq War, have a moral responsibility to find a solution to the immigrant crisis. Its like kicking a bee hive and then making others feel the sting. Shouldn't commanders in chief of each of these countries work extra hours to find a solution. Maybe by providing greater aid in Turkey or Lebanon, or else helping broker an international convention that works on principle of shared responsibility.
Also, don't governments of rich Gulf countries have a responsibility to help their neighbours? How more hypocritical can these governments be when they talk of God, peace and brotherhood yet want to let their "brothers" die in hell? In absence of international conventions, hypocrisy of Sheikhs and Sultans gets highlighted and shows truly how the real weakness of the region lies in the powerful clutches of billionaire tyrants it finds itself in.
5
What if everyone in Syria decides they want to live in Europe? Will Europe's lack of enthusiasm also be termed a failure on their part?
Europe has a crisis on its hands, no doubt. But it does not need chastising from the US, which contributed in a significant way to the current situation.
Europe has a crisis on its hands, no doubt. But it does not need chastising from the US, which contributed in a significant way to the current situation.
12
That the boy died is terrible, and tragic. But the terrible place his family was fleeing was an apartment in Istanbul, where they were stable and safe. He died because his parents wanted an upgrade, and he is being used as a symbol because activists want a poster child for open borders.
23
I agree with other commenters. This is not only a European problem. The US has just as much responsibility to resettle refugees as do the European countries. With a nation of 300 million people, almost all from immigrant origins, we can surely accommodate 10x the number of refugees that we are currently allowing from Syria and other countries.
2
As a human, as a universal citizen, as an American, calling on Mr. Barack Obama with due respect and honor, the President of the United States, to convene with our allied friends and nations across the borders, an international global conference soonest to meet this emergency situation. We will not revisit the graveyards of the past, we will stand strong and united, we will welcome the families of refugees and their children, not only into our hearts, but as one Country under the sun during this dark passage in history. The Statue of Liberty is holding high the shining torch of freedom and life for all of us. Let us answer her call in the name of humanity and with valor.
Are the parents are not responsible for endangering the lives of their kids by loading them into overloaded fishing boats of smugglers to cross over to Europe for better life?
12
Answer: Yes.
But, personal responsibility appears only to apply to Westerners, not to anyone else.
But, personal responsibility appears only to apply to Westerners, not to anyone else.
NYT's editorial board is suffering from a severe case of historical amnesia in its editorial - ironically entitled "Piercing the Denial on Refugees." I warned the hawks I knew at the time, who wanted payback for the 9/11 attacks, the Iraq War would be a foreign policy debacle. I served as a medical corpsman in Veitnam. I told them President George W. Bush's propaganda campaign for the Iraq War eerily reminded me of LBJ's Gulf of Tonkin resolution for the Vietnam War. Slyvie Kaufmann's op-ed, "The Refugee Drama Stirs the French," notes France gave refuge to 130,000 Vietnamese "boat people" in 1978. She states "Angela Merkel and Germany hold the moral high ground." The United States is complicit in this humainitarian crisis. We invaded Iraq. We opened Pandora's Box of sectarian violence. It has spread like a contagion. We should be offering refuge to as many of these innocent and defenseless victims of our war as we can to our shores, if only in atonement for our invasion and occupation of Iraq, that caused this global tragedy that we set in motion with the war. This editorial is woefully myopic in its intellectual denial. It is the height of chutzpah to be telling Europeans to get out of their state of denial while we remain in our own state of denial for what we caused with the war. And it is more indicative of the uniquely American kind of hubris that got us into the war in March, 2003. and the NYT is now crticizing them without ackknowledging our part in this crisis.
10
"The United States is complicit in this humainitarian crisis. "
No, we most certainly are not!
I will agree with you that the 2003 Iraq ware was a mistake. But, your post is wildly inaccurate.
First, these refugees are Syrian, a country which, last I checked, has never been invaded by the U.S.
Second, like the Iraq war or not, it gave the Iraqis a clean slate, a chance to build a modern, civil society. They chose to murder each other based on religious sect.
Third, where is the responsibility of Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states, Turkey, Iran, et al, who could bring the Syrian civil war to an end, but instead are arming proxies to extend their regional power?
Why do these people bear no personal responsibility? Why don't the men stay and fight to make Syria a better place instead of running like cowards to hit the lottery of living off European riches? No one answers these questions...
No, we most certainly are not!
I will agree with you that the 2003 Iraq ware was a mistake. But, your post is wildly inaccurate.
First, these refugees are Syrian, a country which, last I checked, has never been invaded by the U.S.
Second, like the Iraq war or not, it gave the Iraqis a clean slate, a chance to build a modern, civil society. They chose to murder each other based on religious sect.
Third, where is the responsibility of Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states, Turkey, Iran, et al, who could bring the Syrian civil war to an end, but instead are arming proxies to extend their regional power?
Why do these people bear no personal responsibility? Why don't the men stay and fight to make Syria a better place instead of running like cowards to hit the lottery of living off European riches? No one answers these questions...
3
Of course, Swan21, I disagree with you. Just as we destabilized Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, we have done so in the Middle East from the Iraq War. We should have known better. We only have ourselves to blame. We are victims of our own friendly fire as we were during the Vietnam War. But no one remembers the painful lessons of the Vietnam War. That's why the late and great Gore Vidal said he lived in the United States of Amnesia.
1
We better get used to his.
Once climate change starts kicking in more seriously and whole swathes of the planet become uninhabitable, hundreds of thousands, if not millions will be on the move. What will happen then?
Once climate change starts kicking in more seriously and whole swathes of the planet become uninhabitable, hundreds of thousands, if not millions will be on the move. What will happen then?
6
Many thanks to the NYT's Editorial Board for their courageous stance on the refugee crisis. This is a complex emergency and many actions are needed to address it. But the immediate need is to save lives and fairly share the burden among host countries.
As to the lack of action by some countries, they cannot be forced to do what is correct. And that cannot be our concern now. Our concern must be our common humanity.
As to the lack of action by some countries, they cannot be forced to do what is correct. And that cannot be our concern now. Our concern must be our common humanity.
2
Isn't the solution here to annihilate ISIL. Honestly how hard can this be for Europe and the US? Exterminate all of them with prejudice. Install a new leader in Syria who is a totalitarian secularist. Imprison all Islamists and Jihadists and eject every Saudi funded religious school and Saudi trained Imam. Fund secular public schools, give women equal rights and imprison and torture anyone who opposes this mission. Let this formula ferment for 2 generations.This is the only way out of this mess in Syria.
5
The existing leader in Syria IS a totalitarian secularist. The US wants to get rid of him, liberating Syria as it did Iraq and Libya (and before that the USSR- installed totalitarian secular government of Afghanistan). All these target governments had a number of things in common: they wanted women educated, they wanted modern medicine, they suppressed religious extremists, they brutally kept internal peace, and civil society was restricted in its scope. The liberated countries have failed on all these dimensions, except brutality where they set new world standards.
All is for the best in the best of all possible worlds, to paraphrase Candide.
The worst of all epitaphs for a person as well as a policy is: 'It didn't turn out as expected, but he meant well at the time.'
Repeating this 4 times so far implies that even 'meaning well' may not apply.
All is for the best in the best of all possible worlds, to paraphrase Candide.
The worst of all epitaphs for a person as well as a policy is: 'It didn't turn out as expected, but he meant well at the time.'
Repeating this 4 times so far implies that even 'meaning well' may not apply.
1
We here in Europe will say nothing to you people of the United states about the millions of bereft and displaced men, women, and children, many, relics of their once happy families, homing in on our shores for fellow to fellow temporary humane assistance and tolerance which is their just due.
There is no point in us saying anything to you about this. Let us see if you can figure it out for yourselves.
There is no point in us saying anything to you about this. Let us see if you can figure it out for yourselves.
6
Russia should take in these refugees for they have been and still are supporting Assad with weapons and money. Send them all there not to the EU nations or here. The truth is hard to swallow for you progressives.
4
Why shouldn't the principle of shared responsibility and common collective action to meet the mounting challenge of refugee/ migrant shelter and relocation as suggested by the German Chancellor Angela Merkel be extended beyond the EU to include the whole UN membership, as far from being a European responsibility only, the current refugee problem is truly a global challenge warranting an international cooperation and action under the UN watch.
46
Exactly- Even (gasp) the United States! Please see the much maligned inscription on the Statue of Liberty- much alluded to in the mass refugee crisis of WWII a I recall: U.S. of course has the most draconian and stalled refugee program in the world: all refugees trying to come here, even the most desperate such as these- take a minimum of FOUR YEARS after application to make it in!
6
Taking up these refugees is not so much a question of "owning the problem" but of investing in them to reap long-term profits. The Wirtschaftswunder in West Germany after WWII was largely due to refugees from the East.
In Germany in particular, we profit in 2 additional ways from taking in these poor people:
1. We correct a mistake we made when recruiting uneducated Turks from Anatolia for low-paying industry jobs 40+ years ago. The socioeconomic Wanderarbeiter issues (double citizenship etc) are inherited for generations to come and generated anti-integration allergies - fueled by Erdogan.
2. Syrian and Afghan refugees are likely to enrich the multicultural mix in Germany because they have burned the bridges behind themselves.
The problem is the SUDDEN increase in numbers. This is not alleviated by the US "intensifying their clearing process" as pledged.
In Germany in particular, we profit in 2 additional ways from taking in these poor people:
1. We correct a mistake we made when recruiting uneducated Turks from Anatolia for low-paying industry jobs 40+ years ago. The socioeconomic Wanderarbeiter issues (double citizenship etc) are inherited for generations to come and generated anti-integration allergies - fueled by Erdogan.
2. Syrian and Afghan refugees are likely to enrich the multicultural mix in Germany because they have burned the bridges behind themselves.
The problem is the SUDDEN increase in numbers. This is not alleviated by the US "intensifying their clearing process" as pledged.
Professor, the issue is not these people right now, but the 2-3 billion who will follow to W. Europe, N. America, Australia. How are these countries to absorb this influx. No one answers this question.
It would be great to help them all, but what good does it do to be overrun and turn the Western world into a third world country?
It would be great to help them all, but what good does it do to be overrun and turn the Western world into a third world country?
2
I hope that when Europe's leaders meed to "deal with the crisis" they do something to stop the war that is driving people out of Syria, not just take in a few.
That is the real crisis, the destruction of Syria by competing proxy forces, including Western nations who are willing to do this as the price of "winning" over Russia and Iran. No, it isn't worth it. There is nothing to be won in Syria worth even half of this.
Anyway, we have settled with Iran. Russia is confronted better elsewhere, not so off-center.
This is a pointless horror, pointless even for those feeding it. Make them stop.
That is the real crisis, the destruction of Syria by competing proxy forces, including Western nations who are willing to do this as the price of "winning" over Russia and Iran. No, it isn't worth it. There is nothing to be won in Syria worth even half of this.
Anyway, we have settled with Iran. Russia is confronted better elsewhere, not so off-center.
This is a pointless horror, pointless even for those feeding it. Make them stop.
16
The influence of Europe is very limited vis-a-vis Saudi-Arabia and Israel.
And what influence do the US have, seriously?
Politics is the art of what CAN be done - not what SHOULD be done.
And what influence do the US have, seriously?
Politics is the art of what CAN be done - not what SHOULD be done.
1
Mark, ok great, you hope Europe's leaders "deal with the crisis". But like so many people who bemoan this supposedly tragic situation, you offer no workable solutions to the problem.
Europeans, Americans, other westerners, cannot do anything to stop the Syrian war, short of carpet bombing the country to kill all people (no, I do not advocate that idea.)
The regional players must sit down and figure out for themselves how to end the conflict. We cannot do that for them ... they must first tire of the savage, murderous bloodshed. Perhaps they need to redraw borders to accommodate the reality of demography.
It IS a pointless horror ... so why do you not lay the blame where it belongs: at the feet of the syrians and their saudi, turkish, iranian backers.
Europeans, Americans, other westerners, cannot do anything to stop the Syrian war, short of carpet bombing the country to kill all people (no, I do not advocate that idea.)
The regional players must sit down and figure out for themselves how to end the conflict. We cannot do that for them ... they must first tire of the savage, murderous bloodshed. Perhaps they need to redraw borders to accommodate the reality of demography.
It IS a pointless horror ... so why do you not lay the blame where it belongs: at the feet of the syrians and their saudi, turkish, iranian backers.
Swans21 -- I wanted my comment to be about the article, and to say that the best and probably only way to end the refugee problem is to end the war.
Debate about the war is another topic. However, you offered it up, and I disagree completely.
The war is a regime change effort. It is organized and led by the US, out of HQ camps set up in Turkey and Jordan. The whole Jordanian border region is "closed" and under US control for that explicit purpose. It is NOT something that Arabs are doing to Arabs while we sit on the sidelines.
What Europe can do is tell the US to knock it off. The US is not very responsive to Europe, but they can have an impact if they set their minds to it.
And tell the Saudis to knock it off. They provide the money that the US uses for this. They are not themselves competent to run such a thing, but they contract that off to the Americans. The Saudis are actually quite responsive to firm confrontation from those who are their major financial partners, major customers, and supply the weapons, parts, and contractors that keep their forces operating.
So that is where I lay the blame for destroying Syria.
American excuses were Iran and Russia. We've settled with Iran. We can better deal with Russia elsewhere, Syria is rather off center for that.
The US can't really say it is offended by Assad. It used Assad to torture for it in renditions, and Assad sent forces to the Persian Gulf War. He wasn't too bad for the US when it had use for him.
Debate about the war is another topic. However, you offered it up, and I disagree completely.
The war is a regime change effort. It is organized and led by the US, out of HQ camps set up in Turkey and Jordan. The whole Jordanian border region is "closed" and under US control for that explicit purpose. It is NOT something that Arabs are doing to Arabs while we sit on the sidelines.
What Europe can do is tell the US to knock it off. The US is not very responsive to Europe, but they can have an impact if they set their minds to it.
And tell the Saudis to knock it off. They provide the money that the US uses for this. They are not themselves competent to run such a thing, but they contract that off to the Americans. The Saudis are actually quite responsive to firm confrontation from those who are their major financial partners, major customers, and supply the weapons, parts, and contractors that keep their forces operating.
So that is where I lay the blame for destroying Syria.
American excuses were Iran and Russia. We've settled with Iran. We can better deal with Russia elsewhere, Syria is rather off center for that.
The US can't really say it is offended by Assad. It used Assad to torture for it in renditions, and Assad sent forces to the Persian Gulf War. He wasn't too bad for the US when it had use for him.
2
No matter what goes wrong it's always the West's fault. The Syrians allowed their dictator Assad to remain in power and see their country over-run by the Iranian supported Hezbos but it's the West's fault. They've been allies with Russia for years. Russia has military installations in Syria, but it's the West's fault. Their wealthy, co-islamic buddies in Saudi Arabia, Katr, the Emirates and other places where they've been robbing the West of its gas money ignore this, and it's the West's fault.
Here is how the West ought to react:
There is no good reason why Europe should take these migrants in. These migrants have no intention of becoming real Europeans. They want to stay what they are, but in Europe. They'll come over and start muslim'ing up the place with their sharia, and their halal and their costumes and their 6th century headgear. Who needs that?
Show up clean, with a passport, some skills, a desire to learn the language and become a true European and I'd bet that they'd think about it, otherwise Europe is not for them.
Give them some food, medical care as necessary, and then pack them onto buses to take them to planes and ships to be re-deposited onto the very same beaches that they came from. Send a message. Let them know that this unfettered immigration does not work.
If your conscience is bothering you, give them some money so that they can subsist back home. Spending money on them there is better than spending money on them when they show up in your country.
Here is how the West ought to react:
There is no good reason why Europe should take these migrants in. These migrants have no intention of becoming real Europeans. They want to stay what they are, but in Europe. They'll come over and start muslim'ing up the place with their sharia, and their halal and their costumes and their 6th century headgear. Who needs that?
Show up clean, with a passport, some skills, a desire to learn the language and become a true European and I'd bet that they'd think about it, otherwise Europe is not for them.
Give them some food, medical care as necessary, and then pack them onto buses to take them to planes and ships to be re-deposited onto the very same beaches that they came from. Send a message. Let them know that this unfettered immigration does not work.
If your conscience is bothering you, give them some money so that they can subsist back home. Spending money on them there is better than spending money on them when they show up in your country.
77
Right on! Food, water, clean clothes, and a safe trip back home. It's not just the best way, it's the only way. Otherwise European society will cease to exist.
3
If you were actually reading many of these articles, you would realize that most of the refugees are skilled, middle and upper class people, with knowledge of local languages or a desire to learn them. One of the refugees interviewed yesterday specifically mentioned the difficulty of the Hungarian language as a reason not to stay. That refugee spoke English! The poor and completely destitute cannot afford the thousands of dollars it takes to get out of Turkey/Lebanon/Jordan/Syria in the first place.
3
Living in one of the countries where these REFUGEES show up by the thousands, or die trying, I see this crisis first hand. These are not unskilled 'refuse' looking for a handout... they are professionals, human beings - doctors, teachers, labourers, accountants - who are selling or leaving what little they have left to save their children. I have worked to help feed and place families who have had their businesses and homes bombed, who have had sons inscripted to fight on one side or the other, and are taking their remaining children to keep them from also being forced to fight or die. What these REFUGEES want most is peace so that they can return to their homes and rebuild their lives. Many I have worked with here in Greece have tried to rebuild there, only to have bombs destroy it all again.
2
In my daily experience, as a psychiatrist, I see many poor needy people, who want to get not only free food and housing, but also free air conditioning units, entertainment, etc., for themselves and children.
However, they refuse to do any work, and refuse to help others, as they apparently think or feel that only they deserve to get what they want without any concerns about who works to pay for what they want; and even when living from the work of others they keep having more and more children, and then they teach those children that they will never need to work either.
Can you imagine what will happen after the number of those who reproduce and don't work grows to a point when they cannot longer be supported by those who work ?
Well is the same problem with many of those immigrants without skills or will to work to support themselves.
All they will sooner rather than later break the back of the most successful and hardworking countries.
However, they refuse to do any work, and refuse to help others, as they apparently think or feel that only they deserve to get what they want without any concerns about who works to pay for what they want; and even when living from the work of others they keep having more and more children, and then they teach those children that they will never need to work either.
Can you imagine what will happen after the number of those who reproduce and don't work grows to a point when they cannot longer be supported by those who work ?
Well is the same problem with many of those immigrants without skills or will to work to support themselves.
All they will sooner rather than later break the back of the most successful and hardworking countries.
32
"Can you imagine what will happen after the number of those who reproduce and don't work grows to a point when they cannot longer be supported by those who work ?"
Great idea taken out of the central tenets of Eugenics. I love your use of anecdotes to draw scientific conclusions. Come to think of it, many of the jobs that people used to have were outsourced to China. Now get ready for the robotic workforce that experts say will replace most of the manual work in the next decades. Sure blame a group. Don't take the trouble to see economic dynamics behind phenomena like unemployment. Thank you professor Mengele!
Great idea taken out of the central tenets of Eugenics. I love your use of anecdotes to draw scientific conclusions. Come to think of it, many of the jobs that people used to have were outsourced to China. Now get ready for the robotic workforce that experts say will replace most of the manual work in the next decades. Sure blame a group. Don't take the trouble to see economic dynamics behind phenomena like unemployment. Thank you professor Mengele!
8
"Alberto" is undoubtedly an indigenous resident of North America since its population in the Neolithic, and so has no reason to empathize with the plight of immigrants and refugees. And a psychiatrist at that! Way to go!
1
This is cliché of the Greeks in Greece that is wide-spread in Germany.
When I traveled there, however, I met only victims of a dysfunctional ruling elite.
The Greek expats who live in Germany are well integrated and socioeconomically successful.
So why do you put that cliché on the people fleeing from Kobane, Aleppo etc.?
When I traveled there, however, I met only victims of a dysfunctional ruling elite.
The Greek expats who live in Germany are well integrated and socioeconomically successful.
So why do you put that cliché on the people fleeing from Kobane, Aleppo etc.?
1
There is much that is right about this editorial, but much that is wrong.
The Times is right to join the plea to help these desperate refugees; their plight is a tragedy of enormous magnitude.
But there is only so much Europe can be expected to do. The resources of European nations are limited, and much of Europe has major economic issues of it’s own. Unemployment in many European countries approaches 25%. The major problems faced by many European citizens must also be addressed.
And security is also a factor. The large majority of Muslims are peaceful, but a small, potent minority are violent jihadists; and can and do kill many innocent Europeans. The origins of these terrorists are sometimes communities of refugees. The Charlie Hebdo killers were raised near Paris. Europe is right to be concerned.
The origins of this tragedy are not European, blame lies with the dictators that have destroyed the countries these refugees now flee. The US fought a war to oust one such dictator, and attempt to bring democracy to Iraq. Most consider this effort, which truly was well intentioned, to have been a major mistake. Some tragedies lack facile solution.
The Times should address its editorials not just towards Europe, but also at the fabulously wealthy Arab countries, that are clearly not doing their share to help refugees who share their culture. With the King of Saudi Arabia now visiting Washington, an editorial with a different target may be appropriate.
The Times is right to join the plea to help these desperate refugees; their plight is a tragedy of enormous magnitude.
But there is only so much Europe can be expected to do. The resources of European nations are limited, and much of Europe has major economic issues of it’s own. Unemployment in many European countries approaches 25%. The major problems faced by many European citizens must also be addressed.
And security is also a factor. The large majority of Muslims are peaceful, but a small, potent minority are violent jihadists; and can and do kill many innocent Europeans. The origins of these terrorists are sometimes communities of refugees. The Charlie Hebdo killers were raised near Paris. Europe is right to be concerned.
The origins of this tragedy are not European, blame lies with the dictators that have destroyed the countries these refugees now flee. The US fought a war to oust one such dictator, and attempt to bring democracy to Iraq. Most consider this effort, which truly was well intentioned, to have been a major mistake. Some tragedies lack facile solution.
The Times should address its editorials not just towards Europe, but also at the fabulously wealthy Arab countries, that are clearly not doing their share to help refugees who share their culture. With the King of Saudi Arabia now visiting Washington, an editorial with a different target may be appropriate.
67
Thank you for this thoughtful and measured analysis. You should be writing for the Times editorial board. The job they did here was very weak indeed.
Some of the blame for this catastrophe lies at the doorstep of the Bush-Cheney-Wolfowitz cabal, who threw stones into this wasp nest thinking to steal the oil while the wasps were buzzing elsewhere.
1
My country, Australia, can and should do much, much more. There is deep shame felt by significant numbers of Australians over current Government policies towards refugees and asylum seekers: indefinite offshore detention camps in PNG and Nauru, turning back of boats and the restrictions on the lives of people in detention in Australia and those living in the community. The New Times editorial of 3 September accurately portrayed these inhumane policies. Canada unfortunately has been influenced by Australia. Nations with proud records of refugee resettlement have allowed toxic domestic politics to override fundamental human rights and protections of vulnerable people. Hopefully there will be a groundswell of support for significantly increasing the refugee intake, for Australia to do our share of addressing this problem. And hopefully to start dismantling the regime of cruel detention and enforced family separations. Years of advocacy by many dedicated people has so far been unsuccessful in countering the damaging political rhetoric promoted and supported by media, particularly the Murdoch print media and tabloid television. Germany's empathy puts us to shame.
14
YES! thank you....
Very well said. As a Canadian, I am ashamed of what has happened to our refugee policies.
To be clear, Europe did not drown the innocent little boy on the Turkish beach.
Nor did Europe cause the crisis in Syria. But someone did.
The Syrians apparently decided to tap their birthright aquifers several decades ago and drain them at an unsustainable rate in a deal with the devil.
Syria historically appears to be able to support in the range of 10 million folks given the vagaries of rain and river flows in the area.
However as I read Syrian history, draining their aquifers with reckless abandon allowed irrigated land to double and the population to expand to in excess of 20 million before the aquifers were gone and drought struck 10 years ago.
Syria was left with a population over twice the normal carrying capacity resulting in starvation, poverty and a predictable civil war fighting to feed themselves.
Already a poor nation, no government could possibly survive such a cataclysm. Sadly it appears that half the population will have to die or leave for the area to resume some sort of homeostasis with the land and water.
That means around 10 million folks will be gone. The weakest will die.
The middle class with enough resources to escape will make a run for it. Those strong and rich enough to hold their land will stay.
This is evolution in action where the struggle for survival will be won by the fittest.
Citizens need to arm themselves with knowledge and logic and be involved with the direction of their nation or face Darwinian Evolution.
Nor did Europe cause the crisis in Syria. But someone did.
The Syrians apparently decided to tap their birthright aquifers several decades ago and drain them at an unsustainable rate in a deal with the devil.
Syria historically appears to be able to support in the range of 10 million folks given the vagaries of rain and river flows in the area.
However as I read Syrian history, draining their aquifers with reckless abandon allowed irrigated land to double and the population to expand to in excess of 20 million before the aquifers were gone and drought struck 10 years ago.
Syria was left with a population over twice the normal carrying capacity resulting in starvation, poverty and a predictable civil war fighting to feed themselves.
Already a poor nation, no government could possibly survive such a cataclysm. Sadly it appears that half the population will have to die or leave for the area to resume some sort of homeostasis with the land and water.
That means around 10 million folks will be gone. The weakest will die.
The middle class with enough resources to escape will make a run for it. Those strong and rich enough to hold their land will stay.
This is evolution in action where the struggle for survival will be won by the fittest.
Citizens need to arm themselves with knowledge and logic and be involved with the direction of their nation or face Darwinian Evolution.
43
Birthright aquifer? Really? Is that the latest catch phrase from Big Enviro, that they'll harp on as the land turns into a dust bowl?
1
For anyone new to this story and has done little to no research it might be best you keep your opinions to yourself at the moment. There are refugees that need help but not the ones the media is throwing photos of all over the front page. You are seeing 95% male dominated blackmail of the EU (because the media has to spend hours finding women and children to take pictures of). I have spent countless hours reading many of the "refugees" facebook pages and this whole ordeal is planned and executed perfectly to take advantage of all of Europe. All of them are coached exactly what to say for instance to "make sure you have flowers in little girls hair" when the media/camera's are around. I read things like to make sure you say "I want to study" "I want a good life" All these so called refugees are the middle to upper class folks who are sending one of their sons over to establish residency so the rest can follow later. The children and women are being used to jump to the front of the line. This is not a desperate situation. Do your research, dig for the truth and you will know your sympathies are being wasted on the wrong people. Cameron is correct to take the refugees left in the camps on the borders of Syria.
40
I live in Greece, and I can assure you that one does not have to look very far or very hard at all to find entire families who have fled for their lives; I have taken some into my own home until they can be placed. There are many young men, because there are boys as young as 12 who are being conscripted and forced to fight, on one side or the other. Familes who have had one or more sons literally kidnapped to fight are sending younger sons out of danger. I Have three sons, and I know if some guerilla band came and took two of them, I would send the third someplace safe; wouldn't you?
2
When I look at the many pictures of the river of refugees, it seems to me the vast majority of the refugees are men. Whereas as, of course, the headline cropped photo almost always has a woman and or child.
So what I want to know is what kind of journalism is going on here?
There are many countries that should be stepping up to handle this crisis. Where are the rich Muslim countries, like Saudi Arabia, who fund extremist exclusionist versions of islam through their impressive mosques in Europe and madrassas around the world? According to the Washington Post today, so far, Saudi Arabia has accepted zero, yes 0, refugees so far.
What's up with that, and why are they our "friends?"
So what I want to know is what kind of journalism is going on here?
There are many countries that should be stepping up to handle this crisis. Where are the rich Muslim countries, like Saudi Arabia, who fund extremist exclusionist versions of islam through their impressive mosques in Europe and madrassas around the world? According to the Washington Post today, so far, Saudi Arabia has accepted zero, yes 0, refugees so far.
What's up with that, and why are they our "friends?"
136
Because shots of women and infants get much more sympathy than a shot of 100 men between 16 and 30, all dreaming of Hamburg or Birmingham.
3
No creature with an opposed thumb would want to raise children in Saudi Arabia--a country that is mentally stuck in the dark ages.
While this is Europe's issue for the refugees that have arrived there, the genocide continues in Syria and Iraq and Yemen. What are other countries outside of Europe doing to stop the killing, which is the root cause of the refugees? Asia countries taking refugees or brokering peace? Middle Eastern countries stepping up for peace, to combat extremism, or to take in refugees? Let's not judge Europe too harshly, or we risk exhibiting the prejudice of low expectations for others in this world.
3
The "What if" school of history may be a loser, but with the Middle East in turmoil, it's impossible for me to avoid the question, What if the sovereign state of Iraq had not been invaded by the U.S. and the U.K. (and the Solomon Islands, if I recall correctly) in 2003? What then?
Are the Blairs and the younger Bushes offering shelter and sanctuary to some of those whose lives have been turned upside-down by their arrogance? I kinda doubt it.
Are the Blairs and the younger Bushes offering shelter and sanctuary to some of those whose lives have been turned upside-down by their arrogance? I kinda doubt it.
9
Don't let your leftist policies sway you It was the inept Obama administration that is responsible for this mass It happened on his watch
1
Basing government policy on emotional individual cases is never a good idea. If it were we would have sent ground troops to Syria where we have seen thousands gassed or tortured to death. All on very gruesome pictures and videos.
In this particular case if Greece hasn't opened its borders deliberately and sent the immigrants on their way to Germany to avenge for the euro crisis or if Germany had not announced that it will accept unlimited number of Syrians but simultaneously demanded that they are resettled elsewhere none of these tragedies would have happened. If Germany really wants them they can airlift them from Turkey to Germany and none of these problems would have happened.
In this particular case if Greece hasn't opened its borders deliberately and sent the immigrants on their way to Germany to avenge for the euro crisis or if Germany had not announced that it will accept unlimited number of Syrians but simultaneously demanded that they are resettled elsewhere none of these tragedies would have happened. If Germany really wants them they can airlift them from Turkey to Germany and none of these problems would have happened.
9
Stop looking to Europe as the savior of all of humanity. Why not Saudi Arabia who created this mess in the first place by building mosques all over the world that spread the vilest form of Islam, why not ask them to take the refugees in? And when the refugees arrive how will Germany respond to masses of Muslims demanding Sharia and religious accommodation? Who will stand up for the Western liberal values that made Europe the only real destination for millions of people from failed Muslim states when the Muslims themselves want to re-establish those same values that caused their countries of origin to fail in the first place? The Germans will be too weak from bending over to defend Western core values. Germany will become just another failed totalitarian Islamic state.
76
The tragedy of this unfolding is wrenching. It add weight my theory that Daesh and others are intentionally attacking these people to drive them into Europe to bring it down by the weight of the need.
Germany has the right idea because being compassionate is the only viable long term solution that will make friends and start the rebuilding of communities.
I can see the technical truth of Hungary's assertion that registration should take place at the point of entry to the EU yet somehow it seems too harsh in its application.
Germany has the right idea because being compassionate is the only viable long term solution that will make friends and start the rebuilding of communities.
I can see the technical truth of Hungary's assertion that registration should take place at the point of entry to the EU yet somehow it seems too harsh in its application.
1
Why is it too harsh? Because they'd have to stay in Hungary instead of heading on to the golden land, where the streets are paved with gold, Dusseldorf?
Ugh. It's so disgustingly transparent how gleeful the Progressive media was to have the pictures of that little boy floating in the sea and the father laying down on the train tracks. The anti-western western media flatly stated they would use these dramatic images to try to gin up pro-migrant sympathies.
The president of Hungary is absolutely correct when he says that the most humane thing is to discourage these people from coming in the first place. They will bring their ancient, ignorant, backward traditions and undermine they way of life in western countries.
They will take jobs, force down living conditions, refuse to assimilate, and wind up on permanent welfare while somehow maintaining a seething resentment for the countries that took them in. This is not some wild hyperbole. This is the current reality in the slums of London, Frank, Germany, Sweden, The Netherlands...
And the irony is that not a single middle eastern country would lift a finger to help white Christians if the situation were reversed.
The president of Hungary is absolutely correct when he says that the most humane thing is to discourage these people from coming in the first place. They will bring their ancient, ignorant, backward traditions and undermine they way of life in western countries.
They will take jobs, force down living conditions, refuse to assimilate, and wind up on permanent welfare while somehow maintaining a seething resentment for the countries that took them in. This is not some wild hyperbole. This is the current reality in the slums of London, Frank, Germany, Sweden, The Netherlands...
And the irony is that not a single middle eastern country would lift a finger to help white Christians if the situation were reversed.
153
Depressing to see that many readers appear to agree with your disturbing comments. The very sentiments you express are a significant factor in people not developing a sense of belonging in a society. It is too often the barriers imposed by society by intolerance and racism that gives minorities outsider status. Contradictory to claim that 'they will take the jobs' yet 'wind up on permanent welfare'. Your religious intolerance is offensive. I live in one of the suburbs of Melbourne with a significant Muslim community and see nothing of what you describe. People who are mainly forced migrants and refugees displaced by war and conflict living ordinary lives. That's what most people in the world hope to do.
1
Leading the pack in denial are Barack Obama, the NY Times and the mainstream media.
Make no mistake, the Times has even adopted the WH language, calling these people "migrants" instead of refugees fleeing a war Obama has caused and miserably failed to contain. It was Obama who allowed Iraq to destabilize. It was Obama who drew a red line with Syria and erased it, emboldening Assad on the one hand and ISIS on the other to run roughshod.
I listened to a refugee mother on NPR this morning on my way to court. She tearfully explained that she was fleeing war in Syria and her kids were starving. Obama, grinning, golfing and goofing off as a real humanitarian crisis boils over in Hungary.
The world is begging for America's leadership.
And unfortunately, we do not have one.
We are witnessing the Obama Doctrine, Obama foreign policy, and as usual, Obama failure.
Make no mistake, the Times has even adopted the WH language, calling these people "migrants" instead of refugees fleeing a war Obama has caused and miserably failed to contain. It was Obama who allowed Iraq to destabilize. It was Obama who drew a red line with Syria and erased it, emboldening Assad on the one hand and ISIS on the other to run roughshod.
I listened to a refugee mother on NPR this morning on my way to court. She tearfully explained that she was fleeing war in Syria and her kids were starving. Obama, grinning, golfing and goofing off as a real humanitarian crisis boils over in Hungary.
The world is begging for America's leadership.
And unfortunately, we do not have one.
We are witnessing the Obama Doctrine, Obama foreign policy, and as usual, Obama failure.
2
I recollect that Syrians had already revolted when Obama drew his infamous "red line" on Assad's use of chemical weapons; there is no evidence that the US President "caused" that war. I recollect that it was al Maliki's government that systematically suppressed Iraq's Sunnis and sent American troops packing; to say that Obama "allowed" Iraq to destabilize implies American omnipotence that I can't imagine. While the Administration has made mistakes, it has tried to dampen sectarian conflicts that many in the Middle East have incited. Rancor just like this comment.
1
This Fox-Network-scripted revisionist history would be funny if it weren't so delusional. So Obama caused all this? Not Bush? In what parallel universe do you reside?
2
It was not Obama who invaded Iraq, if I remember correctly.
3
Serious moral thinking, in an extremely complex world of human interaction and implacable circumstances, is difficult. The best (or least-worst) options, if chosen, will rarely make one feel good about oneself, or enhance one's social standing, even though they may produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people, relative to other options.
Public moralizing, on the other hand, is as easy as pie, and feels a lot better, especially if your goal is ultimately nothing more noble than self-promotion and self-regard.
Carry on.
Public moralizing, on the other hand, is as easy as pie, and feels a lot better, especially if your goal is ultimately nothing more noble than self-promotion and self-regard.
Carry on.
2
We feel powerless as individuals who want to help to these refuges besides making donations to relief organizations. But, according to Amnesty International
The six Gulf countries - Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain - have offered zero resettlement places to Syrian refugees.
Other high income countries including Russia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea have also offered zero resettlement places.
The number of Syrian refugees hosted by Turkey alone, is more than 10 times the number of new Syrian asylum applications received in all 28 EU countries in the past three years. I would have thought that in these wealthy Arab nations, with common culture and language the refugees would have been welcomed. It is tragic these people are not only massacred by their own, but also treated with such hatred by their fellow muslims and neighboring Arab countries.
The six Gulf countries - Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain - have offered zero resettlement places to Syrian refugees.
Other high income countries including Russia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea have also offered zero resettlement places.
The number of Syrian refugees hosted by Turkey alone, is more than 10 times the number of new Syrian asylum applications received in all 28 EU countries in the past three years. I would have thought that in these wealthy Arab nations, with common culture and language the refugees would have been welcomed. It is tragic these people are not only massacred by their own, but also treated with such hatred by their fellow muslims and neighboring Arab countries.
13
"And until there is peace in the Middle East and Africa, more people will flee to Europe."Iit's going to take more tan peace to stop this migration. One of the migrants quoted in this article was from Egypt. There's no war in Egypt, poverty yes, corruption yes, intolerance for the other, yes. It will take a couple of hundred years at best to change all these, till then millions more will come.
After hundreds of years of strife Europe seems to have come together to better the lives of its citizens, and I have a bad feeling that these "migration" will tear it apart or turn it into a place like where these people are coming from. This will not end well for anyone.
After hundreds of years of strife Europe seems to have come together to better the lives of its citizens, and I have a bad feeling that these "migration" will tear it apart or turn it into a place like where these people are coming from. This will not end well for anyone.
19
Merkel and Hollande are acting like the King and Queen of the countries members in the EU, and their statements are executive orders. As a European, ! don't like this! Each country should volunteer or not to receive these migrants, and each country decide on a number, if any. It shouldn't be a permanent obligation. The biggest problem with the refugee crisis is that they are not refugees who want to return to their homes once the war is over, they want to turn the crisis into an opportunity and migrate in countries where the population doesn't want them, because they bring religious incompatibility, backwards mentalities, and fanaticism.
Is not NYT's business to tell other countries what to do, especially since they sold the war in Iraq which destabilized the region, not the Europeans.
It is infuriating that to see no mention by the NY editorialof the duty of the neighboring arab countries to assume the financial and practical logistic of their brother Muslims.
This newspaper has abdicated from its mission to report the news and entered into the business of telling other people what to do and slanting the news to fit a predetermined agenda. For real, unbiased journalism I got a subscription to Washington Post, although I live in New York.
This is not Europe's problem. Many actors contributed, US, UK, the failed Middle East theocracies, religious sectarism, and the EU taxpayers don't want to pay the bill. It's a bill that will go on for years/generations to come.
Is not NYT's business to tell other countries what to do, especially since they sold the war in Iraq which destabilized the region, not the Europeans.
It is infuriating that to see no mention by the NY editorialof the duty of the neighboring arab countries to assume the financial and practical logistic of their brother Muslims.
This newspaper has abdicated from its mission to report the news and entered into the business of telling other people what to do and slanting the news to fit a predetermined agenda. For real, unbiased journalism I got a subscription to Washington Post, although I live in New York.
This is not Europe's problem. Many actors contributed, US, UK, the failed Middle East theocracies, religious sectarism, and the EU taxpayers don't want to pay the bill. It's a bill that will go on for years/generations to come.
25
No. The NYT has taken the view that the EU countries should act in solidarity with Greece and the EU solidarity is in the interest of the US.
The idea of picking the cherries of EU solidarity and shipping the refugees exclusively to Germany will backfire.
I expect it will foster and cement German dominance of the EU well into the next century.
The idea of picking the cherries of EU solidarity and shipping the refugees exclusively to Germany will backfire.
I expect it will foster and cement German dominance of the EU well into the next century.
Perhaps a bit of perspective is in order here:
Austria, a country with the population of NJ (~8M) is willing to take in thousands of refugees from a crisis they surely had no hand in (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/01/world/europe/in-vienna-trains-packed-w...®ion=Marginalia&pgtype=article)
This while half of our country is mesmerized by a baboon who wants to build a wall to make sure we keep out "illegals".
On a per capita basis we would be in for about 0.5 million Syrian refugees if we were merely to match Austria; and like it or not we did have a hand in allowing ISIS to emerge as a power in the middle east.
Austria, a country with the population of NJ (~8M) is willing to take in thousands of refugees from a crisis they surely had no hand in (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/01/world/europe/in-vienna-trains-packed-w...®ion=Marginalia&pgtype=article)
This while half of our country is mesmerized by a baboon who wants to build a wall to make sure we keep out "illegals".
On a per capita basis we would be in for about 0.5 million Syrian refugees if we were merely to match Austria; and like it or not we did have a hand in allowing ISIS to emerge as a power in the middle east.
11
Cannot fathom any country can take immigration this way in long run, unless the society/culture is suicidal.
Diversity is not always the best choice... Why don't NYT editors get this? If every country is an equal mix of different cultures, there's really no diversity per se!
Diversity is not always the best choice... Why don't NYT editors get this? If every country is an equal mix of different cultures, there's really no diversity per se!
10
Give it up NYTimes. Enough with the guilt trip. There is absolutely no reason for Europe to have to destroy their culture and become overrun by people from countries whose extreme overpopulation will completely destroy the European way of life. Is Europe supposed to become a Muslim since there are few migrants who want to truly assimilate to European/western beliefs?
And why don't you even discuss why all the rich Muslim countries are not taking in all of their brother Muslims. And why don't the migrants go to a country that follows their religion and customs? Is it because they get better treatment in Europe? Why is that? Why no endless articles about why the Muslim migrants won't move to rich Muslim countries?
And why don't you even discuss why all the rich Muslim countries are not taking in all of their brother Muslims. And why don't the migrants go to a country that follows their religion and customs? Is it because they get better treatment in Europe? Why is that? Why no endless articles about why the Muslim migrants won't move to rich Muslim countries?
168
The ultimate cause of the migrant crisis are the tides of history; but the proximate cause is the military adventurism of the US, not the indifference or ineptitude of Europe. Italy alone has spent hundreds of millions of dollars saving thousands fleeing conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Iraq caused or exacerbated by US policy. It is hardly just to hold the Europeans responsible for the consequences of wars they didn't start and do not support.
10
Denial of the problem is always the best solution.
Racism in America is over.
The U.S. Supreme Court has said so.
Problem solved.
There is no global warming.
Scientists are all liars.
It is all a fraud.
Problem solved.
Most people migrating just want to go some place where they can make more money than they could make at home.
These "economic migrants" are mostly frauds who want to live off the taxes the working people pay.
Most should be arrested and deported back to their home countries (it is easy to tell who is a fraud and who is not), even if the migrants are not recognized as citizens of that home country, and even if the rulers of the home country will put them against a wall and execute them.
Problem solved.
Racism in America is over.
The U.S. Supreme Court has said so.
Problem solved.
There is no global warming.
Scientists are all liars.
It is all a fraud.
Problem solved.
Most people migrating just want to go some place where they can make more money than they could make at home.
These "economic migrants" are mostly frauds who want to live off the taxes the working people pay.
Most should be arrested and deported back to their home countries (it is easy to tell who is a fraud and who is not), even if the migrants are not recognized as citizens of that home country, and even if the rulers of the home country will put them against a wall and execute them.
Problem solved.
5
I commend the European nations who are finally coming together to grant asylum to these refugees...
However, the blame for this untold misery lay firmly with the U.S. and the former Bush Administration. Let us not forget: this unspeakable tragedy now affecting millions of innocents is the result of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and subsequent destabilization of the entire region.
It's painful and heartbreaking to watch this crisis unfold; and, as an American, I truly feel sick and ashamed for my country. Our former and current leaders brought about this tragedy--I only hope they have it in their hearts to grant asylum and resettle all of those who have been displaced due to the U.S.'s blundering foreign policy.
However, the blame for this untold misery lay firmly with the U.S. and the former Bush Administration. Let us not forget: this unspeakable tragedy now affecting millions of innocents is the result of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and subsequent destabilization of the entire region.
It's painful and heartbreaking to watch this crisis unfold; and, as an American, I truly feel sick and ashamed for my country. Our former and current leaders brought about this tragedy--I only hope they have it in their hearts to grant asylum and resettle all of those who have been displaced due to the U.S.'s blundering foreign policy.
162
there are many root causes, including islamic extremism. Let's focus on helping and healing and not pointing fingers.
1
While I was completely against the US invasion of Iraq and do believe we were wrong to attack a country that did not threaten us, I cannot logically see that as a cause of the breakdown of Syria and Northern African country's. This migrant crisis is the result of economic distress and religious strife in those nations. If only President Bush held true to his statements on the problems of nation building. He said it couldn't be done then proceeded to try and do it in Afghanistan and Iraq. It was one of the few things he got right and then forgot he said it.
This editorial is persuasive and compelling. I would like to see the policy of the NYT be more consistent in terminology, concerning this crisis. The editorial uses the term, "refugees" and that is an accurate description of these dislocated people. Elsewhere in the news coverage, however, the term, "migrants" is often used to describe the same people. It is less accurate and less compelling.
1
All of these people are migrants. And some subpopulation of those are migrants of the refugee variety. That is a legal determination that must be made according to established legal principles on an individual basis. The New York Times is not the arbiter of that determination.
No, these people are not refugees. Syrians fleeing Syria into Turkey or Lebanon or Jordan are refugees. Syrians and Egyptians and Eritreans and Bangladeshis traipsing all over Europe to get to Germany's generous benefits are decidedly not refugees; they are economic migrants and illegal invaders.
2
Roughly about half (400000 in 2015) of the people arriving in Germany are refugees and I count Afghans, Syrians, Kurds as such.
The other half are migrants from the Balkan who come and collect social welfare and go back. They have no chance to get asylum unless they buy a Syrian passport.
The other half are migrants from the Balkan who come and collect social welfare and go back. They have no chance to get asylum unless they buy a Syrian passport.
Not to minimize this tragedy in any way, but there are several countries not mentioned where refugees might go. Saudi Arabia and the other gulf states, for instance. What about Russia? India? China? Japan? Maybe I missed it in the news. Are they taking in thousands? I agree, though. Western Europe and the US should open their doors. The US is even partly responsible for the problem in that we created ISIS as a result of the Iraq War.
8
These refugees hold up a mirror to the western civilization. And the picture is not pretty. These are the products of the west's colonialism, war-mongering, unbridled consumption euphemistically called "capitalism", pursuit of resources without consequence, our deals with religious fanatic dictators like the House of Saud.
Gandhi said what he thought about "western civilization". He apparently replied "Its a good idea". That is all it is. Just some talking points. Hopefully the world realizes this, and shuns all western ideals till they can go back and relive their dark ages.
Gandhi said what he thought about "western civilization". He apparently replied "Its a good idea". That is all it is. Just some talking points. Hopefully the world realizes this, and shuns all western ideals till they can go back and relive their dark ages.
1
Yes. The situation is dire, tragic even. But it is starting to show the strains of becoming a media circus. How many pictures of dead children washing up on shore will it take to get a response? How many pictures of women weeping behind wire fences? Or, bodies stretched out across train tracks in protest? And what's next? -- Non-stop coverage of the 300-mile trek from Budapest to Germany? At what point does it become overkill? Because we all know this story isn't going away anytime soon. And why has it taken so long for anyone to do anything, in the first place. The horrors in Syria, Iraq and other war-torn places has been going on for a long time.
Undeniably these are people who are in need of help. How many more pictures of their suffering will it take before they actually get it?
Undeniably these are people who are in need of help. How many more pictures of their suffering will it take before they actually get it?
The photographs depicting the pitiful plight of refugees compelled to leave Syria illustrate the human drama in that part of the world. If it has not done so already, Europe will open its doors as a safe haven and will act honorably in this crisis. But the absence of the Arab world, especially those wealthy oil energy nations, in this dire time of need is appalling but predictable. Certainly their lack of a presence in this emergency and the omission of their role in this editorial is striking. Yet if past is prologue this should be no surprise. The Arab countries, perhaps with the exception of Jordan, with all their fervor as to Israel are the reasons for the continuing existence of displaced Palestinians due to their failure to lift a finger to help them. The current situation shows that little has changed. Even the refugees know- they head for the West aware they will receive nothing from their brethren.
4
According to Amnesty International the six Gulf countries - Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain - have offered zero resettlement places to Syrian refugees.
Other high income countries including Russia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea have also offered zero resettlement places.
The number of Syrian refugees hosted by Turkey alone, is more than 10 times the number of new Syrian asylum applications received in all 28 EU countries in the past three years.
Germany has pledged 30,000 places for Syrian refugees through its humanitarian admission programme; nearly half the global total of resettlement and humanitarian admission programme places for Syrian refugees and 82 per cent of the EU total.Germany and Sweden together have received 96,500 new Syrian asylum applications in the last three years, representing 64 per cent of all such applications in the EU.Excluding Germany and Sweden, the remaining 26 EU countries have pledged a mere 5,105 resettlement places, or 0.13 per cent of Syrian refugees in the main host countries.
Other high income countries including Russia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea have also offered zero resettlement places.
The number of Syrian refugees hosted by Turkey alone, is more than 10 times the number of new Syrian asylum applications received in all 28 EU countries in the past three years.
Germany has pledged 30,000 places for Syrian refugees through its humanitarian admission programme; nearly half the global total of resettlement and humanitarian admission programme places for Syrian refugees and 82 per cent of the EU total.Germany and Sweden together have received 96,500 new Syrian asylum applications in the last three years, representing 64 per cent of all such applications in the EU.Excluding Germany and Sweden, the remaining 26 EU countries have pledged a mere 5,105 resettlement places, or 0.13 per cent of Syrian refugees in the main host countries.
7
Today's Syria is a country given to the world by the Assad family, now under the thumb of Bashar, who has surely earned his stripes as the world's most culpable war criminal. His "government" is fast losing all relevance and is doomed to the ash heap of history, sooner or later. He will drag his sponsors with him.
In the meantime, untold millions more will suffer death or displacement while Europe is left holding the bag.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
In the meantime, untold millions more will suffer death or displacement while Europe is left holding the bag.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
1
From a friend in Europe who watches German TV: the situation is far from pink. 200 asylum places were put to fire. The asylum seekers don't want to be registered and identified because they have fake passports produced on a big scale in Turkey.
6
Current estimates are that over 200,000 thousand people have died in the Syrian civil war, including countless numbers of civilians gassed by the Assad regime. So now people are shocked into action by an image of a dead child. Am I the only person who thinks that is absurd. It reminds me of the quote attributed to Stalin " One death is a tragedy, a million are a statistic".
26
well said, Todd Stuart, well said. The war and chaos and extremists are the bigger problem. The refugees are a sad evident symptom.
1
This is a terrible situation that is engulfing both those desperate people fleeing for stability and peace and the people of Europe. There needs to be a recognition that this is an international issue that many countries need to shoulder, yet we also cannot forget that this should not be the start of a new wave of economic migration and dilution of Scandinavia's much-vaulted welfare state and progressive policies. Yes, these refugees need to be in a safe situation but there must also be specific policies that outline the limits so to preserve the economics of each of these nations. For example, it would be unfair and wrong to send the majority of these folks to Sweden when they could in fact make a good life in Hungary. Just because one offers greater social benefits should not mean that it is necessarily a destination of choice. If no there are no boundaries to these policies, it would only fuel the rise of the crazy far-right movements who would happily dismantle, privatise and monopolise those hard-won social benefits that many in the world so greatly admire.
1
It’s quite remarkable that folks excoriate European and North American countries for not doing more for refugees from Syria and other war ravaged Middle Eastern countries while remaining largely silent on the complete absence of support from Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other counties from that region. It is entirely reasonable for a country to believe refugees should be accepted but that restrictions apply – one of which is to leave your troubles at home. And it is not irrational for the citizens of a progressive, secular country to expect refugees from countries whose societies remain steeped in religious bigotry, misogyny, and willful disregard for modernity to enter host counties as respectful guests with open minds and respect for local cultures.
19
As any human would, I grieve for that child. But to make truly momentous decisions based on emotions is a dereliction of duty to ones own nation and people. There is no possible way for Europe to survive this onslaught.
13
Why is this primarily Europe's fight? Does the United States feel any sense of responsibility for this mess? Do we have such historical amnesia that we've forgotten how we helped to destabilize the region? Apparently the U.S. has "pledged to intensify the clearing process for accepting refugees from Syria." What, from several years to one year? Surely the U.S. has an ethical responsibility to act now.
Perhaps some room can be found on George W. Bush's ranch in Texas.
Perhaps some room can be found on George W. Bush's ranch in Texas.
9
The Times editorial laments a symptom of a problem. There is no way for the Europeans to "fix" the massive influx of refugees. It is caused by a disastrous and cowardly policy adopted by Europe and America alike: their despicable failure to deal with Bashaar Al-Assad when they had the opportunity as well as the direct result of that failure, the crimes against humanity committed by ISIL, the force that filled the vacuum so fecklessly created by weak Europeans and a weak US President. The solution is not to sop up an endless torrent of refugees. The solution is to deal with the disasters in Syria and Iraq that send these poor people out of their countries. And yes, that must be boots on the ground, the majority of them necessarily being European.
4
When The New York Times Editorial Board pushed the war in Iraq 10 years ago they did it with the noblest intention to topple a mean dictator, Saddam Hussein. Feelings were raw them too, everyone wanted to do good, but the NYT underestimated the chain of tragedy, chaos and religious fanaticism that will ensue. When the New York Times Editorial Board pushes the European Union to receive this massive mass of Muslim refugees from countries that are prone to sectarian religious wars and a culture at odds with Europe, again, is doing it with best and noblest intentions at a time when feelings are raw. However, history shows that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and these knee-jerk reactions are sowing disaster in the long run. NYT is again, unwittingly, sowing a chain of tragedy, chaos and Islamic fanaticism and terrorism in Europe, ten years from now. Watch and see!
71
You omit to state the crucial fact that the oil-rich theocracies, neighbors of Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan from where most refugees come, will not help, even with money.
8
THE Refugee/Migrant Crisis has been around for over 5 years and the only reason we are now hearing about this is because they are about to Flood & Destabilize Europe.
WHILE for over a decade most Pundits and Politicians were busy bashing IRAN on its "Non-existent Nuclear Weapons Program" , we have let the main Bad Actor, the Wahhabi House of Saud, create a bigger Monster in ISIS using Turkey as an enabler.
WHAT we see today is the Effect and NOT the Cause of our misguided policies in the Middle East aligning ourselves with the Evil Kingdoms in the Arabian Peninsula.
TODAY from Yemen to Iraq to Syria all are being brought back to Stone Ages by these Savages and the question is: "DO We Have The Political Will, Moral Courage and Intellectual Wisdom To Put An End To The Misadventures Of The House Of Saud et al Before It Gets Too Late As We Are Facing Clear & Present Danger To Global Peace & Security Not Seen For Over Seven Decades"???
WHILE for over a decade most Pundits and Politicians were busy bashing IRAN on its "Non-existent Nuclear Weapons Program" , we have let the main Bad Actor, the Wahhabi House of Saud, create a bigger Monster in ISIS using Turkey as an enabler.
WHAT we see today is the Effect and NOT the Cause of our misguided policies in the Middle East aligning ourselves with the Evil Kingdoms in the Arabian Peninsula.
TODAY from Yemen to Iraq to Syria all are being brought back to Stone Ages by these Savages and the question is: "DO We Have The Political Will, Moral Courage and Intellectual Wisdom To Put An End To The Misadventures Of The House Of Saud et al Before It Gets Too Late As We Are Facing Clear & Present Danger To Global Peace & Security Not Seen For Over Seven Decades"???
2
At some point, the grownups in NATO will acknowledge a. This is a threat to Europe and b. The only solution is to make the Middle East habitable and secure. Pax NATO. Take Syria by the scruff of the neck and separate the combatants; deal directly with IS; redraw the borders not as western oil companies and governments want them, but as the locals do. And stick around long enough to stop the histamine reactions breaking out all over.
Yes...radical and extreme. But circumstances have brought us to this point, and there are no other realistic solutions.
Yes...radical and extreme. But circumstances have brought us to this point, and there are no other realistic solutions.
19
How is this different from the millions of children and adults who have been dying of hunger in Africa since I was a child 45 years ago ?
Are Europe's countries going to solve this migrants problems the way they have solved the problems of the Africans, or perhaps people everywhere needs to be educated about self control and consequences of the lack of self control, and find a way to make people more responsible for themselves while decreasing the motivation for liars and cheaters to get things for free ?
Are Europe's countries going to solve this migrants problems the way they have solved the problems of the Africans, or perhaps people everywhere needs to be educated about self control and consequences of the lack of self control, and find a way to make people more responsible for themselves while decreasing the motivation for liars and cheaters to get things for free ?
4
We shouldn't be so quick to criticize Europe for their handling of a problem that we had such a large part in creating. The finger wagging tone of this article gives the impression that the US has no role in mess. But the truth is to the contrary. Decades of US-led wars and political meddling in the Middle East have resulted in social chaos and massive losses of human capital. Every time we topple a "brutal dictator" another one more vicious takes his place. Our pig-headed foreign policy have toppled democratically elected leaders and funneled weapons into the hands of terrorists. The US should be leading the charge in managing these refugees just like we led numerous charges to invade their countries.
11
As a journalist, I continue to question the role of the media when portraying this crisis. And as a person who reads the German Press daily and has family in Berlin, I am often astounded at just how different the reporting is from American news outlets, as well as the online response.
Of course the goodwill of the German people is undeniable, but the slow actions of the EU is going to set the stage for a serious backlash if things are continue the way they are going.
As for denial, like guilt, there is enough of that to go around. Now it's just important to get more countries in Europe, and around the world to get on board, because this is a problem that will not go away on its own.
Of course the goodwill of the German people is undeniable, but the slow actions of the EU is going to set the stage for a serious backlash if things are continue the way they are going.
As for denial, like guilt, there is enough of that to go around. Now it's just important to get more countries in Europe, and around the world to get on board, because this is a problem that will not go away on its own.
2
Why...is "the the goodwill of the German people undeniable"? Why "Of course"?
I'm not convinced the Germans have any better understanding and are making the transition into the world we live in now any better than any before in the last 20 years.. While I applaud M. Smith's points, NO ONE is off the hook. We're a global community, like it or not, so, seriously, belly up, kids -it's going to get interesting.
I'm not convinced the Germans have any better understanding and are making the transition into the world we live in now any better than any before in the last 20 years.. While I applaud M. Smith's points, NO ONE is off the hook. We're a global community, like it or not, so, seriously, belly up, kids -it's going to get interesting.
REFUGEES fleeing wars and famine are surging onto the beaches of countries who are not at war and have enough food. There are millions in the Mideast who are in neighboring countries, overwhelming resources. Poverty, hunger and violence are coming to haunt us. We can no longer hide, we of the wealthy, powerful nations. In order to stem the tide of refugees, we must find some way to bring peace to the nations they are fleeing. I have no idea how to accomplish these changes that represent a challenge to basic characteristics of human nature. Climate change, along with food and water shortages, loom on the horizon. So the current trend is only going to increase in volume and urgency. There are many valid questions about why we have such global crises, but few answers. We risk the security of our children and grandchildren if we leave the problems unresolved.
1
No mention of US responsibility for the crisis in the Middle East and the responsibility the US government to take Syrian and Iraqi refugees. Pottery Barn rule. You broke it in 2003, now pay for it.
231
You should see who broke it really Obama Clinton
1
Dan
We did not listen to the President when he addressed us on the Genocide of Syria, but we complained that it was none of us business. This crisis is a last call to show that we care as a Nation of Refugees to put wrong to right. Let us begin to see what we can do for our Country and Humanity.
We did not listen to the President when he addressed us on the Genocide of Syria, but we complained that it was none of us business. This crisis is a last call to show that we care as a Nation of Refugees to put wrong to right. Let us begin to see what we can do for our Country and Humanity.
Dan, what personal responsibility do the people of Syria and Iraq, and the Middle East in general, have to not kill each other based on differing interpretations of Islam? Why can't they get together and build civil societies based on respect of various religious and ethnic entities? And, why is this NEVER mentioned in any
"serious" discussion of failed states in the area?
Iraq is the primarily example of this: like the Iraq war or not - and I did NOT - it gave the Iraqis a clean slate to build any kind of government and society they wished. They CHOSE homicide and ethnic cleansing. The "West" bears no responsibility for this.
I think the "Pottery Barn rule" is a stupid straw man, but here's a corollary: I don't have to keep paying for something I (allegedly) broke 12 years ago.
"serious" discussion of failed states in the area?
Iraq is the primarily example of this: like the Iraq war or not - and I did NOT - it gave the Iraqis a clean slate to build any kind of government and society they wished. They CHOSE homicide and ethnic cleansing. The "West" bears no responsibility for this.
I think the "Pottery Barn rule" is a stupid straw man, but here's a corollary: I don't have to keep paying for something I (allegedly) broke 12 years ago.
1
Really Editorial Board? The crisis only requires European response? Really? Doe it not require a US response? Does it not call for US to stop indiscriminately bomb and attack foreign countries for no reason? A newspaper report (regrettably) will not change the big bully's behavior, but we expected a mention at least. Your failure to condemn multi year US led invasion is disappointing. You failed to rise above partisanship.
6
"Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and President François Hollande of France issued a joint statement on Thursday calling for 'a permanent and obligatory mechanism' to allocate refugees among the 28 member states of the European Union. . ."
How about the richest Middle East countries -- Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates -- allocating the refugees among their own states instead? It is about time for the people of the Middle East to become their brothers' keepers.
How about the richest Middle East countries -- Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates -- allocating the refugees among their own states instead? It is about time for the people of the Middle East to become their brothers' keepers.
30
The barbarians are at the gate....
I know it's heartless, but I still can't help but feel that all of this has played out before in the past.
The Romans couldn't stop the exodus of Germanic tribes entering their domain, and I seriously doubt modern day Europeans will have any more success. It's the march of History.
I know it's heartless, but I still can't help but feel that all of this has played out before in the past.
The Romans couldn't stop the exodus of Germanic tribes entering their domain, and I seriously doubt modern day Europeans will have any more success. It's the march of History.
26
Im glad that those refugees are being accepted. But eventually capacity for shelter will reach so what happen after that? And what happen to those refugees who come late?
On the other hand, those refugees might turn europe upside down. Just look at Germany, those immigrant refuses to learn german and german culture. Is a good thing? Probably not. Hope the war end and they can go home.
On the other hand, those refugees might turn europe upside down. Just look at Germany, those immigrant refuses to learn german and german culture. Is a good thing? Probably not. Hope the war end and they can go home.
3
Have the world politicians acted in time of the Ottoman, Japanese and Nazi atrocities? Now they are shedding alligator tears, seemingly tearing their hair out, and beating themselves on the chest.
The will and readiness of the Occident to defend its spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage has been in decline, and the misguided methods of maintaining "world peace" have born their fruit.
The scale of the recent migrations of the oppressed, persecuted, driven off their land, and those justifiably seeking shelter and better life elsewhere calls for a new "crusade" -- a term that was well used by General Eisenhower, but has run into political flak when it was used by George W. Bush the son.
Call it by whatever name you want, but DO something useful to eradicate the evil!
The will and readiness of the Occident to defend its spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage has been in decline, and the misguided methods of maintaining "world peace" have born their fruit.
The scale of the recent migrations of the oppressed, persecuted, driven off their land, and those justifiably seeking shelter and better life elsewhere calls for a new "crusade" -- a term that was well used by General Eisenhower, but has run into political flak when it was used by George W. Bush the son.
Call it by whatever name you want, but DO something useful to eradicate the evil!
1
One asks the question: Why was he born? Is it ethical to bring a child into the situation that has existed in Syria for the past years? Birthrates in the developed world have dropped when economic times are hard. In the developed world most people put off marriage and childbearing until they have a reasonable expectation that they can care for a child. The three year old was conceived well after the situation in Syria had reached crisis and his parents had no reasonable expectation they could assure his safety.
15
Whoah, that's a little harsh.
1
Do you imagine that the oppressed women of the Middle East have access to contraception and abortion?
Thank you Editorial Board for telling Europe what to do .. after US have spread war over Irak, Syria, Lybia, Palestine, etc. Results : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2798266/raining-fire-isis-amazin.... Then tell others what to do. By the way the father of the boy pictured yesterday asked asylum in Canada, which was refused. USA, Canada : Get in the right game ;)
6
Well, the fact that 80% of these migrants are young men of military age, and the fact that YOU constantly post pictures of women and children totally out of proportion to their share of these invaders shows that someone else is in denial as well, and that would be the NYT Editorial Board.
That of course does not minimize the individual tragedies, but this is a pretty hypocritical headline, even for the pro-open borders effete coastal NYT Editorial Board.
That of course does not minimize the individual tragedies, but this is a pretty hypocritical headline, even for the pro-open borders effete coastal NYT Editorial Board.
104
"I want Arab governments - not European countries - to see (what happened to) my children, and because of them to help people" --->>> quote from the father of the boy who died.This father is to blame because he had a highly risky behavior when he shouldn´t have it,but here he is absolutely RIGHT.Proportionally Europe is by far on the front line helping all distressed countries in this world,so why this? Why is everyone blaming Europe for not doing more? Why is the U.S. not doing plans to receive 200000 or 300000 syrians,afhgans etc. (Europe is planning to do it,Germany by itself is receiving 800000)? And what about India? China? Japan? rich Arab countries: Saudi Arabia,Emirates.Anyway,this approach is wrong to receive more,more and more so-called "refugees" (many of them are not) does not solve anything.
11
You write, "Thousands are making a harrowing journey overland through Greece, Macedonia, Hungary, Austria and Serbia in search of refuge, mostly in Germany." In search of refuge... They found refuge in Hungary. They didn't want it. They want the economic opportunities in Germany.
76
what refuge are you referring, being prisoners in a train station? being called by the Hungarian president 'the unwanted, the unchristian invader?' do you think these refugees felt they found a safe refuge?
True. You're a refugee when you leave the war zone and arrive in the first peaceful nation. If you fail to register and keep moving after that, you're shopping.
3
What "economic opportunities"? Germans are generally well educated. These people do not speak either German or English. These "arrivals" can never successfully compete for employment against Germans or other Europeans.
There have been thousands of deaths. Will this one matter more than the others? Possibly, but I do not think so. As far as the plan to distribute the migrants throughout the nations of the EU, I do not think that is going to happen easily. The "refugees" already rejected accommodations in Hungary
and clearly stated that they want to settle in Germany. Why does Merkel believe they can be moved to other EU nations? Why does the NYT believe this? They will probably refuse to leave.
and clearly stated that they want to settle in Germany. Why does Merkel believe they can be moved to other EU nations? Why does the NYT believe this? They will probably refuse to leave.
5
You know who is truly missing among this desperation? The International Red Cross. I have not seen a single sign or mention that they are present on this trail of misery. I guess if they got hit by a storm, they might see some relief.
5
Some of the male migrants/refugees were offered Red Cross aid packages at the Greek-Bulgarian border, but refused them. I won't speculate on the reasons for their refusing the aid. However, the fact that the aid was offered indicates that the International Red Cross has sent aid and that it is available in certain locations.
Denial by whom? And of what? This crisis, and its reporting, has been playing out for months.
And not a single mention of any responsibility, save endless shaming and hectoring of the West. Nor any calculation as to how many people are to be taken in. Tens of millions?
And not a single mention of any responsibility, save endless shaming and hectoring of the West. Nor any calculation as to how many people are to be taken in. Tens of millions?
11
I would like to see the Times discuss U.S. responses (if any) to the Syrian refugee crisis. We certainly share some of the responsibility for the current situation and have as great a moral duty to respond as the European nations.
7
The denial is not what is referenced in the editorial. The denial is the illusion that people in a country that attracts illegal entrants are responsible for the misfortunes that occur to people illegally trying to enter countries that they are barred from entering. A country cannot exist if people from anywhere can enter it any time that it is convenient or desirable for them to leave their own country.
JD
JD
21
I am an American of great pride in my own people, but I am also a human being, a man of the world of human beings and when thousands and millions of humans suffer anywhere, I hurt inside.
These refugees fled violence to find peace. They are truly the best among humans averse to violence and willing to save their families from strife and warfare.
European leaders must not fear an infiltration of Muslim warriors. If you really cannot suppress that fear, show compassion and a handful of food to show your kindness and trust. They will not repay you with violence.
I believe in America first.................so we can help the world.
I call on my government to spend an extraordinarily small amount of our military budget to send aid to these refugees. If you can spend 700 Billion dollars to kill, you can certainly spend 5 or 10 Billion to save lives and plant a seed of friendship and peace.
Please, thank you.
These refugees fled violence to find peace. They are truly the best among humans averse to violence and willing to save their families from strife and warfare.
European leaders must not fear an infiltration of Muslim warriors. If you really cannot suppress that fear, show compassion and a handful of food to show your kindness and trust. They will not repay you with violence.
I believe in America first.................so we can help the world.
I call on my government to spend an extraordinarily small amount of our military budget to send aid to these refugees. If you can spend 700 Billion dollars to kill, you can certainly spend 5 or 10 Billion to save lives and plant a seed of friendship and peace.
Please, thank you.
8
Send them back and don't let more come. It is the most humane thing. I applaud the Australian model. No more refugees will come once they realize that they will be shipped right back. They need to straighten out their own country.
32
The Syrian children like all children are the responsibility of their parents, and after that the responsibility of their home countries governments. It is not fair to assign responsibility to strangers for your children. If you cannot take care of children then you should not have children.
The person who has children he/she cannot take care of is criminally irresponsible.
Hundreds of millions of poor persons in the world, including from this country, would like to get German or Scandinavian Welfare benefits, but it should be obvious that those countries social safety networks are not magical, and countries invaded by millions of poor will go down in ruins themselves.
The person who has children he/she cannot take care of is criminally irresponsible.
Hundreds of millions of poor persons in the world, including from this country, would like to get German or Scandinavian Welfare benefits, but it should be obvious that those countries social safety networks are not magical, and countries invaded by millions of poor will go down in ruins themselves.
12
New York Times, your efforts are so appreciated, and I sense the collective group of you is knocked-down by the tremendous challenge. Incidentally, I noticed an AP note in The New York Times this afternoon, Anibal Fernandez of the Argentine president's office, says the doors are open to Syrian refugees, here. This could be very helpful, as I know the public health system here serves anybody, freely.
1
The European leadership is waiting another ten days before they come together and deal with this? The people of Europe deserve better than such a protracted response. It just gives everyone more time to kick the can and blame whoever one's politics dictates that they blame.
3
Yes, action will be taken. Much like following a mass shooting, when lawmakers quickly enact new gun legislation.
2
Ouch.
But on point.
But on point.
It's disappointing to see the New York Times Editorial Board framing this problem as just a European issue. Middle East neighbors Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE all have resources to help address this humanitarian catastrophe in their own region, yet all of these countries have silently stood by keeping their borders closed, forcing the refugees to find safety in Europe. The leaders of these countries should be ashamed for abandoning any responsibilities in their own region.
309
The U.S. could help too. A lot of the unrest in the region can be traced directly to American foreign policy.
1
not mentioning the US which were very instrumental in the current unrest, and Canada and US, large and prosperous countries which should accommodate hundreds of thousands of said refugees
2
Europe and America have used the Middle East as a chessboard full of pawns. The worlds wealth and military centers.
Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon Gaza, West Bank and Syria are already the homes of most of Middle East's war refugees. From the Catastrophe that created Israel, the 1956 French-British-Israeli War, the 1967 Six Day War, the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the Iraq-Iran war, the 1990 Gulf War, the Iraq War and the Syrian Civil War all were instigated and directed to serve the socioeconomic political interests of the European powers including the former Soviet Union now Russia and the United States of America. Fighting over fossil fuel resources and strategic geography the inhumane impact on people denies their divine natural equal certain unalienable rights.
The number of dead and wounded is in the tens of millions. The 60 million now on the move is the most massive forced diaspora since the end of World War II.
There are about 50 European nations with a combined population of about 745 M people. The European Union economic alliance is made up of 28 of those nations with 503 M people. And the Eurozone currency union consists of 19 nations. There are 320 M Americans. Only China with 1.3 B and India with 1.2 B have more people. About 15% of the 7.3 B humans are American and European. European populations are aging and shrinking.
The GDP (nominal) of the European Union is $ 18.5 T. America's GDP is $16.8 T. Together the two regions account for nearly half the world GDP.
Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon Gaza, West Bank and Syria are already the homes of most of Middle East's war refugees. From the Catastrophe that created Israel, the 1956 French-British-Israeli War, the 1967 Six Day War, the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the Iraq-Iran war, the 1990 Gulf War, the Iraq War and the Syrian Civil War all were instigated and directed to serve the socioeconomic political interests of the European powers including the former Soviet Union now Russia and the United States of America. Fighting over fossil fuel resources and strategic geography the inhumane impact on people denies their divine natural equal certain unalienable rights.
The number of dead and wounded is in the tens of millions. The 60 million now on the move is the most massive forced diaspora since the end of World War II.
There are about 50 European nations with a combined population of about 745 M people. The European Union economic alliance is made up of 28 of those nations with 503 M people. And the Eurozone currency union consists of 19 nations. There are 320 M Americans. Only China with 1.3 B and India with 1.2 B have more people. About 15% of the 7.3 B humans are American and European. European populations are aging and shrinking.
The GDP (nominal) of the European Union is $ 18.5 T. America's GDP is $16.8 T. Together the two regions account for nearly half the world GDP.
1
I've never been so affected by a photo in my life as the one of Aylan Kurdi. Although I've been aware of the refugee crises, seeing that image changed me. My 3-year-old often sleeps in that position. My son wears those clothes. He has those shoes. My wife fears the water and is afraid of drowning, as Aylan's mother was. My son has an older brother, as Aylan did. Now they are gone. A father, trying to do the right thing for his family, is left helpless and can only witness their drowning. I'm not religious, but I had to find a church so I could have somewhere to grieve. I needed to weep for those children, those parents, and the continued suffering that so many more are enduring. I'm so sorry Aylan. I'm so sorry we let you down.
128
Thank you for this incredibly minority opinion of simple empathy for other humans. It's shocking what a minority opinion it is here. A sick nation. And this is nominally the 'liberal' bastion of our readership in the national press? Most of this would sit perfectly within the hatemongering tripe of the Right- but I suppose most of these are trolls form that region - I can only hope.
3
Mark
It is the photo of this young child more powerful than words that speaks to us in a universal language and reaches out to us to take action. Thinking of your son this early morning, thinking of many of your lost ones, thinking that in the Name of Aylan, we are going to stand united. No time to weep, it is time to act now for all we hold dear to our hearts and spirits, and make us humans. 'Aylan' is speaking to us. Let us save Him.
It is the photo of this young child more powerful than words that speaks to us in a universal language and reaches out to us to take action. Thinking of your son this early morning, thinking of many of your lost ones, thinking that in the Name of Aylan, we are going to stand united. No time to weep, it is time to act now for all we hold dear to our hearts and spirits, and make us humans. 'Aylan' is speaking to us. Let us save Him.
1
No, Mark, the father was not "trying to do the right thing for his family". They were safe in Turkey, but then he decided to risk their lives to get to the riches of Europe. Bad judgement ...
Note that the one thing that is missing in your comparison is that you are good father, and Aylan's father is not.
People need to start looking at these people as economic refugees, as well as the fact that it is a middle eastern problem that needs to be solved by the middle east. One is entitled to one's own opinions, not one's own facts.
Note that the one thing that is missing in your comparison is that you are good father, and Aylan's father is not.
People need to start looking at these people as economic refugees, as well as the fact that it is a middle eastern problem that needs to be solved by the middle east. One is entitled to one's own opinions, not one's own facts.
2
"Piercing Denial on the Refugee Crisis" This is crisis is as much American as European. Particularly as the policy of our illustrious government created the crisis in the first place. I don't blame Obama he just inherited the problem created by Bush and Chaney. My suggestion is to roll out the C5A:s and start hauling some millions of the refugees to our country. If Sweden can accept 250,000 of them out country can accept several millions of them.
1
It's funny how NYT project the idea that Europe failed the migrant/refugee crisis.
This is while there is no notion of the role of US and UK in creating this mess. Yes, it's the failure of ME leaders and people too. However one should remind us what does foreign policies of US/UK have to do with this. Trumping the responsibilities of rich states to the south of Persian Gulf toward their Muslim brothers, or calling on morals expected from Europe, and you hear none from US and UK (Cameron said taking 1000s, from the camps near Syrian borders--Wow!).
This is while there is no notion of the role of US and UK in creating this mess. Yes, it's the failure of ME leaders and people too. However one should remind us what does foreign policies of US/UK have to do with this. Trumping the responsibilities of rich states to the south of Persian Gulf toward their Muslim brothers, or calling on morals expected from Europe, and you hear none from US and UK (Cameron said taking 1000s, from the camps near Syrian borders--Wow!).
3
Refugees from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan are just as safe in nearby Turkey. Insisting on taking up residence, not only in the periphery of Europe, but its innermost countries, goes well beyond asylum-seeking. These are refugees who have become unapologetic opportunists and they have been enabled by a minority of Europeans who have no respect for their fellow citizens. Sensible people can grasp this. The Times apparently cannot.
26
The bulk of these unfortunate refugees are evidently Muslims fleeing from tragic circumstances in Syria and Afghanistan. But why are they heading to Europe, where western Judeo-Christian sentiments prevail, instead of to countries with a shared faith, language and cultural traditions? By that I mean Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Pakistan, Egypt, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, Iran or even Turkey? If bound for Europe why not chose Bosnia or Herzegovina which are primarily Muslim? Why attempt to get to Scandanavia, where they will be strangers in a strange land, instead of to Middle Eastern or Near Eastern countries where it would seem the cultural and religious fit would be much better? Have any of those countries publicly expressed a willingness to absorb these poor refugees with whom they have so much in common?
34
The six Gulf countries - Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain - have offered zero resettlement places to Syrian refugees.
Other high income countries including Russia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea have also offered zero resettlement places.
The number of Syrian refugees hosted by Turkey alone, is more than 10 times the number of new Syrian asylum applications received in all 28 EU countries in the past three years. Turkey has absorbed more than its quota, it already has close to 2 million refugees in Turkey.
Other high income countries including Russia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea have also offered zero resettlement places.
The number of Syrian refugees hosted by Turkey alone, is more than 10 times the number of new Syrian asylum applications received in all 28 EU countries in the past three years. Turkey has absorbed more than its quota, it already has close to 2 million refugees in Turkey.
1
What if one million Mexican refugees were coming to the US because of the dangers of war between the Sinaloa and the Golf cartels in Mexico?
3
What about the failures of the U.S. The U.S. By its stupid invasion of Iraq is more responsible for the Syrian crisis than almost any other country. Certainly more so than any Eoropean country.
4
When is the UN going to order the rich Arab gulf states to take their share of refugees? If this is a global responsibility then Russia and China could easily take one million each; Japan perhaps one half million.
57
You cannot make foreign policy based on the emotion of a single photograph, however troubling. Maybe Staling was correct, "A single death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic."
4
Whatever it takes free Iraq from Assad so Syrian peoples can be free.
1
This is not only Europe that has to solve this issue. The US is very much part of it.
2
Why aren’t the refugees fleeing to the wealthy Islamist Arab states of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, all of which seem unmoved by the tragic sights of these Muslim immigrants? A strong statement is being made about the Middle East as these desperate Muslims seek the political, economic and social climate of Europe while the Islamist Arab states turn a cold shoulder.
80
I wonder if George W. Bush is watching this unfold and asking himself whether he made a mistake invading and destabilizing Iraq and the surrounding region for no good reason.
His idiot brother Jeb! has already said he stands behind those decisions. I can't believe Jeb! has the nerve to run for president, standing atop this pile of human misery as a family achievement.
His idiot brother Jeb! has already said he stands behind those decisions. I can't believe Jeb! has the nerve to run for president, standing atop this pile of human misery as a family achievement.
79
There is no capacity for such self-questioning behind those blank eyes. W will go to his grave proud and happy.
2
I am no fan of any member of the bush family, or republicans, or the idiotic 2003 war.
However, I wonder when the crowd who illogically wants to blame the West for these peoples' homicidal/genocidal tendencies will actually assign any responsibility to the perpetrators actually residing in the Middle East. Not holding my breath ...
However, I wonder when the crowd who illogically wants to blame the West for these peoples' homicidal/genocidal tendencies will actually assign any responsibility to the perpetrators actually residing in the Middle East. Not holding my breath ...
5
When the editors of the NYT personally agree to take in refugees into their own household, then I might listen to this nonsense (well, not really). Europe is not the Unites States - it is not a continent filled with immigrates. It is a collection of countries with their own languages, cultures, religions and histories. To ignore this is just plain ignorant.
53
It is an invasion, not a refugee crisis.
14
"the terrible human cost of Europe’s failure to deal with a surging refugee crisis."
the failure is - not - "dealing with the refugee crisis" but not dealing with or questioning a go along failed policy for NATO everywhere in the Middle East Africa and Ukraine.
Vassalage to US objectives has now a tangible European cost rather than merely ammunition and jet fuel - it is a major non-ending deluge of people who have been displaced by NATO induced chaos.
lets get to the original cause and effect and not merely the apparent results - in Libya / Iraq / Iran / Afghanistan / Syria / Yemen /
If Libya had not been attacked, the Syrian conflict would have not happened – they all are the links of one chain.
the failure is - not - "dealing with the refugee crisis" but not dealing with or questioning a go along failed policy for NATO everywhere in the Middle East Africa and Ukraine.
Vassalage to US objectives has now a tangible European cost rather than merely ammunition and jet fuel - it is a major non-ending deluge of people who have been displaced by NATO induced chaos.
lets get to the original cause and effect and not merely the apparent results - in Libya / Iraq / Iran / Afghanistan / Syria / Yemen /
If Libya had not been attacked, the Syrian conflict would have not happened – they all are the links of one chain.
3
It is easy to point fingers at Europeans - they are not handling the situation very well - but the US has a moral obligation in this situation as well. US intervention in the Middle East for the past 70 years has been, for the most part, a disaster. At least some of the blame for the current Syrian crisis belongs to the US for launching the disastrous war in Iraq, which gave rise to ISIS and the mass murder of so many innocent people. The American mishandling of the Syria file in the early days of the civil war arguably made everything worse.
The US and other non-European countries need to show some leadership here as well. We can start by helping to settle more of these desperate people in our countries.
The US and other non-European countries need to show some leadership here as well. We can start by helping to settle more of these desperate people in our countries.
1
Sadly we are at this crisis because of a lack of leadership by America. How so? Well, failure to take out Assad over four years ago. Almost half the population of Syria have become refugees in one country or another. Worse is the almost 300,000 people who have died, with many more like the Kurdi family to die in the future. To 'stabilize' Syria, and prevent further deaths, the only solution is a military effort to remove Assad, and it needs to happen now. Sure lives will be lost. Better we move swiftly or over three million people will be on Europe's doorstep over the next year, with many of these people lost trying to get there. Time for some leadership O. Up to now all O has shown is cowardice.
3
Wouldn't it be a bit easier for Europe, or the rest of the world, to pay Turkey or Jordan or Iran or Saudi Arabia, or Egypt etc. or some combination of all of these to host the refugees? Couldn't refugee camps be set up in these countries? I'm sure some already are, but I don't see why more couldn't be, as long as Europe etc. picks up the tab.
All of those countries are far closer to Syria than Europe is. Why isn't there a call for these countries to host the refugees? (I'm not being rhetorical here. I would honestly like to know.)
All of those countries are far closer to Syria than Europe is. Why isn't there a call for these countries to host the refugees? (I'm not being rhetorical here. I would honestly like to know.)
7
Outside of Iceland, few countries -- including the U.S. -- can hold their heads high on this issue. Shame is the order of the day. How can Syria's neighbors have shown so little concern for and have done so little to alleviate the suffering of these displaced people. Some countries in the region -- especially Lebanon -- have born more than their share of the humanitarian burden of this crisis.
But what have Saudi Arabia and Israel -- wealthy allies of the West -- done to take in and help these poor people? Little if anything.
It is disheartening that Israel has not taken in its fair share of these refugees, particularly in light of Israel's history, how it was formed by people displaced in the Holocaust and the Second World War, and given the moral scolding rightly handed out to countries such as the United States that barred entry to Jews escaping Germany and the wider war.
Apparently some lives matter more than others.
But what have Saudi Arabia and Israel -- wealthy allies of the West -- done to take in and help these poor people? Little if anything.
It is disheartening that Israel has not taken in its fair share of these refugees, particularly in light of Israel's history, how it was formed by people displaced in the Holocaust and the Second World War, and given the moral scolding rightly handed out to countries such as the United States that barred entry to Jews escaping Germany and the wider war.
Apparently some lives matter more than others.
2
The photographs of the lifeless boy should be distributed in Syria and other places as a warning of what can happen if you try to illegally enter Europe.
Why don't neighboring countries who are fomenting the crisis in Syria/Iraq - e.g., Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran - take in the refugees? While I understand what motivates people to try to come, these people are economic migrants looking for a better life.
And, before anyone criticizes me, you need to answer the following question: where do we put the 2-3 billion people with no skills, education or understanding of our culture who want to live in N. America, W. Europe or Australia? I don't see many answers, just sob stories and related appeals to emotion ...
Why don't neighboring countries who are fomenting the crisis in Syria/Iraq - e.g., Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran - take in the refugees? While I understand what motivates people to try to come, these people are economic migrants looking for a better life.
And, before anyone criticizes me, you need to answer the following question: where do we put the 2-3 billion people with no skills, education or understanding of our culture who want to live in N. America, W. Europe or Australia? I don't see many answers, just sob stories and related appeals to emotion ...
96
The vast majority of refugees are in neighbouring countries- Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan (Afghan refugees). In Africa, Kenya hosts large numbers of refugees. It is the West that with notable exceptions (Germany, Sweden) that is not burden sharing. Why assume all are unskilled when people across all occupations and incomes are displaced? Refugees have been significant contributors to our immigrant societies, in the US and Australia.
Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon have taken in MILLIONS of refugees. At the moment, full 1/3 of Lebanon's population is Syrian refugees. These countries are much poorer than we are, yet they are doing more to help those fleeing war.
1
Swans21, while I agree that the west cannot shelter 2-3 billion desperate people, beyond the obvious lack of birth control the exploitation by western companies carries a large share of the blame. If a Cambodian woman gets beaten severely for wanting a few cents an hour more (above her monthly pay of about $80) for sewing brandname sneakers that sell for $140 in NY, we do not need to wonder that they are desperate.
In the meantime CEOs grant themselves ridiculous salaries that are a good percentage of the GDP of that country. That same globalization also brought internet to those poor countries. And now they know how we live - and want the same.
Time to stop unfettered capitalism.
In the meantime CEOs grant themselves ridiculous salaries that are a good percentage of the GDP of that country. That same globalization also brought internet to those poor countries. And now they know how we live - and want the same.
Time to stop unfettered capitalism.
1
My wonderful father, a graduate of Buchenwald, could never get over the size of this country.
"All that empty space," he would say, "and people just dying to live there."
"All that empty space," he would say, "and people just dying to live there."
5
"Slovakia and Poland are refusing to accept refugees who are not Christian."
A sentence like this cannot be uttered in a New York Times editorial without some explanation. The context would imply "Muslims". But what about Jews, atheists, Alawites, and Druze? Nationalism in Central Europe has never been pretty.
A sentence like this cannot be uttered in a New York Times editorial without some explanation. The context would imply "Muslims". But what about Jews, atheists, Alawites, and Druze? Nationalism in Central Europe has never been pretty.
2
This article fails to mention that the US are primarily to blame for creating this situation in the Middle East. Take Syria, where the CIA is working with the radical Islamic opposition and delivering weapons. You can't try regime change in all this countries and then expecting that Europe will clean up your mess.
7
This editorial is ridiculous. How can Europe be blamed for the Aylan Kurdi's tragic death? His family was SAFE in Turkey but they decided they wanted to move to Germany for ECONOMIC reasons. This was the tragic choice Aylan's dad made which he regretted. He even said the smuggling and migration should come to an end because it puts people in legitimate danger when they are already safe in Turkey. Using Aylan's tragic death as an emotional argument to uncontrolled migration which will bring a deterioration to European society is asinine. Shame on the NYT editorial board.
171
what exactly does safe in Turkey mean? Can you explain?
Carol --
Are you suggesting that Turkey is a war zone? That it does not register and take in refugees? If yes, you are wrong on both counts. This father decided to try to trade up, and his gamble had tragic results. I myself might have taken the same risk for my family's betterment, and I can empathize with his motives, but the fact of the matter (under the law) is that this family ceased to be refugees and became economic migrants when they left their first nation of refuge.
Are you suggesting that Turkey is a war zone? That it does not register and take in refugees? If yes, you are wrong on both counts. This father decided to try to trade up, and his gamble had tragic results. I myself might have taken the same risk for my family's betterment, and I can empathize with his motives, but the fact of the matter (under the law) is that this family ceased to be refugees and became economic migrants when they left their first nation of refuge.
3
Safe in Turkey means that no one is trying to prevent them from going about their business of being normal humans. No war, no one intent on murdering them, robbing them, etc.
More or less what it means to be safe in Canada or Germany.
I'm not sure what the difficulty in understanding was.
More or less what it means to be safe in Canada or Germany.
I'm not sure what the difficulty in understanding was.
4
Sometimes I think people who want to keep out refugees and maintain a certain culture within their area must think that history has stopped. Why should we be immune from forced migrations and displaced persons and refugee flights now, during our times, when history shows that population movements have happened during many periods?
3
The logical countries to take in refugees from that area of the world are Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Quatar, Kuwait, etc. Shouldn't your criticism be directed toward them also, especially since they have never taken in any refugees not of their own kind? Why Europe under some moral obligation to be a sucker--repeatedly?
14
Yours is a bizarrely passive and fatalist view.
2
What is the point ? While we talk people die.
In Germany every day 3000 people are arriving at least. We have increased our capacity for shelter from 30.000 to 400.000 within two years, at the end of the year we will have 500.000 places, still 100.000 (or much more) to short.
We are in need of 3000 additional doctors. We want to provide schools, we are putting 3600 retired teachers back to work.
We got already a budgetary accounting for 3 Billion euro and want to extend this to 10 Billion Euro to the end of the year.
All what is in our mind is to establish a system that actually does save people. We have no time for morality talk.
In Germany every day 3000 people are arriving at least. We have increased our capacity for shelter from 30.000 to 400.000 within two years, at the end of the year we will have 500.000 places, still 100.000 (or much more) to short.
We are in need of 3000 additional doctors. We want to provide schools, we are putting 3600 retired teachers back to work.
We got already a budgetary accounting for 3 Billion euro and want to extend this to 10 Billion Euro to the end of the year.
All what is in our mind is to establish a system that actually does save people. We have no time for morality talk.
77
why doesn't europe just blockade the harbors these people are sailing from and stop incoming air traffic. Eventually they must defend themselves or they will be overrun.
4
Mr Weitz: I have been reading your comments. Is there a particular group in Germany that you would suggest for financial donations?
While we talk people die. That is exactly what our politicians want. Have you heard Trump saying anything about this refugee disaster in Europe or Mr. Bush for that matter whose brother is ultimately responsible for this mess in Europe.
7