Over 60 LaPorte and Porter County residents attended a program Tuesday evening at the Michigan City Public Library presented by the League of Women Voters of LaPorte County. Dr. Marc Belanger, Chair of the Political Science Department at St. Mary’s College in South Bend, led the program, “The Syrian Refugee Crisis: What Can We do.”
Dr. Belanger presented a brief history of Syria from the 19th century to the present. Using maps, data from the U.N. High Commission on Refugees and other sources, he characterized the Syrian refugee crisis as the greatest humanitarian disaster since WW II. Belanger shared the events leading up to the formation of ISIS, most notably the “power vacuum” created by the civil war in Syria. He described the group as organized and disciplined, strategically flexible, with marketing prowess when it comes to recruitment. According to Belanger, ISIS’ jihadist goal is to conquer and create their own state, and govern it, “separating the wheat from the chaff,” which explains their ruthlessness in dealing with Muslims and the rest of the world. They have killed many Muslims who disagree with them. The refugees are leaving Syria because of fears of being killed by President Assad’s forces or ISIS.
LWV moderator, Jeanette Neagu, opened the discussion with a question: “What can we do to help the refugees?” Dr. Belanger reported that the situation in the refugee camps, located primarily in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan is desperate. LWV members shared their research on both world-wide and regional Syrian refugee relief efforts, and many of the audience spoke of their experiences helping Vietnamese, Kosovar, and Cuban refugees in the past. LWV member Cheryl Chapman explained that League members can advocate within the LWV for legislation in regard to this crisis and community members can connect with organizations that are helping refugees in the camps located in the Middle East. Attendees from several religious organizations are already planning future meetings and activities. Contact Jeanette Neagu for further information, 219- 879-0431.