In a paragraph of 5–7 sentences, describe another nation’s involvement in the conflict and critique their actions. Are their actions justified or unjustified? Legal or illegal? Moral or immoral? How does the evidence in your sources support your critique?
To provide an example, consider the involvement of Russia's actions in the Syrian conflict. Russia officially entered the Syrian war in September 2015 in support of the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad. The Kremlin justified its involvement on the grounds of fighting terrorism, as Al-Assad's regime was battling multiple rebel groups, including ISIS. However, multiple international sources, including reports from the United Nations and human rights organizations, have documented that Russian airstrikes have repeatedly hit civilian targets, including hospitals and residential areas, causing significant civilian casualties. Russia's actions have been criticized both legally and morally by the international community. Legally, the targeting of civilians and non-military infrastructure violates international humanitarian law, specifically the Geneva Conventions. Morally, Russia's actions have been condemned because they exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Syria. While Moscow's desire to support an ally and combat terrorism can have some justification, the evidence of civilian harm undermines such claims, suggesting a disregard for the laws of war and raising serious moral questions about the real intentions and methods behind Russia’s military operations in Syria.
