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mrlolloran t1_j253peu wrote

This is a weird feedback loop that some people fall into. They look at strife abroad and think surely we must help but almost always it ends up badly and then they think we have no business even being there until the next problem that tugs at their heartstrings arises.

It’s a bit of a straw man but I’ve seen it play out enough to disregard that. People can say I’m full of shit but here’s what comes next/has been happening. We decide we are going to do something but with no military intervention. We give food but local warlords seize it and only dole out generous portions to themselves and their most loyal supporters and if there’s any left everyone else can fight over it. Warlords keep doing business as usual because we’re feeding them and regular people, the ones we’re desperately trying to help, starve. Which brings us back to either cutting off all aid or military intervention, which we’ve already tried and failed, to ensure the people are getting the food and other supplies.

Frankly I think you’ve got the right idea of skipping over the next part. There’s nothing we can do so why enable the warlords. I’m open to an alternative I’ve just never heard a one personally.

Edit: some words

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