Ignoring Syria is not an option

Even if few options for action exist, the world cannot watch the Syrian state collapse

Syrian refugees walk among tents at Karkamis' refugee camp on January 16, 2014 near the town of Gaziantep in Turkey. Ozan Kose / AFP

Turkey is reportedly sealing the last of its border crossings with Syria. The news, which has yet to be confirmed by officials but was revealed by the international press, is a sober metaphor for the prevailing attitude towards the continuing Syrian civil war. Leaving the conflict to simmer in the background, as has been the case in recent months, will result in the slow disintegration of Syria as a cohesive state. Echoes of Lebanon’s bitter civil war come to mind.

What will emerge in Syria is a matter of speculation but none of the options – including an ISIL-state alongside an Alawite stronghold supported by Iran – are good for the region. Regardless of whether Turkey closes its Syrian border, however, the news places the spotlight back on the dire situation of those affected by the violence as opposed to those inflicting the violence, who have demonstrated their ability to freely move between Turkish and Syrian territory.

Given that the international community lacks a clear vision for an equitable solution in Syria, we must address the myriad concerns of refugees and those stuck in Syria without water or food because of the fighting. Almost 4 million Syrian refugees and nearly 7 million internally displaced people need help.

Countries are growing tired. Already, the United Nations is warning of donor fatigue. This sentiment is extraordinarily dangerous for those on the ground.

Closing the borders was not the only news to come out of Turkey this week. Turkish leaders praised the capture of Idlib by opposition fighters, including members of Al Qaeda-linked Al Nusra Front – a sign of how fluid alliances are in a fracturing Syria.

Whatever happens next will surely leave civilian suffering in its wake. While we don’t have a single clear solution to this extraordinary humanitarian crisis, we cannot turn our attention away and allow the conflict to burn itself out. That will be dangerous for Syrians, for the region and for the world as a whole.