I am interested in the Syrian Refugees and the course of action taken by world leaders because it effects the safety of innocent people across the globe, including the Syrians themselves. The current crisis tests the responsibility of world leaders to help those in need. The desire to help ones fellow man balances against the fear of welcoming in future terrorists into the host's back yard. I have no personal experience with Syrian refugees, or any Syrians for that matter. I have received training and personal experience dealing with the terrorist organizations of the Middle East (Al-Queda, Taliban and ISIS). This experience has brought me to the conclusion that not only will innocent Syrians who resist ISISs ideals be slaughtered in a barbaric manner but also that ISIS will proceed to expand their borders and wreak havoc beyond them. As an American who enjoys safety and freedom from such threats it is my responsibility to educate myself of world events and form a justified argument regarding America welcoming the "tired, the hungry and the poor" or to reject a potential hidden threat. 

"Why is it so hard for Syrian refugees to get into the US?"

The focus of the article is the al-Haj Ali's family experience with the American processing of refugees and the American Policy on accepting individuals as a refugee immigrant. Al-Haj Ali's family experience emotionally appeals to the reader, setting the tone that these refugees are real people and this is not an issue taking place in a far off land to people that do not exist. Upon establishing this connection, the Author describes the long and arduous process of navigating the United States refugee application.

The article examines the case of the al-Haj Ali family experience with the American processing of Syrian Refugees and the amount of aid offered by the American and European governments. Syria's neighboring countries provide asylum to hundreds of thousands of people seeking sanctuary while European countries accept tens of thousands yet the United States allows only approximately one thousand-six hundred Syrians. In the wake of the Syrian Civil War ISIS carries out attacks on European nations and inspires attacks on U.S. soil. In reaction to this host nations closed their borders to refugees in an attempt to calm fears of attacks from Syrians. Contrary to this reaction, no Syrian Refugee involvement in terrorist attacks has been reported.

Eliza Griswold produces an impressive resume featuring numerous awards from a variety of sources in the media world in addition to authoring many articles in reputable news sources such as The New York Times Magazine. She is a Princeton Graduate. This history supports the claim that she is a reliable, educated and talented source. Ms. Griswold competently cites reliable sources for her article and uses first-hand knowledge of the refugee process that she obtained while investigating on behalf of the al Haj Ali family. The sources Ms. Griswold uses are from well-known and highly respected publications. Ms. Griswold's resume provides a degree of Ethos to her own work.

"Should US refugee admissions policies be toughened?"

Congressman Collins writes in the Congressional Digest that America holds a responsibility as a world power to not only help the people of the world but also to ensure the safety of its own people in the process. The entirety of this issue of Congressional Digest focuses on the passing of a bill placing a temporary hold on the acceptance of Syrian refugees until a system further ensures all applicants receive proper screening. The article periodically inserts opposing views from fellow congressional representatives stating the United States fails to offer adequate aid to people trapped in the Syrian conflict. The hold may result in the deaths of people fleeing the conflict that could otherwise be saved.

The article argues for both pressing to further aid in the relocation of Syrian refugees and simultaneously ensure the security of the American homestead. The author of the primary article is Congressman Doug Collins, a republican representative of Georgia. Congressman Collins gives and impassioned argument in favor of a stricter screening process promoting the notion that America may stand as an example to the world  by offering aid to those in need yet protect its own citizens.

"Fear and loathing"

The counter to good intentions and sad stories of families separated by war is that welcoming foreigners from a vastly different culture contains a myriad of concern. "Fear and Loathing" describes Europe's entanglement with the refugee population several years into the crisis and the burdened welfare systems now feeling more stress than ever. While many still feel compelled to offer sanctuary and ensure these new fellow citizens receive care, others opinions of the migrants sours by the day. Coming from a culture that heavily restricts drugs and alcohol new migrants over-indulge and conduct themselves in a manner unbefitting guests in a host country. Reports of isolated incidences of drug and alcohol abuse, cultural clashes and sexual assault spread across European news networks. Europeans wish to help those in need, yet the newcomers are unaware of the cultural divide. With hundreds of thousands of refugees spread across Europe this black-eye turns many formerly benevolent hosts against the new guests altogether in anticipation of further crimes.

The Author, Simon Shuster, is an experienced journalist for TIME magazine. He is experienced in matters of political and military strife overseas during the recent conflict between the Russian and Ukrainian governments as well as other notable political events. It is reasonable to describe Mr. Shuster as a credible source as he has performed a great deal of primary research himself.

This is an arguable topic with valid points both for and against the notion of accepting Syrian refugees as a host nation. The vast majority of politicians and people agree that the right thing to do is to assist Syrian refugees in some way, whether it is providing temporary security or permanently accepting them into a host nation. The disagreement arises in how to help the individuals at risk. Some see these people fleeing their homeland as a potential terrorism risk while others claim that all persons receive processing guaranteeing they pose no risk. Women, children and men beyond military age are entitled to refugee status, excluding those with a history involving known terrorist organizations. I exclude able bodied men of military age (18-40) as it is a responsibility of any citizen capable to resist against tyranny for the sake of their homeland.  I started out with "how can the Syrian Refugees be helped?" and come to the conclusion of what are the benefits and drawbacks to helping individuals in these circumstances.

