Syria crisis grows

Your article on rising tensions in Turkey over the influx of 
Syrian refugees (4 September) shows how the government has failed to anticipate the 
magnitude of the crisis unfolding along Syria’s borders.

Overcrowding, pressure on services, and lack of funding makes a difficult situation worse due to a lack of vision from the international community.

In June, the government believed Turkish camp conditions were “among the best ever seen”. Maybe that was accurate then, but the escalation of conflict has led to a humanitarian disaster that is overwhelming capacity.

This crisis will clearly continue for some time; speculation that Bashar al-Assad’s end is nigh is far off the mark.

And when Assad falls, fear of retribution towards Alawites and Christians will lead to a greater exodus into Turkey. One cannot assume any period of 
stability will follow Assad’s fall and many refugees will not feel able to return home.

The port of Latakia is in 
Alawite heartland, only 150 miles from UK military bases in Cyprus. Attacks there may leave the UK caring for thousands of boat people as America did after the fall of Saigon.

The UK is squandering an 
opportunity to make a positive contribution in Syria.

We should increase funding for Syrian refugees in camps rather than plan military intervention.

Sanitation, vaccination and promoting management of camp life through democratic groups will do more good 
for Syrian society than military action will.

Jon Stanley

Clearburn Crescent

Edinburgh