Editor’s note

President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry, previously known as people of peace, have succumbed to the Washington mindset that military action is “doing something” while nonviolent action is doing nothing. In the current drumbeat for bombs, there is a lot of childish talk about using violence to “teach a lesson” to the Syrian leader so other heads of state won’t think they can “get away with” what he did. Meanwhile, the administration emphasizes the anticipated action will be largely symbolic and inexpensive – a “surgical” strike with no “boots on the ground” and no “regime change.” It seems more intended to save face for Obama – who foolishly drew a red line on the world playground and dared bullies to cross it – than to help the Syrian people. For that the world would need to make a major commitment of shoes on the ground – diplomats, health care workers, intelligence specialists, schoolteachers and hundreds of others – armed not with guns but with compassion for the victims of conflict and the conviction that morality and justice still matter to the world. More violence will only make matters worse. If the U.S. wants to do something effective in Syria, do peace. –Fletcher Farrar, editor and publisher Cover photo by Trevor Miller