Movement of People - Reasons for Migration

Europe Under Pressure ..

Everyday we read stories about either terrible outcomes for human migrants trying to enter Europe, or the consequences of the flood of new arrivals to the continent. There is a lot of emotion attached to our reactions - fear, frustration with our government policies, and of course uncertainty - this leads to a great deal of compassion for some, but for most, feelings of anger leading to intolerance.

I will not attempt to dissuade anyone from their perspective, because given what facts we take into account, and those we choose to ignore, both positions are valid. There is a great deal to be concerned about - retaining the culture of the land given the influx of people whose fundamental belief system is diametrically opposed to the core beliefs of the citizens of their new "home" - there is violence, sometimes perpetrated against women and children, and there is of course the financial burden placed upon the receiving nations.

Why Do They Come?

Food, Shelter, Safety

For thousands of years, human beings have been moving, sometimes across great distances, in order to find food, shelter, and safety. Food shortages due to weather or changes in animal populations, and also for safety, in response to threat, environmental or from their fellow human beings, have caused people to pack up their lives and relocate.

Trapped Within Tribal / Political Boundaries

Golos (and STEEM), being decentralized means of communication, the creation of which is diametrically opposed to any form of unwarranted control and censorship, should understand the consequences that people face when they come up against the political realities of the particular country they find themselves contained within. Prior to the rise of nations, the only barriers that human beings face when they felt the need to relocate, were perhaps the regions controlled by different tribal groups, but mostly it was difficult terrain and lack of food and water along the way, that would slow or stop their progress.

Today, people feel the need to move for more complex reasons - economic problems (lack of opportunity), social problems (belonging to a marginalized group), educational opportunities (lack of access to more advanced, or more "liberal" education), political problems (authoritarian or failing government), or family-related reasons (ie. reunification).

Push-Pull Factors

We know that the reason the current, and highly damaging migration is occurring, is due to the political, economic and military mistakes, or malicious success, of the most powerful governments on Earth, and caught in the wake are innocent people. Yes, amongst these innocents, are many who seek to do "The West" harm, or who will, through this experience, become radicalized. But, we can not forget that the women and children, who are simply victims - they were victims of the culture in the land that they left behind, and now they arrive in a place that can not welcome them.

Push: not enough jobs, few opportunities, natural disasters, inadequate conditions, political and social fear, poor medical conditions, pollution lack of housing ..

Pull: job opportunities, better living conditions, religious freedom, enjoyment, education, better medical condition, attractive climates, security, family links, stronger economy

What "We" Should Have Done to Prevent ..

If I were to describe my perspective on International Relations, it would be very much akin to the Non-Interference Policy popularized by the Star Trek franchise. That policy stated that any society "finding it's way forward", should be left to do so ... in my opinion, Iran is one such society, which had been making significant steps forward during a period when it was not the target of the USA and Israel. If however a state fails, or becomes static and abusive, then there is reason, humanitarian reasons to help bring about change .. first diplomatically, and if resisted .. and the abuses reach an unacceptable level, then force must be applied.

The answer to the question, what should have been done in Syria, can be given in one word .. "Aid". By opening communication and pushing governments to change their policies through positive incentive, and providing development assistance, expanded trade, and not isolating them, hurting them with sanctions, harassing them militarily and economically, conflict could have been avoided. After conflict erupts, then providing security for civilians on the ground, with an aggressive humanitarian response, and then changing conditions in the region, by force if necessary, to make it possible for people to return to their homes at some point in the future. This sacrifice would have helped avoid the existential threat that the current flood of migrants is causing now.

Of course, if George W Bush and his gang did not invade Iraq, with absolutely no adequate justification, then the current horror would not now be occurring.