In the article “Sri Lanka’s Troubling Turn”, the US contemplates whether or not to take action against the human rights violations that took place in their civil war with the Tamil Tigers. This sparked my attention because I am concerned about the country and where its allies may fall, if the US continues to investigate and persecute on these crimes. Human rights violations bring anyone into a sticky situation and no one wants to “brush it under the rug”. On the other hand if the US continues to press for answers it may cause Sri Lanka to continue going to China and Iran for support. This will not only loose an ally but also the port in Colombo. Though it is a small country, the US should be cautious as they move on with this investigation because this “small port” could potentially open up the doors for the Iranian navy and China to expand their power into India’s waters. In the article it suggests if “outreach to Sri Lanka blocks Iran’s destabilizing expansion and China’s desire to dominate the Indian Ocean along with the Western Pacific, then U.S. policymakers can kill three birds with one stone.” The US should proceed to handle the investigation carefully, gaining Sri Lanka’s trust back, which could potentially heal a small wound without creating a huge gash that could start a power bleed across South Asia.
