Religion. rights. refugethis past year has shaped our country like no other. From Pope Franciss historic visit to the United States. to the Supreme Courts new ruling on marriage equality. 2015 has marked. no doubt. a memorable year that has been etched in history. And yet. one of the most unfortunate E314 highlights of 2015 was the refugee crisis that has taken the world by storm. The worst humanitarian crisis of the year has roiled this country. causing doubt and confusion for leaders across the nation. The failure of the Presidents administration to stand behind its so called "red lines" that were imposed upon the Assad regime during the years of the Syrian Civil War quickly allowed the cruel Syrian dictator to gain comfort as he continued carrying out his brutal atrocities against innocent civilians. Our shortcomings undoubtedly contributed to the refugee crisis. Although our influence in the region did not lead to the instability of the nation. as the strongest and leading democratic nation of the world. we neededbut failedto take required actions and stand ground by the promising words that we first declared. thus unfortunately giving Bashar AlAssad a leeway. Eventually. conflicting messages faced our country.