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Politics

War in Syria: shame on the world?

October 5, 2016

Apocalyptic images from Aleppo—massive bombing in residential neighborhoods, thousands trapped in the besieged city. Russia is continuing to support the Syrian regime despite accusations they are committing war crimes. UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has called the bombing barbaric.

https://p.dw.com/p/2QkEn

Ban told the Security Council: ‘the Syrian tragedy shames us all.” The US Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power said the bombing must stop, and UNICEF is warning that thousands of children are in danger in eastern Aleppo.  The violence has reached a new and sickening level of horror.  

Why is the international community failing to stop the carnage? 

Our Guests: 

DW Quadriga - Gast Darrah, Usahma Felix
Image: DW

Usahma Felix Darrah is a German-Syrian activist based in Berlin. He is an expert in Syrian politics, Islamic studies and wrote his thesis about the Assad-Clan. He says: “What is happening in Syria is an abomination. It will continue as long as Barack Obama refuses to exercise strategic leadership.”

Helberg Kristin Quadriga Porträt
Image: DW

Kristin Helberg is a freelance journalist, and an expert on Syria. She says:  "Without a proper military balance, there will be no negotiated settlement. The West must protect Syrian civilians, and provide them with supplies. Ideally, they should enlist Russia in support for this effort -- but if they can't, so be it."

DW Quadriga - Gast Melhem, Maissun
Image: DW

Maissun Melhem is a syrian born colleague from Deutsche Welle, She says: 
“The real disgrace is not Aleppo -- but the fact that for years, the international community has ignored the suffering of ALL the Syrian people."