T7he
hittier
february
INiscetitiany
2013
Wilmington, DE
Vvii,nter weather pays a visit to the Middle and Upper School campus
Assad Fails to Provide Path to Syrian Peace With no signs of compromise, the international community is at a standstill in terms of how to act. While civilians are murdered by government forces, Russia On January 6, at the heavily secured opera house continues to use its veto power in the United Nations in Damascus, Syria, Bashar al-Assad stood before his Security Council to prevent international involvement. people for the first time since June. Flashing smiles and Humanitarian aid is in action, but lack of funds hinders shaking hands, Assad, the embattled Syrian president, efforts to help the displaced peoples. As a result of delivered a speech that highlighted his "reforms" for the hazardous transportation routes, the UN estimates that future, his refusal to negotiate with opposition forces , and aid will reach only 1.5 million of the 2.5 million people a call to Syrians to join the "martyrs" fighting against the in need of food and water. "terrorists" or rebel groups . American reactions to the conflict vary. Current The speech, delivered after two years of brutal efforts to withdraw from combat in the region conflict violence and in the midst of international pressure on with rising calls for military intervention. The Obama Assad to resign, was described as "out of touch," by the administration has repeatedly condemned Assad's intemationalpress.U.S.StateDepartmentspokeswoman, actions and has authorized humanitarian aid for the Victoria Nuland, reacted, saying the speech was Syrian people, but the U.S. government has yet to take "detached from reality. . . another attempt by the regime direct action. ``Clearly the Administration wants to avoid to cling to power." American boots on the ground. On the other hand, with Seemingly disregarding the crisis engulfing his the civil war escalating and AI Qaeda making significant country, Assad spoke with confidence, denouncing the interlude, there may not be any positive outcome without revolution: "A revolution is in the interest of people not direct intervention," says Upper School history teacher against the interests of people. Is this a revolution? Are JavierErgueta.ThepossibilityofAIQaedagainingpower those revolutionaries? They are a bunch of criminals." and territory through aiding rebels in Syria has been Although the UN has estimated 60,000 deaths since the contested. The potential for terrorism to expand as a result Febmary 2011 revolts , Assad did not offer much in terms of the conflict adds to the argument that international of apologies in his speech. intervention will be necessary. Assad's regime has implemented chemical weapons With no clear path to peace, members of the WFS in its attacks on civilians in rebel-controlled areas. The community continue to grieve for the Syrian population . use of chemical weapons is only one of the questionable The violence and suffering, in combination with an measures Assad's regime has taken to suppress the unapologetically stubborn president, does not offer much rebellion . Doctors Without Borders reported that the only hope for the future of Syria. ``I'm shocked," remarks functioning medical centers in contested regions such LowerSchoolteacherJimMaguire."Thewholesituation as Idlib, are secretly operated to avoid being targeted by is inhumane, but what can be done?" While the Syrian government continues to focus on govemmentbombings. According to the Doctors Without Borders' report on accusing western powers of "conspiring" against Syria, thestateofcurrentSyrianhealthservices,hospitalsareat UNICEF and the UN Children's Agency issued an appeal aparticularrisk.Asaresult,publichospitalsaredeserted. inearly-Januaryforfunds,describingthewinterflooding Temporary field hospitals are kept hidden and mobile, and mud-soaked conditions that plague refugee canlps changing location frequently, which makes medical care in Jordan. In such camps, refugee registration has risen difficult to track down for those in need. to nearly 20 ,000 people a week, according to AI Jazeera. Bashar al-Assad's speech made no mention of the For now, onlookers can only spread awareness of tactics he has used to cling to power. Instead, he spoke the severity of the conflict and continue to search for of pride, loyalty, and strength . "Those who come to Syria solutions. Despite the current level of suffering, the and leave it know that Syria accepts advice but doesn't international community must remain hopeful as the accept dictations and accepts help but doesn't accept civil war plays out. Remembering the Syrian civilians tyranny," said Assad, referring to demands from foreign in danger, educating others on the conflict, or donating leaders that he resign from his presidency. "The entire to the UN Refugee Agency are all ways to help, as our situation is abhorrent," says Greg Szumel ' 14 in response. politicalleaderscontinuetonegotiatepossibleoutcomes. Ellie MCGinnis '14
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