Syria Deeply: Air Raids Over Aleppo, Bread Grows Scarce

12/23/13, 8:28 PM

Air Raids Over Aleppo, Bread Grows Scarce

Dear Deeply Readers, Theres continued concern over Islamist influence in Syria powerful groups that have proven uninterested in dealing with the West (this week the new and influential Islamic Front refused to meet with US Ambassador Robert Ford). Spooked by the jihadi trend, Western countries are now less insistent on ousting President Bashar al Assad, according to a new Reuters report. With Al Qaidas Syrian branch accused of torture and the more moderate Free Syrian Army struggling to unify its ranks (losing commanders along the way), the re-engage Assad impulse is gaining diplomatic sway. Thats not to say allegations of regime abuse have stopped. By Sunday a week of intense air strikes on Aleppo left hundreds of people dead, as government war planes dropped crudely-formed artillery on rebel-held parts of the city. Human Rights Watch condemned the action as unlawful, hitting residential areas and killing dozens of civilians. The raids are part of a broader push by President Bashar Al Assads army; for the past month his forces have escalated an offensive to retake control of Aleppo, Syrias largest city, which has been divided into regime and rebel territory since the summer of 2012. As ever larger chunks of the city are reduced to rubble, we profiled Aleppos rag pickers, making a living by scouring the citys ruins. Meanwhile the war takes its toll on the country at large. An independent research group estimates that 11,420 Syrian children have been killed since the Syrian uprising began in March 2011. Those who survive the fighting now face a bitter cold winter, with scant access to adequate food, heating, or basic electricity (see The Weather, A Measure of Life and Death). The BBC chronicled the everyday struggle to find bread, whose prices have risen more than 500 percent in some areas, according to the International Rescue Committee. Four out of five Syrians say their greatest worry is that food will run out. In many embattled cities and towns, shortage of fuel, flour and electricity means bakeries and bread can be almost impossible to find, said the BBCs Lyse Ducet.

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Syria Deeply: Air Raids Over Aleppo, Bread Grows Scarce

12/23/13, 8:28 PM

The International Rescue Committee says starvation is threatening Syrias population. The U.N. this week launched a record humanitarian appeal, asking for $6.5 billion in humanitarian aid, warning that substantially more of Syrias population will be in need of humanitarian aid than not. Two worthwhile features this week from around the web: The Washington Post published 18 refugee stories, while Foreign Policy Magazine looked at the Political Science of Syrias War. Highlights from Syria Deeply: The Weather, A Measure of Life and Death Syria Deeply Asks: Whats the Difference Between ISIS and the Islamic Front? Pharmacist Delivers Health, Creates Community in Turkey State of the Battle: Assad Forces Escalate Offensive In Aleppo Rocketed Rubble Becomes Treasure Trove for Aleppos Rag Pickers Seeking to Chart the Best Course for Peace in Syria Lebanese Fear Loss of Land to Syrian Refugees In Focus: For a Syrian Family, Illegal Border Crossing Proves Deadly

Headlines from the Week: Monday: Army Drops Barrel Bombs on Aleppo; U.N. Launches $6.5 Billion Aid Appeal; In Syria Bread Has Become a Weapon of War Tuesday: Peace Talks to Kick Off in Montreaux; Ongoing Air Raids on Aleppo; RebelHeld Area Excluded from Polio Vaccination Drive Wednesday: Regime Strikes Aleppo for Fourth Day; West Signals to Opposition Assad Might Stay; Russia Lorries to Transport Chemical Arms Thursday: Syria Extends Air Campaign Around Aleppo; U.N. Approves Resolution on "Gross Violations" in Syria; Abuse Rife in al-Qaeda Jails Friday: Russia Blocks U.N. Condemnation of Syria Attacks; Drive For Peace Talks Resumes in Geneva;11,420 Children Dead in Syria's War Were fielding your feedback on how to better serve you and cover the story. You can reach our team on email at info@syriadeeply.org. Sincerely, The News Deeply Team

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Syria Deeply: Air Raids Over Aleppo, Bread Grows Scarce

12/23/13, 8:28 PM

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