A ceasefire that was brokered by Russia and the United States appears to be holding for the most part in Syria and aid agencies are hoping to move relief supplies in to Aleppo.
“In parts of the west of the city, life is semi-normal…” says Bessma Momani, professor at the University of Waterloo and fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. “In other parts of eastern Aleppo where the siege is happening and there is constant bombardment from the Russians and the government life is far from normal. It’s a war zone and that’s where much of the horrific images come from.”
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Relief only for some
Assaults intensified after the ceasefire was announced and before it took effect on Monday. In the interim about 100 people were killed by barrel bombs, says Momani. Now, thinks seem quiet except for some small skirmishes.
It looks like relief agencies will focus on bringing supplies into Aleppo, she says, noting that there other areas with urgent need. “Some of these other towns like Madaya are under enormous strain and there is a starvation tactic in place right now. And they are not benefitting from humanitarian relief at all.”
Hopes for a peace treat ‘too ambitious’
Last time there was a ceasefire it lasted three weeks and Momani says if this one goes on that long it will be welcome news. “But to think that this is going to lead to a peace treaty I think is too ambitious.”
She notes that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is emboldened and determined to retake lost territory in Aleppo and regain control of this largest and most populous city. She is not optimistic about the future for the Syrian people.
Future for Syrians ‘looks bleak’
“I think it looks bleak, particularly in the next two to three years until, I think, this conflict fizzles out. It does, unfortunately mean a return to the Assad regime. It’s unfortunate but I don’t think that the opposition—neither those negotiating at the high national council or the armed opposition—have the kind of power and support and capability to really retake and claim a new and different state. The best hope they can have is to have some sort of regime turnover and a truth and reconciliation process that could lead to some kind of normalcy for the Syrian people.”
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