“Evacuation of east Aleppo under way during ceasefire” Al Jazeera News, 15/12/16

Article Link: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/east-aleppo-civilians-trapped-uncertain-ceasefire-161215034620364.html

Our Summary: This report claims 950 civilians have been evacuated from Eastern Aleppo. The evacuation is taking place through ambulances and buses under a “fragile exit deal” brokered by Russia. A slow speed convoy moved from East Aleppo to West Aleppo crossing government controlled areas. However reports from Syrian Civil Defense claimed Assad-loyal militias opened fire on the convoy killing one and injuring 4.

The WHO reports “total of 21 buses and 19 ambulanes had left east Aleppo” on the way to rural parts of Western Aleppo. The ceasefire started on Thursday and is expected to last three days in a an aim to evacuate as many “civilians and fighters” as possible despite the firing on the convoy vehicles. Fighting ceased Thursday morning with civilians reaching the departure points for the buses. Civilians have been given the choice of staying or leaving, with most choosing to leave fearing massacres by government forces.

The report continues by citing that according to the ceasefire agreement rebels would be transferred to Idlib City. Turkey said to meet Iran and Russia on 27th December in Moscow. Turkey has said those leaving East Aleppo will be taken to Idlib province a Rebel Alliance stronghold. A UN commission inquiry received reports that some rebels were stopping civilians leaving the city “using them as human shields”. Aleppo has been split between Rebel held East and government held West since 2012. A Syrian analyst at Doha institute believes the Syrian government will now focus its efforts on Damascus since the capture of Aleppo. Since the start of the war, Aleppo has seen heavy fighting which has seen much of the city destroyed, with the need for “rehabilitation of whole systems of infrastructure”.

Our Verdict: The report breathes a sigh of relief after the latest atrocity committed in the Syrian war. The ceasefire brokered by Russia has meant civilians and those injured have potentially three days to evacuate the city. However the opening of fire on the buses used for evacuation of civilians shows the fragility of the ceasefire. The interesting point is that remaining rebel fighters will be transferred to Idlib (65km from Aleppo) according to the ceasefire agreement. This we believe is a move to protect Assad forces from reprisal attacks from rebels but also to contain the rebels in one area, maybe for a future campaign. The rebuilding of the city and the country, its infrastructure and economy will attract those that are stakeholders in this war.

Key Word: Stakeholder

 

December 15, 2016 by newsreviewcentral

“Turkey says Kurdish militants may be behind soccer bombing that killed 38” Reuters, 11/12/16

Report Link: http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-turkey-blast-idUKKBN140070

Our Summary: The report focuses on the latest terrorist attack in Turkey where 38 have been killed and 155 wounded by militants outside Besiktas soccer stadium in Istanbul, as militants targeted the police. Of the 38 killed 7 were civilians and 1 remains unidentified. There were two explosions, one of a car bomb and the other in a nearby car park. The Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) have been implicated by the deputy PM, in relation to the attack 10 people have been detained. The Deputy PM is quoted to say “The arrows point at the PKK,”.

Following on the report mentions the not so favourable relationship between Turkey and its allies especially the US regarding its Syria policy. The disagreement surrounds the US support for YPG, fighting ISIS(Daesh) in Syria. Turkey alleging YPG to be an extension to PKK. In Turkey, Sunday has been announced a day of national mourning. President Tayyip Erdogan cancelled his trip Kazakhstan and described the attacks as an aim “to cause maximum damage”. In a defiant statement he vows to overcome terrorist groups and the “forces behind them”. Continuing on the report importantly mentions how recently as last week ISIS has called to target Turkey for its attacks.

The NATO Secretary-General describes attacks as “horrific acts of terror”, European leaders and the US sent messages of solidarity with the Turkish nation. The attacks come after the failed military coup in which 240 were killed and the attack in June on Atarturk airport.

Our Verdict: Turkey continues to suffer from terrorism on its shores. The latest attack is part of a series of attacks to shock the Turkish nation this year. The pattern continues where the Turkish government vows to fight terrorism. Its struggle against PKK and “external forces” continues to trouble the defiant Turkish government. Finger-pointing towards PKK is unsurprising and maybe politically favourable to the Turkish government, however we think the ISIS threat after the recent call to target Turkey has significance. Its uncomplimentary relationship with US due to its support of YPG in Syria and also the support for Fethullah Gulen shows externally Turkey has withering support in the world. Also the souring of Turkey’s relationship with EU doesn’t help its fight against terrorism. It will be interesting to see how the Turkish government deals with this latest atrocity.

Key Word: Defiance

December 11, 2016 by newsreviewcentral