IN 2006, Aleppo was recognized as the “Islamic Capital of Culture” due to its rich medieval architecture and traditional heritage, that dates back to the third millennium BC. In the 20th century, Aleppo was the third-largest city in the Ottoman Empire, after Constantinople and Cairo. It was Syria’s largest city and commercial capital with a population of more than 2 million.
On the first year of the Arab Spring that saw People Power impact on several nations including Syria, Aleppo was said to have remained calm and unaffected.
It is recorded that the Battle of Aleppo began on July 19, 2012, as part of the Syrian civil war where those opposed to President Bashar al-Assad fought for his removal. But the conflict has become complex with the rebels divided into different factions and even foreign fighters affiliated with Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) joining the fray.
While the involvement of Russia siding with al-Assad has been clearly defined, the participation of the United States and its allies is muffled. US President Barack Obama, who openly opposes al-Assad, threatened to intervene should the government forces use chemical weapons.
After spending $500 million to train Syrian rebels, the US scrapped the program after knowing that only 60 fighters had been trained. The US and its allies have failed to identify a popular leader or a viable group that could govern Syria should al-Assad be deposed. There is a belief that the Battle of Aleppo is but a proxy war between Russia and the West.
It is estimated that more than 30,000 people have been killed in Aleppo during the four-year battle, with civilians suffering atrocities from the opposing factions. With the full might of pro-government forces supported by the Russians in unrelenting offensive on the rebels, it is said that the siege will likely end soon in favor of al-Assad.
The messages that have been coming out from Aleppo recently ask the questions: Where is humanity? Where is the world? Why is nobody helping us?
The United Nations has been inutile in the conflict, as Russia and China, both members of the powerful Security Council, have opposed peace intervention. The final segment of the conflict is usually bloody, and civilians who are trapped in between will become collateral damage. This is such a critical time, as inaction of nations, humanitarian organizations and peoples will result in more people dying.
There are many who have expressed concern over the Battle of Aleppo, especially on the civilian casualties, but not much has happened. We must make our voices louder, hoping that world leaders will hear our plea for the lives of the people of Aleppo.