BBC: UN Tussles Over Syria Ceasefire

Russian-backed Syrian forces are pounding the rebel-held city of Ghouta with airstrikes that have left hundreds of people dead. About 400,000 people are reported to be trapped. The UN Security Council is considering a 30-day truce to allow aid and evacuations, but Russia called for changes in the draft proposal that will be voted on today. The Syrian government claims to be targeting terrorists. The ceasefire would not apply to the Islamic State or Nusra extremists, but Russia would like to extend that to rebel groups attacking the regime. France warns that the United Nations would lose all credibility if the ceasefire is not approved. “Western powers suspect that Moscow wants to give Syria time to deal a final blow to rebel forces in the rebel-held enclave on the edge of Damascus,” reports BBC News. The UN secretary-general has described the conditions as “hell on earth.” – YaleGlobal