Perspective; White Caps … Heroes … In Syria 250 Massacred … Bloodshed …

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Syria as children are the main victims as bombs mercilessly continue to rain down on Gouta, near Damascus Syria.  An estimated 400, 000 are at the mercy of a Russian/Syrian joint assisted air forces.

Ghouta

Um, a frightened victim expressed her fears as some 50 plus children are either killed or severely injured from the indiscriminate shelling from the joint forces.

This is the last stronghold of rebels fighting the Assad regime or what is left of same.

Ground Offensive

Reports are there is a ground assault planned as the forces are determined to break this final stronghold of the rebels.  It is the children not the rebels who are dying.

International Community

With appalling images being beamed across the world on TV, showing mayhem, death and unthinkably dire conditions of destruction,  if not hopelessness …. the question is: How can the
International Community continue to be a mere spectator?
Where is Canada, US, France and Germany.

Allied Forces

We mobilized our allied forces when it suited us and defeated the enemy in the past.  Why sit by and do nothing now?  Is there something not being told?  Let us reach out and help these desperate Syrians. The world will call us blessed.

Geneva Convention

Is the Geneva Convention still applicable in war zones?  Where is the UN in all this?  The suffering is unprecedented. If these images of death and destruction do not stir some action then we are all sliding to the pit of moral condemnation.

No Dignity

Bodies are wrapped in makeshift death cloths stacked on the floor open to the elements. Absolutely no dignity for the dead. What a shame!

Commentary

Moved To Tears

As a seasoned media practitioner with decades of experience in war zones etc. death is a common sight for me but the images tonight, Tuesday, February 20, moved me to tears.  What I saw was unthinkable.

God bless the White Caps … real angels of mercy.  How they do it is a marvel.  You will recall in Vision that we highlighted the role of the White Caps before.

Trudeau

We are calling on Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to show real class and leadership by summoning the world community to act.  The great Canadian people have been taking in refugees and continue to do so.  You must be commended.  To whom much is given, much is expected … your humanity is legendary.  Your population could absorb more coupled with your low birth rate and vast under utilized land mass.  Take them and build your economy. The pay back will come. These are talented people.

Syrians have survived even chemical attacks. Enough is enough. Do you not think so?

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.