Tens of thousands of civilians in Syria were caught in the crossfire this week as the Russian-backed Syrian government battled rebels for final control of Aleppo. There were many reports of horrific human rights abuses. Pope Francis personally appealed to Syrian President Assad to ensure that international humanitarian law is observed and civilians are protected. In an unusual move, the Vatican released the letter publicly. At the United Nations Security Council, US Ambassador Samantha Power sharply condemned Syria, Russia and Iran for not doing more to stop the killing:

Ambassador Samantha Power (US Ambassador to UN): “Is there no act of barbarism against civilians, no execution of a child that gets under your skin, that just creeps you out a little bit? Is there nothing you will not lie about or justify?”