Young residents from Atmah’s refugee camp walking through the main street. February 9th, 2013. Atmah, Idlib, Syria. Situated along the Turkish border Atmah’s refugee camp is considered the biggest refugee camp inside Syria’s territory with an estimated number of 14,000 refugees and growing by the day. Most of them from from Idlib and Hama province but also some residents come from Homs province. February 9, 2013.Daniel Leal-Olivas/i-Images / Polaris/Newscom. Find it on Newscom.com: polphotos136749
The startling violence in Syria is not new news, but something that continues to sicken the world as it watches. With all kinds of complications, helping the Syrian coalition that has risen to challenge the violent dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad has turned into a chess match. And unless you’ve been avoiding all news, you’ve heard about Asma al-Assad and the interesting role she plays (or refuses to play) in this conflict.
Our partners at Polaris have put together a stunning collection of images showing some of the refugees from the conflict living in the refugee camps away from the fighting. The pictures show families and children and are a haunting reminder of the toll any conflict can take on the people living in the midst of it.
Starting in 2011, citizens took to the streets to peacefully protest the torture of students who had put up anti-government graffiti. The violent response by the government was sickening, something that the United Nations condemned. As time went on, a coalition formed in November of 2012 in hopes of seeking Western military help. One of our partner’s photographers spent 18 Days with the Syrian Rebels.
However, Russia’s Vladimir Putin has blocked the United Nations from coming to the aid of the coalition for a number of reasons. One is that Syria has been a long time ally to Russia, but the bigger reason is one that has stopped even the U.S. from making many moves.
Recently the Obama administration has been making its own moves. Secretary of State John F. Kerry announced $60 million in aid and more food and medicine to be delivered to the rebels; however, they are still withholding weapons, bullet proof vests, and night vision goggles. This is what makes the situation a chess match– if the U.S. was to provide aid, then the new Syrian government after toppling the Assads would most likely become U.S. allies, something everyone would hope for. But on the other hand, the radical Islamist terrorists could use our own materials against the U.S. to harm the American people.
The United Nations estimates as of the end of February 2013 that 70,000 people made up mostly of citizens have been killed, two million have been displaced, and more than four million need assistance. With all of these numbers in mind, take a look through these pictures then follow us back to Newscom to find even more.
Syrian children warm themselves in front a tent in Atmah’s refugee camp. Idlib province, Syria. Situated along the Turkish border Atmah’s refugee camp is considered the biggest refugee camp inside Syria’s territory with an estimated number of 13,000 refugees and growing by the day. Is the biggest in an area with another two camps.,000 refugees and growing by the day. Is the biggest in an area with another two camps, Syria, February 4, 2013. Daniel Leal-Olivas/i-Images / Polaris/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: polphotos136719
Family members of Youssef family stands in front of an ancient Roman ruins in the city of Serjilla. Syrian families from Kafranbel moved to this Roman ruins escaping from the shelling from military bases in the outskirts of Maarat al-Numan that hit the town and leaving hundreds of casualties, Kafranbel, Idlib, Syria. February 11, 2013.Daniel Leal-Olivas/i-Images / Polaris/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: polphotos136741
Atmah’s refugee camp at night. February 8th, 2013. Atmah, Idlib, Syria. Situated along the Turkish border Atmah’s refugee camp is considered the biggest refugee camp inside Syria’s territory with an estimated number of 14,000 refugees and growing by the day. Most of them from from Idlib and Hama province but also some residents come from Homs province. February 8, 2013. Daniel Leal-Olivas/i-Images / Polaris/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: polphotos136680
Qah’s refugee camp with around 525 tents at sunset. Idlib province, Syria. Situated 7 km away from the Turkish border Qah refugee camp is one of the three refugee camps in the area -inside Syria’s territory- with an estimated number of 3,200 refugees and growing by the day. Build in August 2012 by the help of Libyan al-Yosser charity and with the provision of tents, blankets etc of the Syrian National Council, Syria, February 6, 2013. Daniel Leal-Olivas/i-Images / Polaris/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: polphotos136720
A young girl carries her sister in Qah’s refugee camp, February 6th, Idlib, Syria..Situated 7 km away from the Turkish border Qah refugee camp is one of the three refugee camps in the area -inside Syria’s territory- with an estimated number of 3,200 refugees and growing by the day. Build in August 2012 by the help of Libyan al-Yosser charity and with the provision of tents, blankets etc of the Syrian National Council, Syria, February 6, 2013. Daniel Leal-Olivas/i-Images / Polaris/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: polphotos136739
A Syrian couple with their son walks at sunset thought Atmah’s refugee camp. Idlib province, Syria. Situated along the Turkish border Atmah’s refugee camp is considered the biggest refugee camp inside Syria’s territory with an estimated number of 13,000 refugees and growing by the day. Is the biggest in an area with another two camps.,000 refugees and growing by the day. Is the biggest in an area with another two camps, Syria, February 4, 2013. Daniel Leal-Olivas/i-Images / Polaris/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: polphotos136747
Children gather in front of their tent looking at the photographer’s camera inside Atmah’s refugee camp Idlib province, Syria. Situated along the Turkish border Atmah’s refugee camp is considered the biggest refugee camp inside Syria’s territory with an estimated number of 13,000 refugees and growing by the day. Is the biggest in an area with another two camps.,000 refugees and growing by the day. Is the biggest in an area with another two camps, Syria, February 5, 2013. Daniel Leal-Olivas/i-Images / Polaris/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: polphotos136694
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Pictures of the Month: February 2013 on Newscom
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