MESOP : NEW UN CHIEF / OLD CRIMES
The strikes in Damascus over the weekend coincide with the new United Nations Humanitarian Chief’s first visit to Syria since he took up his post this past May. The new chief, Stephen O’Brien, told reporters that “attacks on civilians are unlawful, unacceptable, and need to stop” at the end of his three-day visit in Damascus on Monday. O’Brien additionally called up all actors in Syria stating, “I appeal to each and every party to this protracted conflict to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law.”