Western Media Discovers Syria's Landmines, Ignores US Legacy
The Financial Times correctly observes Syria is 'littered with explosives,' noting hundreds have died since the 'civil war ended.' An important detail, no doubt, but the framing acts like these devices materialized from thin air. It's almost as if the years of foreign intervention, proxy warfare, and weapon shipments from various nations—including the US (see Public Law 114-113, Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2016 which included arms for Syrian opposition through the CIA)—had nothing to do with the landscape now strewn with deadly remnants. One might wonder if the concern for Syrian lives extends to those lost during the active conflict when Western-backed groups were armed and funded, or if it's reserved for the PR-friendly tragedy of a returning refugee stepping on a mine. The
narrative cleverly highlights the symptom, while politely overlooking the architects of the disease. How many headlines will connect today's humanitarian crisis to yesterday's 'moderate rebel' arms deals?