Headlines:

• Ceasefire in Syria
• War comes to Turkey
• Can’t rule out more ‘surgical strikes’ against Pakistan: Indian Army Chief

Ceasefire in Syria

The UN Security Council approved a resolution this week made by the efforts of both Russia and Turkey to end the six-year conflict in Syria. It called for “rapid, safe and unhindered” access to deliver humanitarian aid throughout the country, where millions are in dire need. The Council has been trying for more than five years to end the fighting and let in aid convoys albeit with weak statements and poor pressure. Despite the vows for peace from all sides, Syrian government warplanes restarted their bombardment of a rebel valley near Damascus on just the third day of what many are calling a ‘fragile ceasefire’. Barrel bombs have also been reported to have hit villages in the rebel enclave of Wadi Barada while heavy fighting on the ground began once again. In fact, the truce deal has been repeatedly violated since it began, with warring sides trading the blame. The latest truce agreement is the first not to involve the United States or the United Nations, despite both parties having a great influence on the deal itself. It is clear that Bashar has no intention to stop his offence against the Syrian people, with all his actions indicating continued punishment for those who revolted against him.

War comes to Turkey

Turkey suffered one of its worst attacks in recent history as a lone shooter attacked a nightclub in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, on 1 January. The attack occurred at the Reina nightclub in Ortaköy, where hundreds of people were celebrating the New Year. At least 39 people were killed and at least 70 were injured in the incident. Since the uprising in Syria Turkey has been executing the US plan in infiltrating the opposition and arming others in order to gain control over them. The Turkish entry similar to Pakistan’s entry into the northern areas of the country has led to attacks in the mainland. Never have such frequency of attacks taken despite the history of the countries struggle with its Kurdish citizens. Like Pakistan, those who support the US end up blowing back in their own country.

Can’t rule out more ‘surgical strikes’ against Pakistan: Indian Army Chief

Days after being named the new Indian Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat has stated on record that “surgical strikes” against Pakistan were meant to deliver a message. “The so-called surgical strikes were more of messaging. It was a messaging that was needed to be communicated,” Gen Rawat told NDTV in an exclusive interview. He also went on to say that the possibility of similar action in the future could not be ruled out.