Globe Trot: Beware of some Aleppo ‘civilians’ and ‘aid’ groups

SYRIA: The country’s largest city is about to be fully retaken by government forces—my summary here. Overnight, a temporary cease-fire to allow civilians left in eastern Aleppo to escape bombardments collapsed, apparently blocked by Iran even as buses were waiting to take residents to safety.

Bana al-Abed, the 7-year-old who’s been tweeting from surrounded eastern Aleppo, is real, says a New York Times reporter. But a word about those farewell messages: Amid truly horrific civilian atrocities, many of those left in this sector stayed behind because they have ties to opposition and, in some cases, jihadist groups. The Times appears to be calling all of them “activists”—and to my novice ears and eyes some clearly are stranded Aleppo civilians, but others are heavily bearded and speak non-Syrian sounding Arabic.

One medical relief group says chemical weapons attacks, delivered via barrel bombs, took place in Aleppo and in Hama in the past week.

The last hospitals and clinics in eastern Aleppo were destroyed a month ago, and it’s reasonable to say there are no services—food, water, electricity, medical—for most residents. But a caution about supporting relief groups who say they are working in Aleppo or with Aleppo residents: MSF is one of the last groups forced to exit, and candidly admits the difficulty accessing those in need at this time. Other groups should also be forthcoming. Beware if they aren’t clear where they’re delivering help. If you are part of an aid group able to access Aleppo residents or Syrians generally, I would like to hear from you.

UNITED STATES: President-elect Donald Trump named Exxon Mobile CEO Rex Tillerson to be the next secretary of state—filling out a foreign policy team composed of unorthodox choices and ex-generals. Tillerson is likely to face serious opposition in the Senate, but former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called him “an excellent choice”:

“He will bring to the post remarkable and broad international experience; a deep understanding of the global economy; and a belief in America’s special role in the world.

“I know Rex as a successful businessman and a patriot. He will represent the interests and the values of the United States with resolve and commitment. And he will lead the exceptional men and women of the State Department with respect and dedication.”

Congress sent to President Obama for signing a revision of the landmark 1998 international religious freedom law that created a special State Department office and an independent commission to monitor religious liberty worldwide. Among other provisions, the law mandates religious freedom training for all foreign service officers.

ISRAEL: President-elect Trump appears serious about moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. If he does, he’s likely to have a battle on his hands, as the site would likely be in a contested area.

EGYPT: Sunday’s bombing at a church in Cairo was set off in the women’s section, and 23 of 25 killed were women. On Monday, authorities named the bomber and arrested three men and one woman in connection with the attack—but Christians say they were sidelined at funeral services and have ongoing questions about what happened to beefed-up church security.

INDONESIA’s only Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as “Ahok,” fought back tears during the opening day of his blasphemy trial and apologized for his alleged misuse of a verse from the Quran—saying he only meant to criticize his opponents, not to insult Islam.

AUSTRALIA: WORLD 2016 Daniel of the Year Lyle Shelton has worked with opponents and proponents of same sex marriage in one of the last holdouts in the West against legalized gay marriage.