After a catastrophic earthquake destroyed northwest Syria, assistance is slowly trickling in. It took a full week for the UN to strike a deal with the Syrian regime to open two additional crossings into the region. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield talks with host Marco Werman about the situation.
Millions of people could be cut off from assistance if the Bab al-Hawa crossing, along the border between Turkey and Syria, closes. Basma Alloush, policy and advocacy adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council, spoke with The World’s Marco Werman about what’s at stake.
Top of The World: Sec. Blinken announced plans to reopen a diplomatic office in Jerusalem that oversees outreach to the Palestinians. And, Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko is defending his decision to divert a passenger jet. Also, Syrians living in government-held areas are heading to the polls on Wednesday, for the second presidential election since the uprising-turned-war started in the country 10 years ago.
Top of The World: Myanmar marked its deadliest day since protests erupted following a military coup. As many as 50 people were killed on Sunday. And, the British government and police are facing public condemnation after what’s being viewed as heavy-handed treatment by police authorities breaking up a vigil for Sarah Everard. Also, it’s been 10 years since demonstrators took to the streets to protest against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government.
Germany begins the trial of two Syrian officials accused of crimes against humanity in the Syrian civil war. The US and Europe discuss huge economic rescue packages. Also, billionaries are asking for relief. And, drug cartels are among the many industries hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Plus, desperate parents on the US-Mexico border are sending their children to seek asylum alone, hoping it will give their kids the best chance for their future.