The Tragedy of Syria

The four-year-long civil war in Syria is one of the most devastating internal conflicts in recent history, with a litany of atrocities including indiscriminate bombings, summary executions, systematic torture, and the use of chemical weapons on civilians. Karen Koning AbuZayd has served on the International Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic since 2011. AbuZayd debriefs us on the commission’s latest report and discusses her experiences working for the United Nations on behalf of displaced people in other conflict zones, from Gaza to Sarajevo and Sudan. WBEZ producer Alexandra Salomon joins her for a conversation.

This program is generously underwritten by longstanding supporters Bill and Penny Obenshain and is presented in partnership with the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago.