bbc.com
Landmines Threaten Syrian Civilians' Lives Upon Return
Iyad's father was killed by a landmine in November 2024 near Saraqib, Syria, highlighting the danger of unexploded ordnance and landmines affecting returning farmers; at least 144 people have died since early December due to these hazards.
- What is the immediate impact of the widespread presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance in formerly war-torn areas of Syria?
- In November 2024, following the return of opposition forces, Iyad's father was killed by a landmine while returning from their olive farm near Saraqib, Syria. The family's 100,000-square-meter farm, filled with 50-year-old olive trees, is now a minefield. At least 144 people, including 27 children, have died from landmines and unexploded ordnance since early December.
- How do the actions of the Assad regime, specifically the planting of landmines, contribute to the current humanitarian crisis in Syria?
- The incident highlights the severe danger posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmines in Syria, particularly in former battle zones. Many returning farmers are victims; the Assad regime planted hundreds of thousands of landmines in agricultural areas, primarily as defensive measures. The lack of coordination between organizations involved in mine clearance exacerbates the risk.
- What long-term consequences, beyond immediate casualties, will the widespread mine contamination have on Syria's economic recovery and social stability?
- The ongoing threat of landmines and UXO hinders Syria's recovery and reconstruction efforts. The economic consequences are significant, as farmland is unusable, impacting livelihoods and food security. A comprehensive survey of mine contamination is urgently needed, and international cooperation is crucial for effective mine clearance and public awareness campaigns to mitigate the ongoing risks.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative strongly emphasizes the suffering of civilians, particularly those who have lost loved ones or livelihoods due to landmines. The descriptions of the victims and their families are emotionally charged. The headline itself, "Dangerous Return: Mines Threaten Lives of Citizens in Syria," immediately sets a tone of urgency and danger, potentially shaping reader interpretation towards sympathy for the victims. This focus, while impactful, might inadvertently downplay other aspects of the post-conflict situation in Syria.
Language Bias
The language used is emotive and descriptive, aiming to evoke sympathy for the victims. Phrases like "Dangerous Return," "lives threatened," and descriptions of Iyad's grief contribute to this tone. While impactful for storytelling, these choices might compromise strict neutrality. More neutral alternatives could include focusing on statistical data and avoiding emotionally charged language when possible.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the impact of landmines on civilians returning to their homes, particularly farmers. While it mentions the overall conflict and the regime's actions, it lacks detailed analysis of the political context surrounding the landmine placement and the motivations behind it. There is limited information on international efforts beyond the mention of HALO Trust. The perspective of the Syrian government is entirely absent. The article also omits discussion about the overall number of landmines in Syria and the resources needed for complete clearance. While the article acknowledges space limitations, these omissions could hinder a complete understanding of the issue.
Gender Bias
The article features male victims prominently, such as Iyad's father and the farmer Mohammad. While it includes Iyad's story, which might provide a more balanced representation, the overall focus on male victims might indirectly reinforce gender stereotypes. More data on female casualties would offer a more complete picture.
Sustainable Development Goals
The presence of landmines prevents farmers from accessing and cultivating their land, leading to significant economic hardship and impacting their livelihoods. The loss of farmland and inability to cultivate crops directly affects the income and food security of families, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.