On Sept. 20, the UN Security Council convened during the kick-off of the United Nations’ high-level Week. Political representatives discussed the political future of Syria, drawing the world’s eyes once again to this persistent crisis. Yet, the meeting underscored more than just concern for Syria’s wellbeing.

On Nov. 12, the United States carried out two airstrikes in Syria, targeting a training facility near the city of Albu Kamal and a safe house near the city of Mayadeen. The US military said that the strikes were in retaliation for a series of over 50 rocket and drone attacks that left at least 56 US personnel with a “combination of traumatic brain injury and minor injuries.”