shawncarrie

Does MadayaMom think that international NGOs are effective?

My name is Shawn Carrié, I’m an American journalist, my reporting focuses on Syria.

Several reports have come from Madaya claiming extremely high prices for essential goods such as rice and baby formula – some claiming to be as high at 100,000 lira for 1 kilo of rice.

The Syrian government, which at first had at first denied that anyone was really starving in Madaya, then switched to blaming the starvation on rebel fighters who were controlling the food supply and selling it at extortionate pricing.

As a local resident, can you confirm more details about these claims of exorbitant food prices? Do fighters control the sale of food and essential good? Are the people you buy food from in the market armed, or part of the fighting force? Are they people you recognize?

What do you think of the claims that rebels are stealing food aid and re-selling it at blackmail prices? Are food prices so high because of the strained supply chain, or because someone is taking advantage for profit? Is this truth or propaganda?

What verification can you provide that you are indeed a current and past resident of Madaya, while maintaining the necessary precaution for your safety?

Could you speak a little bit about the reasons why extra precaution is necessary? What kind of repercussions might you face if you revealed your identity?

Bild really doesn't have much more of a reputation.

It should matter, though – the caliber of the reporting should stand on its own.

This news report by RT (Russian state media) claims that it was rebels who hoarded humanitarian aid, quoting a woman who says "they are nothing but traders of people's blood.

https://youtu.be/btsASZ15hA0?t=46s

They quote her as using the same phrase you used: "traders of blood" — is that term usually meant for the people who sell food at exorbitant prices? Is it usually applied to one side, either the regime or the rebels? And is it strange for you to hear it being used to describe the rebel fighters who have held Madaya?