[FoxNews] The Obama administration is finding itself back on the defensive over its Syria policy as Aleppo falls to Bashar Assad's government and civilians are evacuated, an operation preceded by desperate pleas from the city's battered residents and reports of atrocities against them.Ambulances reportedly were carrying out the first groups of wounded and other residents on Thursday, under a cease-fire deal that would seal a rebel pullout from what had been their stronghold in the eastern part of the city.
Outgoing Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters Thursday he was "encouraged" by the cease-fire arrangements as well as the start of convoys moving out of the city.
But he also cited a report that a convoy of injured people were fired upon, and reports that Syrian men are being detained or conscripted at checkpoints. He condemned "inexcusable attacks" on civilians and humanitarian personnel, calling for an "immediate and verifiable, durable cessation of hostilities."
"We’re going to continue to do our part" to push all parties toward "resolution," Kerry said.
At the same time, Kerry noted that if Aleppo falls completely, it will be harder to bring the parties around and will not end the war.
He put the onus on Damascus and its allies in Moscow to pursue peace. Within minutes, State Department spokesman John Kirby took the podium and was peppered with tough questions about how the administration sees any political transition or deal playing out at this stage.
Asked whether the U.S. is prepared to take action beyond talks, Kirby said it was determined that military options will not "get us to the end we seek," while insisting the U.S. is "leading" and acting on behalf of the Syrian people. He conceded diplomacy has fallen short so far.
Soon to be Exxon US Secretary of State sez situation is "fluid". Apparently oil people use the word "fluid" a lot.