Depressing statistics as conflict continues

The chief executive of the Red Cross has declared the destruction currently taking place in Syria is on a level not seen since the Second World War. It is an astonishing claim, and one that should give us all pause for thought.

It may not be taking place on our doorstep, but the brutal conflict is taking a terrible toll, with 500,000 estimated to have been killed.

Meanwhile, over seven million people – more than the entire population of Scotland – have, according to the UN, been forced from their homes.

The statistics are truly terrifying yet, six years after the conflict began, there is still no end in sight.

Proud and historic cities such as Homs have been reduced to rubble and, even if the situation does stabilise quickly, there is little prospect of a swift return for the many millions of displaced residents.

Yesterday David Miliband called for coherent global action, insisting it is time for the world to “put the humanity back into the conduct of the war and into the pursuit of peace” in Syria.

The conflict is the latest in a long line of bloody wars in the region and, despite it being so prolonged, the world still seems uncertain how best to react.

The US recently strengthened its presence and there is, in the west, widespread backing for the defeat of ISIS.

Quite how such a victory can be achieved remains elusive.