(CNN) Aleppo is a microcosm of the Syrian conflict. It is also a microcosm of the failures of American policy in this war-torn country. In the midst of this mess, Washington is a bystander -- even a contributor -- to the worsening situation. JUST WATCHED 'This is Hell': Clarissa Ward addresses U.N. on Syria Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH 'This is Hell': Clarissa Ward addresses U.N. on Syria 09:11The humanitarian crisis in Aleppo continues to make headlines as regime and Russian airstrikes often target the city's infrastructure and provision of basic services. Each time, the lives of an estimated 300,000 civilians get worse in what CNN correspondent Clarissa Ward described as an "apocalyptic wasteland."

Source: CNN August 16, 2016 12:00 UTC