This artist summed up the Syria crisis in 1 devastating illustration

Syrian refugee children amidst the conflict.

(Image credit: KHALIL MAZRAAWI/AFP/Getty Images)

published 18 August 2016

In two simple sketches, political cartoonist Khalid Albaih revealed just how dire the situation in Syria is for the country's children. Though children, along with their families, ostensibly have the choice between staying in Syria or leaving the war-torn region, Albaih's illustration suggests both options ultimately have the same result: grievous injury, if not death.

If children remain in Syria, they risk suffering the fate of Omran Daqneesh (left), a 5-year-old pulled from rubble after Russian airstrikes in Aleppo. If they leave for Europe, they risk drowning in the Mediterranean Sea, like 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi (right). Take a look at Albaih's powerful illustration, below. Becca Stanek

#Khartoon - #Choices for Syrian Children ... #Syria Omran Daqneesh 5 years old from #Eleppo #Syria was pulled from under the ruins after Russian air strikes, 3-year-old Syrian Aylan #Kurdi drawn in the #Mediterranean trying to get to #EuropeA photo posted by @Khalidalbaih (@khalidalbaih) on Aug 18, 2016 at 6:45am PDT