Syria's conflict only contains versions of the truth

In the last few days we have seen moral grandstanding from both the Americans and the Russians. 

But who is telling the truth?

The United States says it knows Russian warplanes were in the skies above the aid convoy when it was attacked.

It seems straightforward then that it was a Russian or a Syrian strike (the Syrian Airforce uses the same SU24s). 

"There only could have been two entities responsible, either the Syrian regime or the Russian government," stated US spokesman Ben Rhodes.

"In any event we, we hold the Russian government responsible."

So that is what happened, right?

Well, not quite, according to the Kremlin's narrative.

Russia has released drone footage claiming the convoy was being used to camouflage "terrorist" movements and that it was they - the "bad guys" - who perpetrated the atrocity.

There is then no smoking gun, only the circularity of claim and counter claim.

Then, of course, there is the US-led coalition attack on the Syrian airbase near Deir Ezzor. The US says it was a mistake. But Russia is suggesting otherwise.

Again we have claim and counter claim.

So how do you decide which version of events to believe? Does it simply come down to taking sides?

I have no doubt that most Americans will believe Barack Obama and most Russians will believe Vladimir Putin.

I do not know who is telling the truth but I have my suspicions, but then I am a product of a Western democracy.

The Russian narrative - an extension of the Syrian regime's - states that this is a war about defeating terrorism, but Russian forces are fighting alongside and giving support to Hezbollah.

The US narrative tells us that Assad is simply a murderous tyrant, yet he does have some popular support inside Syria. 

America has also helped channel weapons and money to rebel groups with some unsavoury connections to terror.

You can be forgiven for asking the question at this point 'Who then are the good guys?'

There is no simple answer and perhaps no answer at all. 

But this does tell us something about this conflict and all others. There is no truth. Only versions of it.

And in that dark place, it is the civilians who will continue to be killed, maimed and displaced with impunity.