Syria is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, and Aleppo was once a beautiful city. Many North Americans have little idea about the depth and breadth of culture there. The academic tradition is strong and even during the conflict, universities have continued to function. What has happened to Syria and to millions of displaced people is tragic. 

When The Handmaid's Tale first came out, many did liken it to the emerging phenom of in vitro and surrogacy. The first successful surrogacy was in '85. Like all comparisons, it works on some levels but not on others.