Although the successes of Astana can not be ignored, says Walid al-Bunni, real solutions should not be expected until ISIS and Nusra are kicked from Syrian soil
The embattled city risks a split in its social fabric as fighting between the regime and ISIS separates residents along political lines, Enab Balad writes
Hundreds take to the streets to oppose rumored deal which would hand control of the capital’s southern suburbs to Iran, Zaman al-Wasl reports
Accusations the leaders met come amid rumors of a forthcoming Turkish military operation in the rebel-held Syrian north
Coalition president warns of attempts by foreign powers to establish ‘artificial opposition’ to represent Syria in negotiations
The NDF paramilitary group is witnessing internal strife after thousands of its members urged to be reassigned due to salary issues, Alsouria Net writes
Russian foreign minister says operations by the U.S. and other anti-ISIS coalition partners without Assad’s consent is violation of Syrian territory, official media reports
Writing in Al-Hayat, Wael Sawah asks how we can accept a victor in Syria if so many active parties have failed to achieve their most important interests
Raid followed reports of a joint Russian-Syrian air defense system which aims to control western air space, opposition website reports
Writing for Al-Modon, Sataa Nour El-Din asks which army will assume the narrative of victory following the defeat of ISIS
Amman-based command calls on FSA-linked groups to abandon fight citing inevitable defeat, according to Zaman al-Wasl
As the international consensus leans increasingly toward Assad staying, will Syria’s main opposition eventually get in line with its backers, Souriatna asks
Sada al-Sham describes the utter powerlessness of Raqqa’s locals as belligerents from all sides employ heavy force in contest for the ISIS-held city
Syrian president says military victories by the Syrian army have resulted in a drop in state backing for terrorism, official media reports
Recent de-escalation agreements have not protected many civilians from the brunt of battle as fighting persists in several areas of the country, Sada al-Sham writes
Writing for the Saudi-owned outlet, Hamidi says the Russian-led cease-fire plan will fail if not followed by political efforts aimed at unity instead of division
Writing for Saudi-owned Al-Hayat, opposition figure Louay Hussein calls for a Syrian model based on the rights of the individual and not the will of the conqueror
Tehran shows eagerness to invest in Syria’s reconstruction amid signs the six-year war might be winding down
Dozens of opposition groups announce willingness to participate in the battle for the Islamic State’s eastern stronghold, rebel media office reports
U.K.’s Independent and Daily Mail among newspapers to report on comments by analyst claiming rocket factory mirrors sites inside Iran, Zaman al-Wasl reports
