The buffer zone in southern Syria agreed upon between Russia and the United States is creating division among opposition ranks, Enab Baladi reports
SANA quotes Russian foreign minister as saying that the latest discussions between the different opposition ‘platforms’ have represented a qualitative shift
The Syrian government is making significant economic concessions to Russia, which will have long-term damaging effects on the Syrian economy, Enab Baladi writes
Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan voice concerns over Russia’s attempts to involve its allies in the de-escalation zones, Alsouria Net writes
Russian deputy FM says American claims of new chemical attacks planned by Assad government are unsupported and hinder the peace process
Russia’s top diplomat meets with head of Cairo-backed opposition group in Moscow to discuss ceasefire and upcoming negotiations in Geneva and Astana
Russia acknowledges failure of pro-Assad forces to advance on the ground resulting in the regime’s announcement of a two-day truce in the besieged southern city, Souriatna reports
Moscow ends communications channel with Washington designed to prevent accidents over Syrian airspace after the downing of Syrian plane by U.S.-led coalition
Russian president says talks were held with Syrian counterpart prior to commencing combat operations in Syria, state media reports
Amman closed the crossing in 2015 amid intensified clashes on the southern border between Syrian regime and opposition forces
French President Macron must convince Moscow of the benefits of a political solution if Paris hopes to have any luck in settling the Syrian crisis, Michel Abu Najm writes for Saudi-owned newspaper
Prime minister of the breakaway republic weighs in on the Syrian political process on the sidelines of the International Media Forum in Yalta
Hezbollah-run media warns of an end to ‘self-restraint’ after U.S. forces targeted Iranian-backed militias, while questions remain as to whether Russia approved the statement
Washington aims to limit Tehran’s political weight and break the line of Iranian influence by engaging in deal-making with Russia, Ibrahim Hamidi writes for Saudi-owned newspaper
Russian experts claim Moscow must decide whether to cut and run or double down, as attack may be another indication of a shift in American policy toward Syria
Talks between Russia’s deputy foreign minister and Syrian envoy highlight importance of safe zone plan and reconstruction phase to alleviate suffering of civilians
As the U.N.’s third envoy to the crisis, de Mistura’s efforts have largely focused on accommodating the Assad regime and Russia at the expense of the Syrian opposition, Walid al-Kuwatly writes
Assad regime bombards Kafr Laha with vacuum bombs, killing a woman and injuring others, opposition website reports
Damascus mobilizes forces to desert region in attempt to prevent U.S.-backed rebels from making further gains in the area, opposition outlet reports
We should be wary of placing too much hope on the outcome of the most recent Astana talks, as the three previous rounds in the Kazakh capital produced little results, Walid al-Bunni writes
