Sources report Moscow’s draft constitution curtails presidential powers and the role of the military in state affairs, and proposes a “regional assembly” as a means of decentralization
Security official says Russian air force has helped eliminate around 35 percent of ISIS and Nusra Front terrorists in Syria since September
Bakeries struggle to provide enough bread to displaced families in the coastal area as thousands flee regime and Russian air strikes in Jisr al-Shughour and Idleb
Russian coordination center reports militants from the Army of Islam group target military posts in Madaya and Eastern Ghouta with mortar shells
At least 27 residents killed and over 100 others injured in regime strikes on Homs countryside, reporters and opposition council confirm
55.3% of respondents in opposition-held areas support greater decentralization
Scores of fighters loyal to the Syrian president killed in continued offensive to take town of Khan al-Shih outside the capital
Questions remain as to why the key Lebanese Shiite group backed down from its accusations regarding the assassination of one of its top commanders in Syria
News of Russian foreign ministry official mocking Syrian president circulates through national media in most recent instance of Russian criticism of Assad regime
Defense ministry rejects reports by AP and the UN’s cultural agency that Russian forces are building a new base in the recaptured city of Palmyra
Rebel sources claim opposition fighters captured checkpoints from pro-Assad fighters in western Syria, killing and wounding scores
Armed factions, including Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham, attack majority Alawite village in north of Homs city in act of “vengeance” for regime and Russian bombing of Aleppo city
Rebel military sources claim Moscow is communicating directly with armed groups in Homs in an attempt to lure factions into entering dubious truces and sow suspicion among the opposition
Hard-line group lists a number of new infractions for citizens, including driving without a license, driving the wrong way and displaying writing on vehicles
According to international law, all parties to the conflict must distinguish between lawful and unlawful targets, but that distinction has been ignored and some recent attacks have been war crimes
Top opposition figure voices doubts that Washington and Moscow can successfully pressure the Assad regime to accept a lasting ceasefire
De Mistura says date for new round of talks will be declared following meeting between ISSG countries in Vienna next week
It would be naïve for Washington to imagine that the Arabs, including those in the GCC and their leaders, are unable to read and comprehend the changing realities
UN envoy sees joint US-Russian efforts to influence warring parties to abide by new ceasefire deal a hopeful sign, says spokesman
Following the failures of the international community to help resolve the Syrian crisis, the country’s cultural, political and social elite should start working toward securing successful conditions for a solution today, as quickly as possible, and with the least possible harm to Syria and its people
