The Guardian: Syria Summit Opens in Tehran

The Syrian civil war – resulting in more 400,000 deaths and the displacement of millions since 2011 – may be winding down as Syrian forces plan to attack the last rebel stronghold. A large number of rebels, including extremists as well as moderates and democracy supporters supported by Turkey and the United States, have been corralled in Idlib. Leaders of Russia, Iran and Turkey are meeting in Tehran to discuss the war, reconstruction and return of refugees. “Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is pressing Russia to order the Syrian regime to back off from an assault on the final large opposition enclave, saying it could lead to a bloodbath or mass influx of refugees into Turkey and perhaps elsewhere in Europe,” reports Patrick Wintour for the Guardian. “Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, has massed his army and allied forces on the frontlines in the north-west, and Russian planes have joined his bombardment of rebels there – the prelude to a possible assault.” Iran criticizes US intervention in Syria, while the United States warns that Syria is preparing chemical weapons. Turkey has established 12 observation posts around Idlib, urging protection of civilians. Russia wants Turkey to withdraw those troops and adds to its Mediterranean fleet to counter US attacks. – YaleGlobal .