Los Angeles Times: Syria Prepares for Final Showdown With Rebels

The Syrian government is eager to end the civil war that has raged since 2011 and prepares “for a multi-front offensive it hopes will provide a path for finally ending a grinding civil war, the fate of Idlib province and its 3 million residents is now the subject of diplomatic jockeying among the world powers that have had a hand in the war,” reports Nabih Bulos for the Los Angeles Times. After Syria defeated rebel groups throughout the country, many headed to Idlib in northwest Syria. “But now as the government masses its troops near Idlib for an offensive it says could come any day, its military planners will have no such exit plan to offer Idlib’s rebels.” The opposition could be trapped between border controls in Turkey and extremists who vow not to surrender. Russia and Iran support the Syrian government, and could use terrorism as an excuse for indiscriminate bombings. The UN warns hundreds of thousands could be displaced. The United States has threatened to attack if chemical weapons are used. – YaleGlobal