U.S. Plan for New Military Deal with Russia in Syria Meets Criticism

The United States government has proposed a new military cooperation with its Russian counterpart in Syria.

According to a report by the Washington Post, the U.S. would work alongside Russian forces to target and expand a campaign against Jabhat al-Nusra (JN), al-Qaida’s affiliate in Syria. In return, Russia would put pressure on the Syrian government to stop targeting U.S.-backed rebel groups. Specified areas would be designated as “safe” from Syrian aerial bombing.

U.S. officials have criticized the proposal, which has received the support of President Obama and Secretary of State John F. Kerry. Critics are skeptical of Russia’s commitment to the proposal, doubt there is adequate intelligence to differentiate JN fighters from other rebels, and fear civilian deaths from increased bombings. Some believe attacks on JN will be counter-intuitive, making the extremist group more popular, since it is seen as a leading force fighting the Assad government, and other rebel groups do not have the support or strength to take its place.

Regime and Rebel Forces Clash Over Aleppo Supply Routes

At least 70 regime and rebel fighters were killed within 24 hours as battles continued north of Aleppo.

Regime forces, backed by Syrian and Russian warplanes, clashed with rebels and militants fighting for Jabhat al-Nusra around al-Maleh in the Aleppo suburbs. The town has been a target for the Assad government for two years as it tries to sever supply lines between the rebel-held districts of Aleppo and Turkey, reports AFP. Government forces are also fighting to take control of the Castello road east of Aleppo, to cut off another main supply line from the Turkish border.

Syrian Military Plane Crashes Northeast of Damascus

A Syrian warplane crashed in the Damascus suburbs on Friday, reported Reuters, sparking debate over how it crashed.

Syrian state media claim there was a technical fault and the pilot ejected beforehand. Rebels, however, claim to have shot down the aircraft, and a spokesperson for the Jaish al-Islam rebels said they had captured the pilot.

Recommended Reads:

• The New York Times: In Syria, Starving Instead of Fasting
• Reuters: Russia Will Countenance an Assad Exit in Syria, But Not Yet
• Foreign Policy: Syria’s Refugee Children Have Lost All Hope
• War on the Rocks: Russia is in Charge in Syria: How Moscow Took Control of the Battlefield and Negotiating Table
• The Guardian: Iran Covertly Recruits Afghan Shias to Fight in Syria