Here is a look at what it could mean for Syria and the major outside parties involved, including the United States. The plan calls for a cessation of hostilities between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government and the rebel groups seeking to topple it in four “de-escalation” areas in Syria. Turkey has supported rebel groups and sent its own military to fight Islamic State militants as well as U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in northern Syria. The plan bans the use of weapons by all sides in the de-escalation zones, including “aerial assets” — a reference to the Syrian government’s air force. In January, President Trump said he would “absolutely do safe zones in Syria” to stem the flow of refugees to Europe, although it is unlikely he meant as part of a Russian plan with Iranian backing.

Source: Washington Post May 05, 2017 21:26 UTC