Now, the role of the United States in Syria and across the Middle East is widely seen as having receded under the former President Barack Obama, and its future remains uncertain. Mr. Obama, while backing some rebel groups, resisted deeper American involvement in the Syrian conflict, ceding the leading role to Russia. There were signs on Monday of Russian willingness to apply pressure on the Syrian government to keep the talks on track. Some rebel groups also shelled civilians in government-held areas. Residents and rebel fighters in Wadi Barada say that some Nusra fighters are present, but they are a minority among other rebel groups and civilians.

Source: New York Times January 23, 2017 18:23 UTC