The United States hopes this will end the indiscriminate dropping of barrel bombs — including chlorine gas attacks — that have punctuated the conflict. In return, the United States is to persuade the opposition groups it has been supporting to separate themselves from the Nusra forces. Mr. Kerry’s announcement of the deal, Mr. Lavrov at his side, was permeated with caveats. Mr. Lavrov took a few shots at the United States even while celebrating the arrangement, denouncing “arrogant sanctions” levied against Russia for its annexation of Crimea two years ago. And Russia and the United States will target areas where they both agree Nusra or Islamic State fighters are present.

Source: New York Times September 09, 2016 23:40 UTC