Syrian ceasefire begins but tensions remain

World Today

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian President Bashar Assad, center, walks on a street with officials after performing the morning Eid al-Adha prayers in Daraya, a blockaded Damascus suburb, Syria, Monday, Sept. 12, 2016. (SANA via AP)

The much-anticipated Syrian ceasefire, which began sunset local time, has many hoping it would be a turning point in the conflict.

The front line Jobar district, where a cutthroat battle has been raging for years as rebels try to push towards the Syrian capital and the Syrian army tries to stop them, has been calm for now.

CCTV’s Alaa Ebrahim reports. Follow Alaa Ebrahim on Twitter @Alaa_Ebrahim_tv

A nationwide ceasefire has been attempted several times in Syria with limited success. Experts are doubtful whether this time will be any different.

But if the deal fails, it remains to be seen how much more destruction and fighting the country can bear before falling apart completely. With over half a million dead, millions displaced and tens of thousands of foreign Jihadists roaming the country, the outlook isn’t promising.

The Syrian government welcomes the U.S.-Russian ceasefire agreement but major rebel factions including Ahrar Asham have refused to adhere to it. Almost every rebel faction with Jihadists in its ranks seems to be reluctant to be part of the deal. And without these factions, the rebels don’t stand a chance against government forces, making the prospects of peace in Syria are difficult to say the least.