The Heat: Syria’s future

The Heat

Syria

In a surprise visit to Russian-operated Hmeymim air base in Latakia, Russian President Vladimir Putin told his troops it’s time to return home.

Putin gave the order to begin the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria after a two-year military campaign. He said Moscow and Damascus have accomplished their mission to destroy ISIL, adding that conditions for a political settlement under the direction of the United Nations are now more favorable.

The delegation for the Syrian government rejoined U.N. sponsored peace talks in Geneva Sunday.

The negotiations are focused on a resolution, unanimously approved by the U.N. Security Council, calling for a transitional government and elections.

To discuss all of this:

  • Bassam Abu Abdullah, a political analyst and professor of international relations
  • Kamal Alam, a visiting fellow at the Royal United Services Institute
  • Rafif Jouejati, a spokeswoman for a Syrian women’s political movement
  • Emily Hawthorne, a Middle East and North Africa analyst at Stratfor

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