By Dave Majumdar, The National Interest: “Given the poisonous relationship between Washington and Moscow, chances that the two great powers might face off in a military confrontation are growing.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday Turkey’s military offensive in Syria’s northern town of Afrin was unacceptable and she criticized Russia for “just watching” the continuing attacks by Syrian forces on eastern Ghouta. - Reuters
Syrian rebels and their families are expected to leave a besieged town in the eastern Ghouta suburbs of Damascus, in an evacuation deal that will see the town handed over to the government following years of bombardment. - Associated Press