NEWSWATCH: “U.S., Russia Agree on Steps Designed to End War in Syria, but Details Sketchy. Washington initially offered military coordination, but terms of agreement not divulged after two days of meetings in Moscow.” – Wall Street Journal
U.S. and Russian officials said Friday they … reached an agreement on steps designed to pave the way for an end to the civil war in Syria, but top officials declined to detail the specific measures …. John Kerry, without elaborating, said implementing the steps could address … Assad and his regime’s disregard of a February cease-fire …. * * * Russia and the U.S. have carried out separate campaigns of airstrikes against Islamic State. U.S. officials have complained that many of Russia’s strikes are aimed at groups fighting … Assad, including U.S.-backed rebels. * * * Washington’s proposal would have resulted in U.S. and Russia sharing information on Nusra and Islamic State targets, along with integrated military operations.
Under that plan, Russia would limit its strikes to targets both sides agreed on, and refrain from striking U.S.-allied groups. Syria’s air force would, under the deal, be grounded in areas where Nusra has a significant presence. The proposal would allow a limited number of exceptions.