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Source: https://www.thecipherbrief.com/column/network-take/syria-no-end-sight-1091
Syria: No End in Sight
(Cipher Brief) Robert Richer - U.S.-supported Syrian rebels are reducing active operations to lessen chances of a confrontation with Russian-supported, pro-Assad forces. Morale in these rebel forces is considered marginal. Increasingly active Russian air operations are not hindered by coalition rules of engagement regarding targets and/or collateral damage, and are more aggressive and less discriminate in their operations. Assad is empowered right now with recent successes on the ground in Syria and increasing military and political support from Putin. Assad also assesses that there is a lessening of support for his immediate stepping down from power by some of the coalition members and regional powers, who are increasingly concerned that the vacuum created by his stepping down would take Syria down the road of Libya or Iraq. The writer is former associate deputy director for operations at the CIA.