What Are The Pros And Cons Of John Kerry's Syria Cease Fire Deal With The Russians

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) shake hands at the conclusion of their news conference following their meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, September 9, 2016. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Peter Apps, Reuters: The pros and cons of Kerry's Syria deal

The landmark deal last week between Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov is, in many ways, a major breakthrough. It may well save lives. Against the backdrop of what has been the worst war of the 21st century, that’s a prize worth seizing.

The problem: The effects will be strictly limited. The agreement is really several significant, but limited, tactical deals – on aid, on local ceasefires and on coordination against certain Islamist groups that both Washington and Moscow don’t want to see as part of the long-term future of Syria.

That’s something, to be sure.

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WNU Editor: The consensus is that this deal will only boost Russia .... Kerry's peace deal just made Syria worse (Andrew L. Peek, The Hill), and here .... Analysis: Syria cease-fire deal with the U.S. boosts Russia's stature (Oren Dorell, USA TODAY). What's my take .... it is too early to tell. This conflict has been going for a very long time, and if the past is any indication .... this ceasefire deal will be broken and forgotten in the coming month or two.