Free Syrian Army militia backed by Turkish forces took the Syrian city of al-Bab [9] from ISIS militants Feb. 23, although fighting continues in some districts. The ISIS fighters withdrew via a route left open for them by the commanders of Operation Euphrates Shield [10], the joint Turkish-FSA campaign. (Rudaw [11], Feb. 23) As US-led Iraqi and Kurdish forces close the circle on ISIS in Mosul [12], the Syrian Democratic Forces [13] continue their advance on Raqqa [14]. The US commander in Iraq predicts the imminent taking of both Mosul and Raqqa. "Within the next six months, I think we'll see both conclude," said Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend outside Baghdad Feb. 8. The enemy is "overwhelmed anywhere that they are," added Col. John Dorrian, spokesperson for the US-led Combined Joint Taskforce. (Rudaw [15], Feb. 8)
But the anti-ISIS coalition remains politically fragile. Talks to end the Syria war resumed this week, with the regime and opposition bloc facing each other in Geneva. Russia and Turkey brokered a renewal of talks last month at a conference in Kazakhstan [16]. But the Assad regime demands an end to the process for a transitional authority—the centerpiece of international proposals since 2012. The opposition is again calling for a substantive ceasefire, release of detainees (amid the killing of thousands [17] in regime prisons), and an end to sieges—with little faith the regime will consider these demands. (EA Worldview [18], Feb. 24)
At Turkish insistence, the Kurds have again been denied a seat at the table in Geneva, despite Russian pressure for inclusion of the Democratic Union Party [16]. (Rudaw [19], Feb. 2)
