Sept. 12: A Long-Awaited Cease-Fire Takes Effect

After months of negotiation, a nationwide cease-fire agreement reached between Russia and the United States will take effect in Syria at sunset Sept. 12. Though violations of the truce are bound to occur, the deal will at least reduce violence in the beleaguered country for the time being. Having encircled the rebel-held parts of eastern Aleppo after suppressing a rebel counteroffensive, Russian- and Iranian-backed loyalist forces are more likely to abide by the agreement than their opponents in the rebel camp will. The loyalist factions will use the cease-fire, which excludes some rebel groups including Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra), to divide and weaken rebel groups as much as possible. Meanwhile, the United States will try to isolate Jabhat Fatah al-Sham on the battlefield for joint targeting with the Russians. ...