Bashar al-Assad

Washington and Moscow to push warring parties to hold direct talks with each other in Geneva.

The Syrian army is said to be just metres from the 2,000 year old Unesco World Heritage site.

Opposition accuses regime delegation of delaying discussions on political fate of President Bashar al-Assad.

In speech Putin said forces were capable of redeploying to Syria within hours.

Russian newspapers say that Putin's apparently sudden drawdown had been planned for some time.

The Al Zaatari refugee camp has seen nearly 80 newborns a week since its establishment in 2012.

As Russia withdraws most of its troops from Syria, we look back at one of the most savage civil wars in recent history.

On fifth anniversary since war's start, UN's children's agency says many kids know nothing but violence.

Secretary of State John Kerry accuses Syrian counterpart of 'trying to disrupt' UN peace process.

Allied forces have also recaptured 3,000 square kilometres of territory from the militant group

Report by charity paints horrific picture ahead of the fifth anniversary of the conflict's start.

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura warns truce is 'fragile' amid continued fighting in some areas.

Jurgen Todenhofer said disagreements between President Bashar al-Assad and opposition sparked the conflict.

Philip Breedlove says Islamic State militants 'spreading like cancer' among refugees.

If true, the video violates a cessation of hostilities agreement in force between Syrian forces and rebels.

The cessation of hostilities has brought some respite to civilians, particularly from air strikes.

Defence secretary also says he is concerned by IS's growing strength in Libya.

Ceasefire in Syria brokered by the US and Russia will only last a few days, says opposition coalition.

UN relief chief confirms airdrop reached target area in the Assad-controlled Syrian city of Deir al-Zour.

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims Kurdish YPG militia should be excluded from truce deal.

How can the US-led coalition implement a coherent strategy in Syria when it is torn apart from inside?

Isis and Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front not expected to join ceasefire.

Russian offensive in Aleppo could be strengthened by the recent attacks.

Sergei Shoigu travels to Iran meeting President Hassan Rouhani and Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan.

International community 'closer to a ceasefire today than we have been' says US Secretary of State.

Russia has been accused of bombing hospitals and schools in northern Syria.

Human rights group estimated 29 were killed, and more than 100 injured by twin car bomb attacks

The request from IS for a truce comes as Assad unleashes an unprecedented onslaught on Aleppo.

Hassan Nasrallah warns Hezbollah missiles would strike Israeli ammonia tanks in Haifa if tensions escalate.

Ground operations only way to bring five-year war to end, senior Ankara official says.