"The recent massacres [of Syria's Alawite minority by government forces] on the coast really pushed for this agreement," he added. This view is echoed by Charles Lister, senior fellow of the ...

At least 1,383 civilians, the vast majority of them Alawites, were killed in a wave of violence that gripped Syria’s Mediterranean coast, a war monitor said yesterday.

“In recent days, Syria has witnessed a dangerous escalation of violence, brutality, and killings, resulting in attacks on innocent civilians, including women and children. Homes have been violated, ...