MOSCOW — Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made a snap, four-hour visit Nov. 20 to Sochi. On Nov. 22, this southern resort city — which is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s preferred residence during the cold months — will be hosting the Russia-Iran-Turkey summit. All of the developments are in large part guided by Moscow's efforts to settle the six-year Syria crisis.
Assad's meeting was carried out in utmost secrecy and not announced until the early morning in Moscow, when Assad was back in Damascus.