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Syrian opposition can win, as long as it agrees to lose

The Syrian regime appears to hold the trump cards in negotiations this week with the opposition delegation in Geneva.
A general view of a meeting of Intra-Syria peace talks with Syrian Negotiation Commission (SNC) delegation and U.N Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura, prior to a round of negotiations, during the Intra Syria talks at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva  Switzerland, November 29, 2017. REUTERS/Martial Trezzini/Pool - RC17FABA5450

Syrian government representatives arrived in Geneva on Nov. 29 — a day late — for the latest round of negotiations aimed at resolving the country’s civil war. The meeting began Nov. 28, but representatives of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad delayed their arrival reportedly until they were assured there would be no discussion of removing Assad from power.

The rebels, however, still insist any settlement must include Assad’s departure.

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