New deal on Syria?

WASHINGTON: A reported deal between the US and Russia on closer military co-operation in Syria could result in a major shift of strategic landscape in the country.

On Thursday, The Washington Post reported the Obama administration had proposed to Russia a closer co-operation against terrorist groups in Syria, if Moscow gets President Bashar Assad to stop attacks on US-backed opposition forces.

The goal to defeat the Islamic State could have also urged Washington to facilitate restoration of ties between Russia and Turkey.

The US, Russia and Turkey are carrying out military operations against terrorists operating in Syria, including the Islamic State.