L.A. Times: Putin pays surprise visit to Syria, where Assad tells him: 'Thanks a million'
In July 2015, the defeat of Syrian President Bashar Assad appeared imminent.
His troops, overstretched and exhausted, had lost too many men, and a string of humiliating losses meant the government controlled only a quarter of the country.
Two months later, Russian warplanes streaked through Syria's skies, hurling bombs at Assad's adversaries and starting a reversal of fortune that, more than two years later, has forced most of those enemies to accede that he will remain.
That was the backdrop to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s surprise visit to a Syrian air base on Monday, where he met with Assad and declared that Moscow would begin a drawdown of troops following what the Kremlin said was the defeat of Islamic State.
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MIDDLE EAST
Russia has started military withdrawal from Syria: RIA cites minister.
Putin announces Syria withdrawal, says ISIS destroyed. Putin, in Syria, says mission accomplished, orders partial Russian pull-out. Syria: Russia's Vladimir Putin orders partial withdrawal of troops.
Assad thanks Putin for helping hand in defeating terrorists.
Syrian army and Iranian-backed militias push towards Idlib province.
American diplomat: US looks to counter Iran in post-war Iraq.
Fifth day of protests in Middle East over Trump's Jerusalem move.
Turkish air strikes kill 29 Kurdish militants in northern Iraq: army.
Erdogan: Israel is a terrorist state. Erdogan: US is 'partner in bloodshed' with Jerusalem move.
Donald Trump's Jerusalem move ends US role in peace process, Palestinian leader Hanan Ashrawi says.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu urges EU to follow US recognition of Jerusalem as capital.
Saudis lift decades-long ban on movie theaters. Saudi Arabia to allow cinemas to reopen from early 2018.
More than 8 million Yemenis 'a step away from famine': U.N..
UN does not confirm Iran link to Yemen missiles: report.
ASIA
China, Taiwan spar over Chinese diplomat's invasion threat.
China's graft watchdog warns officials over 'concealed' extravagance.
Major bridge between China, North Korea closes for repairs.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte requests martial law extension.
AP: Rohingya methodically raped by Myanmar’s armed forces.
Exclusive: Myanmar to delay law that would have allowed more foreign investment.
China accuses Australian media of racism and paranoia.
Nepal's Communist parties poised for election landslide.
AFRICA
Six Nigerian soldiers killed in Boko Haram ambushes.
Car bomb kills journalist in Somali capital.
EU warns DR Congo of election funding risk over 'harassment'.
Putin, Egypt's Sisi discuss restart of flights, sign nuclear deal.
Putin visits Egypt in sign of closer ties.
Cairo, Moscow sign contract for Egypt's first nuclear plant.
UN promises justice in Congo against peacekeeper attacks.
UN peacekeepers honour 14 troops killed in DR Congo.
AU warns of threat by returning IS fighters. 6,000 IS jihadists could return to Africa, AU warns.
UN seeks urgent resettlement of 1,300 refugees stranded in Libya.
Tanzanian President Magufuli pardons child rapists.
EUROPE
Merkel, Social Democrats seek clarity on coalition talks.
Morawiecki sworn in as Polish PM amid dispute with EU.
PM May hails new optimism in Brexit talks after deal.
Twenty-five EU states sign PESCO defense pact.
Europe tells Netanyahu it rejects Trump's Jerusalem move.
Catalan protesters clash with police over 'plunder' of religious artefacts.
Corsican nationalists celebrate election victory, call for greater autonomy.
Ukrainian judge frees Saakashvili from detention.
Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency faces strong resistance.
Bulgaria discovers it has enough bitcoins to pay off fifth of its debt.
Group: Refugees abused by border forces in Balkans.
Snow in Europe triggers transport chaos.
AMERICAS
Canada provinces to get biggest cut of cannabis tax haul.
Two-thirds of Mexicans reject amnesty for gang members: poll.
Venezuela opposition banned from running in 2018 election. Venezuela: President Nicolas Maduro blocks opposition parties from presidential poll. Venezuela’s socialists romp to victory in mayoral elections.
Venezuelan migrants pose humanitarian problem in Brazil.
Honduras: President keeps lead in disputed vote after recount.
Focus on Flynn, Trump timeline suggests obstruction is on Mueller’s mind.
Pipe bomb strapped to man explodes in NYC subway, injuring 4.
Bias allegations in Robert Mueller's probe offer Trump allies a new counterargument.
At 230000 acres, Thomas fire is now the fifth-largest wildfire in modern California history. California wildfires now larger than New York City and Boston combined. New evacuations as huge Southern California fire flares up.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Hezbollah's Nasrallah says group to focus on Israel.
New York Port Authority attack: Man held after Manhattan blast.
Al Qaeda seeks to incite violence after US recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Number of Salafists in Germany reaches record high.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street ends higher with help from tech, energy.
Bitcoin price surges as futures trading begins, despite bubble warnings – business live.
5 top EU economies warn US about tax plans.
Global stocks could make history this month by refusing to fall.
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