Syria’s Assad trapped by rebel advance and refusal to compromise Financial TimesSyrian and Russian jets step up strikes on rebels after opposition seize much of Aleppo CNNWhat led to Syria’s 13-year civil war, and why has fighting surged again? The Washington PostSyria launches counterattacks in an attempt to halt insurgency, as Iran's top diplomat meets Assad The Associated PressRussian, Syrian jets intensify bombing of Syria's rebel-held northwest Reuters