Syria’s Assad trapped by rebel advance and refusal to compromise Financial TimesThe illusion of Assad’s grip on Syria shatters, as Russia, Iran and Hezbollah let their guard down CNNSyria’s Rebels Struck When Assad’s Allies Were Weakened and Distracted The New York TimesRussian, Syrian jets intensify bombing of Syria's rebel-held northwest ReutersWhat led to Syria’s 13-year civil war, and why has fighting surged again?