The Syrian Government’s biggest international backers and opponents plunged into negotiations on Friday over a long-sought compromise to help end a 4-and-a-half year civil war and potentially ease President Bashar Assad out of power. US Secretary of State John Kerry said he was hopeful of finding a path forward.
In Austria’s capital, Kerry was negotiating with foreign ministers and senior representatives of 18 other countries. They included Iran for the first time, making it the broadest gathering of nations yet to discuss Syria’s future. Another key supporter of Assad, Russia, was present, along with many of the most influential Arab and EU allies of the US.