Qatar and Russia discuss Syria
This is welcome though not especially promising. Russia of course is the most powerful backer of the Assad government; Qatar is an important backer of the Muslim Brotherhood and several rebel groups backed by the Brotherhood. It’s difficult to see any formula for peace. The optimal situation might be a ceasefire in place.
Reports from Reqqa indicate that ISIL has cut soldier pay in half. Coalition airstrikes on oil smuggling ops have taken a toll. Many ISIL fighters are there out religious fervor, others out of a sense of adventure. Pay cuts will affect the latter group. Meanwhile, ISIL’s attempts at presenting itself as a legitimate government are not proceeding well, at least according to many refugees. ISIL does not have the oil revenue to handle social series and utilities. Its justice system is skewed toward its members. And it ignores the opinions of respected clerics.
Iranian media are singing of promising trade deals with Canada, France, China, and other sites. This of course comes shortly after the lifting of sanctions last Saturday, The US is unlikely to his on board the trade bandwagon.