U.S.-Russia brokered cease-fire in Syria takes effect
 
 
A temporary "cessation of hostilities" in Syria brokered by the U.S. and Russia took effect Friday night in the war-torn nation. The cease-fire, which excludes areas of the country controlled by ISIS and the Syrian al Qaeda offshoot al Nusra Front, is seen as a stepping stone to UN brokered peace talks, which Western nations hope will take place in March. Despite the fact that the Syrian government, the opposition, and nearly 100 rebel groups agreed to the cease-fire, officials are skeptical of its chances of success.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
 
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Samantha Rollins is TheWeek.com's news editor. She has previously worked for The New York Times and TIME and is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.
- 
 The 5 best political thriller series of the 21st century The 5 best political thriller series of the 21st centuryThe Week Recommends Viewers can binge on most anything, including espionage and the formation of parliamentary coalitions 
- 
 Sudan stands on the brink of another national schism Sudan stands on the brink of another national schismThe Explainer With tens of thousands dead and millions displaced, one of Africa’s most severe outbreaks of sectarian violence is poised to take a dramatic turn for the worse 
- 
 ‘Not every social scourge is an act of war’ ‘Not every social scourge is an act of war’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day 
- 
 British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red SeaSpeed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue 
- 
 Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacksspeed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war 
- 
 Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages releasedSpeed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel 
- 
 Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews' Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region 
- 
 Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs say Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs saySpeed Read 
- 
 Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war? Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?Speed Read 
- 
 US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign port US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign portSpeed Read 
- 
 British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around' British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'Speed Read 
