Despite Peace Talks, Cease-fire in Syria Unlikely

Yesterday, February 11th, world leaders said they have a plan for solving the Civil War in Syria. However, this wouldn't be the first time world leaders have come together to sit down for negotiations, just to have them fall apart drastically at the last second.

As most know, the Syrian Civil War has been a problem since 2011 and not just for those in the region. But this conflict has plagued the international community for the past five years with its slew of issues and complications. For a refresher, let us remember that Russia and Iran support President Assad against the United States and allies who support the moderate rebels attempting to get rid of the ruthless President.

Moreover, the conflict exploded (literally) when ISIL moved into the country during all of this chaos, wreaking havoc on those in the region, killing hundreds of thousands of people. Enter, the worst migrant and refugee crisis since World War II. This is because many of the Syrians having to face these terrible times have fled to the European Union--- which welcomed them with open arms, but they've almost reached capacity. Especially now since many leaders in the United States' Congress are actively campaigning against helping these people in need, going as far as banning them ALL from the country until there is a handle on ISIL.

Part of getting a handle on things in the region then, must come from a peace deal. Yesterday, world leaders said they have come up with a plan. The plan includes a cease-fire in Syria within a week so that humanitarian aid can get to the cities that need is most. This is a HUGE deal, for it would be the first cease-fire and major step towards peace since the start of the conflict since 2011. A potential, yet likely setback for this peace deal is the fact that Russia must convince President Assad to put down his weapons. This makes the cease-fire unlikely because neither leader has a historical tendency at keeping promises and following through, especially when it counts.