Moscow says Russian warplanes have started to leave Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial withdrawal of troops from Syria. The Washington Post reports that approximately 1,000 Russian troops will remain in Syria to protect two Russian bases, but that the bulk of Russia’s forces will be leaving. Additionally, the Russian bombing campaign also appears to be coming to an end. This move has made many observers optimistic about the current round of U.N.-led peace talks between the factions in Syria, as Russia was the primary military backer for Syrian President Bashar Assad. Some analysts view the decision to withdraw as an attempt by Putin to act as a peacemaker while still ensuring that Assad stays in power.