Military offensives as a prelude to a diplomatic breakthrough: the Syrian army is shaking the self-confidence of western-backed insurgent groups by taking control of more lands. Areas which were previously in the hands of those trying to bring down the government of President Bashar al-Assad. Syrian forces are only few miles away from a very big gain: To take control of the western Qalamun region near the border with Lebanon. The following report tells us why the region is of high importance to Syria\'s future diplomatic efforts. Show Less >>