Putin surprises the world again by declaring that he is withdrawing the majority of Russian forces from Syria, saying they have largely achieved their objective. Syrian foreign minister, Walid Muallem, rules out any discussion at the Geneva peace talks of the fate of Assad, apparently angering Russia. - See more at: https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/twt/putin-s-middle-eastern-campaign#sthash.7jWUc5FE.dpuf