Breaking News: Al-Qaeda has officially taken over the Syrian Opposition

As of 29th of August 2017, Al-Qaeda in Syria, rebranded as "Hayat Tahrir Ash-Sham," has taken over Idlib and kicked out rival Ahrar Ash-Sham.

Whereas before other rebels were working with Al-Qaeda, now Al-Qaeda has taken them over. And with the fall of Islamic State in Syria, Tahrir Ash-Sham taunts the Syrian Government with yet another terrorist hub in its territory.

Talks are still ongoing between Turkey, Iran and Russia about creating a fourth de-escalation zone in Idlib Province. But with the Trump Administration backing away from the Syrian quagmire and issuing stiff warnings to Tahrir Ash-Sham, the Syrian Government may be poised to strike at the heart of the Islamist Revolution of Syria.

But Russian priority is still ISIS. Until ISIS is dealt lasting defeat in eastern Syria, Russia will not give permission for Bashar Al-Assad to unleash his forces against Idlib. Until then, Al-Qaeda has a safe-haven and a large army ready for the next battle.