Syrian and Russian jets step up strikes on rebels after opposition seizes much of Aleppo - CNN

1. Syrian and Russian jets step up strikes on rebels after opposition seizes much of Aleppo  CNN
2. Syria launches counterattacks in an attempt to halt insurgency, as Iran's top diplomat meets Assad  Yahoo! Voices
3. What led to Syria’s 13-year civil war, and why has fighting surged again?  The Washington Post
4. Syria’s Rebels Struck When Assad’s Allies Were Weakened and Distracted  The New York Times