Russia and US up the ante in Syria
Russian jets and gunships have increased the number of daily sorties as they back pro-Government forces in their bid to control the 200 kms of Highway 5 that runs between Homs and Aleppo. The fight is primarily between Syrian rebel groups and Assad's forces, and there are clear indications that the arming of the rebels has undergone a sea-change over the last few days; specifically since the weekend signing of a new pact across most of the anti-Government groups (see video).

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Insurgent commanders say that since Russia began air attacks in support of the Syrian government, they are receiving for the first time bountiful supplies of powerful American-made antitank missiles.

With the enhanced insurgent firepower and with Russia steadily raising the number of airstrikes against the government’s opponents, the Syrian conflict is edging closer to an all-out proxy war between the United States and Russia.

The increased levels of support have raised morale on both sides of the conflict, broadening war aims and hardening political positions, making a diplomatic settlement all the more unlikely.

The American-made TOW antitank missiles began arriving in the region in 2013, through a covert program run by the United States, Saudi Arabia and other allies to help certain C.I.A.-vetted insurgent groups battle the Syrian government.