AGAINST all odds, a fragile ceasefire seems to have taken hold in strife-torn Syria. Given that an estimated 250,000 people have been killed in the past five years of fighting and at least 4.5 million have fled abroad as refugees, this is something of a miracle.

While there have been some violations of the truce - which is not uncommon in all such truces - international observers acknowledge that the general level of violence has diminished considerably. The agreement on cessation of hostilities, brokered by Washington and Moscow, has also enabled the United Nations to deliver vital aid to several regions under siege. Peace talks are to begin on Wednesday. But it must be noted that the Islamic State militants (also known as ISIS, ISIL, and Daesh), together with Al-Qaeda affiliated fighters who have inserted themselves into the conflict and control some territory in both Syria and Iraq, are excluded from the ceasefire accord.

The situation is at a critical juncture. So it is most perplexing that Washington, and subsequently, Saudi Arabia, should be talking about a contingency plan - a "Plan B" - which might involve using US Special Forces on the ground, more arms aid to anti-Assad guerillas and the possible imposition of a no-fly zone.