Peace process in strife-torn Syria must be given a chance

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 Islam…