There are two types of peace talks. First there are those, as in 1990s Northern Ireland, which follow a ceasefire, something which indicates that both sides are so exhausted by war they are ready to come to terms. Then there are those where the fighting has reached such a stalemate that diplomacy becomes the only way forward. The Syrian situation meets neither requirement: both sides express themselves happy to continue the destruction, while the continually shifting postures of outside powers, including Britain, gives both sides hope that some intervention might yet turn the situation in their favour.
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