The image of the two men meeting, having discarded their military uniforms and put on suits, illustrates how leaders can seize the moment and opt for peace over war.

The scenes of elation following Monday night's declaration came in sharp contrast to the grim scenes in coastal communities wracked by days of clashes.

Scores of people gathered in Damascus on Sunday to protest against recent violence in Syria’s coastal provinces, denouncing attacks on security forces and civilians. Clashes between government troops and armed groups in Latakia and Tartous last week have killed over 1,