Supporters of the Syrian government hold a pro-Russian banner as they show their support for Syrian President Bashar Assad and to thank Russia and China for blocking a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Syria for its brutal crackdown, during a demonstration in Damascus, Syria, in this Oct. 12, 2011, file photo. Russian President Vladimir Putin is winning plaudits from many Syrians and Iraqis, who see Russia's military intervention in Syria as a turning point after more than a year of largely ineffectual efforts by the U.S.–led coalition battling the Islamic State group. (AP Photo/Muzaffar Salman, File)
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