Russia is pushing for Egypt to sponsor a “de-escalation agreement” between rival factions in Syria’s Homs, driving Turkey out of the picture, Asharq Al-Awsat reports. Ankara is not taking the suggestion well, and 11 factions, including Ahrar al-Sham al-Islamiya and Jaish al-Izza also “expressed their reservations on the issue… [and] insisted that Turkey sponsor the agreement.” The agreement would see the establishment of a de-escalation zone in Homs’ countryside and bar the government from launching airstrikes in rebel-controlled areas, among other measures.