text: And in yet another telling move, and despite their recent victory, Russia and Iran immediately call for talks aimed at a political settlement of the conflict in Syria. They have done so consistently since it began. The reason why the 'genuine' Syrian opposition didn't seek a political settlement was because Western and regional governments were backing them with arms, finances, personnel and intelligence. Those outside parties wanted the opposition to destroy the Syrian government, and they encouraged their proxies to give no political quarter. As well, the vast majority of opposition territory in Syria is held by the terrorist groups al-Nusra Front and Islamic State. They don't negotiate political settlements. For them its a holy crusade, and they'll either push the Alawites and Christians into the sea, or die trying.