![FILE - In this May 17, 2018, file photo, Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, shakes hands with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during their meeting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia. When the presidents of Russia, Turkey and Iran meet in Tehran on Friday, Sept. 7, all eyes will be on their diplomacy averting a bloodbath in Idlib, Syria's crowded northwestern province and last opposition stronghold. The three leaders whose nations are all under U.S. sanctions have an interest in working together, but Idlib is complicated and they have little common ground. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/H3R7OZFYZPV3URWZ5PVFSJYOYQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=d301490a116a203c82360a23933a26a1bc8c7ab77ff9875931d2792d430e0568&width=400&height=225)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. AP
Punishing Syria shows 'ethical commitment', says arms watchdog
Damascus and ally Moscow condemn Wednesday's vote to remove Syria's voting rights