A risky bargain

AS went to press a big consignment of aid was poised to arrive in eastern Aleppo, a Syrian city that has been under siege, off and on, for four years. It contained food, medicines, clothes—even toys for toddlers who have lived their whole lives under the shadow of a war that is estimated to have killed more than 400,000 people. This respite is the fruit of a deal between Russia and America on September 10th that imposed a ceasefire across much of the country.It appears to be holding, for now. But as with the previous cessation of hostilities in February, this agreement may be short-lived. And by appearing to tie America to Russia’s game plan, it may even make things worse.