Syrians comment on Idlib buffer zone deal as deadline passes Syrians comment on the deal agreed by regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey in September to make a buffer zone while jihadists continue to occupy the area as the October 15 deadline passes, throwing the deal into doubt. A horseshoe-shaped demilitarised zone around Syria's opposition stronghold of Idlib is aimed at averting a massive government assault on the area, but its implementation has been riddled with challenges. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES