What was the real reason for the Lavrov/Tillerson/Trump meeting in Washington today? Likely it was to work out the new facts on the ground in Syria, where the "safe zones" that President Trump called for not long ago have actually been established through cooperation between Russia, Iran, and Turkey. Though the US was not a party to the agreement that created the "de-escalation" zones, it is important for Washington to understand what they mean and how the matter will proceed. Is this a sign that the Trump Administration is looking for a way out of the seemingly intractable Syrian mess created by Obama's interventionism? It is possible and would be a good sign that realism has once again entered US foreign policy decisions. I am interviewed on the implications of today's dramatic events: