I don't think there is anyone, or any news source, that can be identified with any confidence as a reliable source of information or analysis in relation to the Syrian conflict.

All we have are allegations and counterallegations treated as fact, or as fake, according to the preexisting views of those reporting or analysing them.

The contrast between the version of events we are told in regard to Aleppo and Mosul is very apparent. The same pattern of things happening, but the spin we are getting in regard to them are diametrically opposed.

I cannot conceive that a victory by "the opposition" in Syria would be any less disastrous than the victory by "the opposition" in Libya has turned out to be. And I suspect that is a very optimistic way of seeing such an outcome. The same is only too likely to be the case in regard to a victory by Assad.