In Syria, hundreds more rebels and civilians are preparing to leave Eastern Ghouta under a negotiated withdrawal, as Russia unilaterally announces a similar deal to empty the final pocket of the battered enclave. The former rebel bastion on the outskirts of Damascus has been drained by a nearly six-week government assault, and two evacuation deals brokered by Moscow. Under these agreements, rebels agreed to hand over territory in exchange for safe passage for them and civilians to opposition-held northwest Syria.