The US and Russia have reached an agreement on ways to "deconflict" the airspace over Syria. Specifically, the two sides agreed to rules that forbid targeting each other's aircraft and close fly-bys. The Pentagon insists the agreement does not legitimize Russian intervention in Syria, a question raised by Senator John McCain who called the agreement "immoral." Washington Free Beacon: Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told reporters Tuesday that details of the agreement, reached this week, are being kept secret at the request of the Russians. According to other defense officials, the accord states that aircraft, including both jets and unmanned drone aircraft, will not illuminate aircraft from other countries with targeting radar or fire upon them. Also, the agreement bans aerobatic maneuvers, such as barrel rolls, or what pilots call “thumps”—close passes by aircraft that involve gunning engines and causing target aircraft to be...(Read Full Post)