The UN human rights chief on Friday accused ISIS and other factions in Syria of taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to step up violence on civilians. Various parties to the conflict in Syria, including ISIS, “appear to view the global focus on the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to regroup and inflict violence on the population," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement. "The deteriorating situation is a ticking time-bomb that must not be ignored." A US envoy voiced guarded optimism Thursday at renewing cooperation with Russia to seek an end to Syrias brutal civil war, assessing that Moscow is getting frustrated with President Bashar al-Assad. "Russia may be more willing now -- weve seen some indications in the Russian media and in certain Russian actions -- to be more flexible on the constitutional committee," said James Jeffrey, the US pointman on Syria. "They may once again be willing to talk with us about a way to resolve this short of a military victory," he told reporters. "Because its very clear at this point to Russia that theyre not going to get a military victory -- certainly no time soon."