Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has traveled to Moscow for his first overseas trip since the uprising against him erupted in 2011. Assad held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia launched airstrikes in Syria three weeks ago, saying it was targeting the self-proclaimed Islamic State, although its attacks have hit rebels fighting Assad. During the visit, Assad praised Russia for the “help they are giving Syria,” while Putin said he wanted to see a political settlement to the conflict.