Top US commander in Middle East makes secret Syria visit

Joseph Votel enters country to see progress in building of anti-Isis alliance
Votel is highest-ranking US officer to enter country since campaign beganThe top US commander for the Middle East secretly visited Syria on Saturday, for a first-hand look at efforts to build cohesive alliances of Arab, Kurd and other local fighters to defeat the Islamic State.Army Gen Joseph Votel, head of US central command, became the highest-ranking US officer known to have entered Syria since the US began its camp