Syria talks open overshadowed by rival track, rebel losses

Since it broke out in March 2011, Syria's conflict has killed more than 320,000 people, displaced millions and ravaged the country's economy and infrastructure.Efforts to end the war are now proceeding along two rival tracks: the formal political peace process hosted at the United Nations offices in Geneva and, since January, parallel talks in Kazakhstan brokered by Russia, Iran and Turkey.Observers say the UN appears to be scrambling to match Astana's momentum after a landmark deal signed in Ka