Russia is sending two planes to Lebanon to evacuate Russians from war-torn Syria, authorities said Monday, a move that appears to reflect Moscow’s increasing doubts about Syrian President Bashar Assad’s ability to stay in power. The announcement came as the opposition National Coalition failed for a second time to form a provisional government, while a car bomb exploded in a town in the province of Hama, killing at least 30 people, according to initial reports.

An Emergency Situations Ministry source told ITAR-TASS news agency that Russian citizens who wish to return home were already in Lebanon. “According to initial information, they do not exceed 150 people. Mainly women and children,” the source said. “There will be medics and psychologists on board.” [Link]