Syrian farmers hoped for some reprieve after Islamist rebels ended Assad' 24 years of autocratic rule in December, but a devastating drought and continued water theft mean their crops are still dying, their pears and plums withering on the branch.

Digging wells adds costs as harvests fail; many farmers have heavy debts, want assistance
Leader of Russia's Chechnya says he is ready to ensure wheat supplies to Syria if necessary
Corn taken from multiple storage units, Ukraine alleges
U.S. calls for Russia to distribute via UN
Such disasters don't often blow back on agrifood commodity costs