More than three dozen Syrian rebel groups, including influential Islamists, have rejected a Russian-led initiative for talks next month in Sochi on ending Syria's war. <br/><br/>Russia and Iran, both key allies of Syria's regime, agreed with opposition backer Turkey to hold a Congress of National Dialogue in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on January 29 and 30. <br/> <br/>Syria's government swiftly said it would attend but rebels have pushed back, calling it a Russian bid to eclipse a United Nations-led process in Geneva.<br/><br/>Syria's conflict erupted in 2011 with anti-government demonstrations, but it has since morphed into a complex war drawing in world powers, including Russia.

More than three dozen Syrian rebel groups, including influential Islamists, have rejected a Russian-led initiative for talks next month in Sochi on ending Syria's war. <br/><br/>Russia and Iran, both key allies of Syria's regime, agreed with opposition backer Turkey to hold a Congress of National Dialogue in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on January 29 and 30. <br/> <br/>Syria's government swiftly said it would attend but rebels have pushed back, calling it a Russian bid to eclipse a United Nations-led process in Geneva.<br/><br/>Syria's conflict erupted in 2011 with anti-government demonstrations, but it has since morphed into a complex war drawing in world powers, including Russia.