Aleppo is now the last major urban centre where the rebels have a foothold, and success in breaking the siege would carry great psychological weight, reversing the momentum of months of setbacks brought about by an intense Russian air campaign in support of Assad.
However, in a rare setback, about 200 vigilantes and hunters armed with bows and arrows, clubs, spears, machetes and home-made guns helped the Nigerian military regain control of Mubi, which had been the biggest town under the extremists' control.
Yet just as the Bangkok graff scene was starting to bloom, it suffered a serious setback about three years ago.
But Niemeyer is not one to be discouraged by life's inevitable setbacks: "Life is about crying and laughing your entire life".
By those standards the economy fared well, albeit suffering occasional setbacks (notably about 1990).
In recent years it has suffered serious military setbacks, losing about half its fighters and many of its top commanders.
Curious about everyone he meets, from militiamen to truck drivers, he is game for any side trip, knowledgeable about local customs, and philosophical about setbacks and misfortunes.
But using Glavine's explanation, last night's careless setback was about one inning, one brutal inning.
Not only that but Podemos, which had taken part in the election in coalition with other political forces, suffered a severe setback, losing about 1.1 million votes.
The past year brought about setbacks for many.
