Russia this week fought to keep UN-led peace negotiations on Syria on track. The Kremlin is trying to advance a political settlement to secure an exit strategy for its Syrian military campaign, but is struggling to reconcile this goal with the interests of its ally Assad and his other main patron Iran. A cease-fire brokered in December by Russia and Turkey, a key rebel backer, is holding shakily. Russia also needs to ensure the U.S. and its allies help pay for the costly future post-war reconstruction of Syria, a senior Western diplomat said.
The conflict has killed at least 300,000 people, sent millions more fleeing to neighboring countries and Europe, and allowed Islamic State to seize a swath of territory from which to wage global attacks. While Trump has previously called for an alliance with Russia to fight the jihadists, he’s also branded Iran as the "No. 1 terrorist” threat, putting himself at odds with the Kremlin.
Russia "strongly believes” that Iran should have a role in fighting terrorism and would welcome it if Trump cooperated with Assad in defeating Islamic State, Gatilov said.
Libya, 5 Years After Qaddafi, Still Caught in Chaos: QuickTake
In Libya, where the collapse in order has allowed Islamic State to claim a foothold though it’s now on the defensive after losing its last major holdout in December, the path to an agreement between Russia and the U.S. may be easier.
"If there will be any common ground for cooperation with the United States in bringing stability in Libya, of course we would be open to all contacts,” he said.
In addition to Russia, Haftar’s also backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. "For us, General Haftar is the real power and he shouldn’t be ignored in the political process,” Gatilov said.
A one-time ally of former Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi, Haftar, 73, controls a large swath of Libya’s territory and most of its oil fields.
سایت تابناک از انتشار نظرات حاوی توهین و افترا و نوشته شده با حروف لاتین (فینگیلیش) معذور است.