Russian airstrikes are bolstering Syrian dictator's grip on power.
Jim Michaels, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Russian airstrikes aimed at rebel groups in Syria have strengthened the regime of Bashar Assad, undercutting President Obama's hope of using diplomatic pressure to force the Syrian dictator’s removal.
The Russian airstrikes, which began more than two months, have helped Syrian ground forces retake territory and consolidate power for Moscow's long-time ally Assad, who had been suffering defeats as Syria's civil war drags on well into its fifth year.
Assad's force “clearly have benefited from having the support of Russian air power,” Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Russian support for Assad is “wrong headed and counterproductive ... because it fuels the civil war in Syria.”
Carter and Obama have also complained that the Russian airstrikes, which Moscow says are targeting Islamic State militants, have instead mostly hit U.S.-backed rebels fighting Assad.
The Russian airstrikes, which began more than two months, have helped Syrian ground forces retake territory and consolidate power for Moscow's long-time ally Assad, who had been suffering defeats as Syria's civil war drags on well into its fifth year.
Assad's force “clearly have benefited from having the support of Russian air power,” Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Russian support for Assad is “wrong headed and counterproductive ... because it fuels the civil war in Syria.”
Carter and Obama have also complained that the Russian airstrikes, which Moscow says are targeting Islamic State militants, have instead mostly hit U.S.-backed rebels fighting Assad.
