Russia entry in Syria changed dynamics: Activist
Press TV has conducted an interview with Brian Becker, a member of the ANSWER Coalition in Washington DC, and Sharif Nashashibi, a journalist and Middle East analyst in London, to discuss the prospects of a political solution to the Syrian crisis.
Becker states Russia’s position is that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should not be overthrown by Western countries, adding that “the Syrian army must be defended and supported” because without it, the country will be overrun by terrorist groups such as Daesh and al-Qaeda.
He also notes that Russia’s entry into the war in Syria has “irreversibly changed the dynamics”, allowing the Syrian army to go on a counter offensive, thus weakening the terrorist groups operating in the country.
Becker further maintains, “Russia recognizes that if there is ever to be a political solution of any type, the western backers of the armed opposition groups in Syria - which happens to be the United States, Britain and France and its region allies - have to be engaged politically.”
The analyst goes on to say that “Russia really wants a political settlement in Syria and it is trying hard to get the United States equally engaged on that front.”
“If the United States shifts its position and decides that it genuinely wants a political solution, if it does that and then follows through and cutting off arms to the terrorists in Syria and going into good faith negotiations, there can be a political solution,” he says.
Nashashibi, for his part, believes the sticking point in reaching a political solution is what role Bashar al-Assad would play in the transition. He also thinks there has always been talk of a need for a negotiated settlement but because of lack of sincerity, the conflict on the ground will continue.
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