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US, Russia at dangerous point over Syria crisis: Journalist

Tuesday, 01 November 2016 6:31 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 01 November 2016 6:33 PM ]

Terrorists fire mortar shells towards western government-controlled districts at an entrance to Aleppo, in the southwestern frontline neighborhood of Dahiyet al-Assad, on October 30, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has called for concerted efforts to eliminate terrorist groups in Syria. Shoigu has cautioned the Western powers that to destroy terrorists in Syria, it is necessary to take joint actions instead of putting spokes in the partners’ wheels, because the rebels take advantage of that.

Fred Weir, a journalist and political commentator from Moscow, told Press TV’s Top 5 that any spark between Russia and the United States in Syria could trigger a war between the big powers.

Weir warned that “there are no channels of communication open, they (Moscow and Washington) are talking past each other, they’re talking to their own audiences but they’re not talking to each other and this is really dangerous because any spark can set this right off.”

He went on to say that although most of his life was during the Cold War, he “cannot remember this kind of poisonous atmosphere” between Russia and the United States.

“The atmosphere is as bad as anyone has seen during the Cuban crisis,” he said, adding, “But even then, there seemed to be more respect between the big powers.”

He noted, “I don’t think anyone in Washington actually wants war. The war that could escalate with Russia. I’m not saying it can’t happen. It’s a real danger situation, but it’s not a matter of days. It’s three months before the next president is sworn in in the United States.”

It will take some time for the next president of the United States to do a review of policy, he said, concluding that there is no need to be “too worried” about a potential war between the US and Russia.

Washington has been campaigning strongly against the Russian aerial strikes in Syria, saying they may hit the so-called “moderate” opposition groups. The US, however, refuses to designate specifically what groups it deems “moderate,” even as Russia has voiced readiness for potential cooperation in that regard.

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