Syria’s leader has said he hopes US President-elect Donald Trump will be an ally in fighting terrorism but remains “cautious in judging him”. Bashar al-Assad said Trump would be a “natural ally” if he fulfilled a campaign pledge to fight terrorism. Trump had previously said it was “madness” to oppose both Syrian forces and IS militants, and that fighting Syria could lead to fighting Russia. Some US media, including the New York Times, have suggested Trump is likely to end aid for the rebels fighting Assad because “we have no idea who these people are”. He has said fighting Syria could lead to fighting Russia and during the election campaign he had shown admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Source: Dhaka Tribune November 16, 2016 03:06 UTC