Clinton's history with Russia is significant given the surprising role Russia has played in the U.S. presidential campaign. "Strength and resolve were the only language Putin would understand," Clinton wrote in her memoir "Hard Choices," published shortly afterward. Returning as president in May 2012, Putin was immediately confronted with Syria's Libya-like escalation from Arab Spring protests to full-scale civil war. Clinton has acknowledged her frustration with an increasingly hostile Russia on Syria and other matters as her time in office wound down. Seeking Russia's cooperation, Obama and Clinton avoided any talk that might threaten Russian equities in Syria, including a large naval base there.

Source: New Zealand Herald August 08, 2016 07:41 UTC