Russia and other world powers must move to limit Iran's growing military strength in Syria because it poses a regional threat, the director-general of Israel's Intelligence Ministry told Reuters in an interview. Israeli officials estimate Iran commands at least 25,000 fighters in Syria, including members of its own Revolutionary Guard, Shia militants from Iraq and recruits from Afghanistan and Pakistan. "There is a need for Russia and other powers to work to avoid the threat that Iran ends up with military, air and naval bases in Syria." Syria fired a missile in response and Moscow called in Israel's ambassador to discuss the Israeli raid. They need the United States, they need regional powers, they need opposition parties and militias, even those that are not exactly Russia's cup of tea."

Source: Egypt Independent March 21, 2017 14:03 UTC