And Al Reis dismissed the idea that Trump, who has praised Assad and his patron Russian President Vladimir Putin, would consider the regime a partner as he tries to win a quick high-profile victory against ISIS. “The regime is not fighting ISIS,” Al Reis, a former officer in Assad’s army, said. He noted that Assad’s forces, which rely heavily on Russian jets and pro-Iran fighters, had captured and then lost Palmyra to ISIS before. Nikki Haley, has continued the American denouncement of Assad. Al Reis said Assad’s removal remains non-negotiable for the tens of thousands of fighters still loyal to the opposition, arguing that no peace would be possible without a political transition.

Source: Huffington Post March 04, 2017 01:07 UTC