Syria's President Assad Wants Russian Forces to Remain Long Term

President Bashar al-Assad said yesterday that he wants Russian forces to remain in Syria to maintain a balance of power in the region.

Reuters: "Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday Russian forces were needed in the country long-term and for more than just fighting terrorism, Russian news agencies reported, citing an interview with the leader."

“Russian armed forces are needed for balance in our region, at least in the Middle East, until the global political balance changes. And this might not even happen, we do not know. So it is important and necessary,” Interfax news agency cited Assad as saying in an interview with Russian media."

Assad put down the revolution in Syria with the help of Russian, Iranian and Hezbollah fighters from Lebanon. Despite his history of war crimes against the people of Syria, the US and Israel now view Assad as a better bet than continued anarchy. Both would like to see Iranian forces withdrawn, but are unlikely to raise much objection to a long term presence by Russia.

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