CIA Director blamed Assad and Russia for civilian deaths in Syria
The director of the CIA, John Brennan, said in a BBC interview that the US should continue to assist the moderate Syrian opposition, which opposes government troops, the Iranian and Russian militaries, and Lebanese militants of the Hezbollah movement. In his opinion, Russia plays a key role in the Syrian conflict, however, he is not certain that Moscow will negotiate and make concessions. The head of the CIA believes that the Kremlin is pursuing a strategy of delaying negotiations in an effort to stifle the rebel resistance in Aleppo.
"I have no confidence that the Russians would weaken the onslaught before they achieve maximum tactical success on the battlefield," Brennan said.
He also believes that the situation in Syria does not inspire hope for an early settlement and that it is outrageous that President Bashar al-Assad's regime and Russia bear the responsibility for deaths of civilians.