Saudi FM Says Russia Will 'Fail to Save' Assad

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Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Sunday that Russia's efforts to support Syrian President Bashar Assad will not succeed in keeping him in power.

Jubeir told a press conference in Riyadh that previous efforts to prop up Assad, including by Iran, had "failed."

"Now, (Assad) has sought the help of Russia, which will fail to save him," he said, urging Moscow to "end its air operations against the moderate Syrian opposition."

Russia, Assad's closest ally alongside Iran, began conducting airstrikes in September, targeting mainly rebels backed by the West, according to U.S. officials. 

Analysts believe that Russia's military intervention in Syria has given Assad a new lease of life and has also deeply alarmed the West.

But Jubeir, whose country is among the main Syrian opposition backers, said that "it is impossible for a man behind the killing of 300,000 innocent people... to remain" in power.

Assad's departure "is a matter of time... sooner or later, this regime will fall, opening the way for building a new Syria without Bashar Assad," said Jubeir.

He urged the Syrian regime to "immediately allow the entry of humanitarian assistance to all parts of Syria, end military attacks on innocent civilians... (and) begin a political transition in Syria."

A 17-nation Syria Support Group, co-chaired by Russia and the United States, agreed on Friday to seek a "cessation of hostilities" within a week and dramatically ramp up humanitarian access to besieged towns.

Critics have said the deal is hobbled by the fact it does not include "terrorist" groups such as the Islamic State group and the al-Qaida affiliate al-Nusra, leaving room for Russia to continue attacks by claiming it is targeting jihadists.

The agreement followed a major offensive by Syrian government forces, backed by heavy Russian bombing and Iranian troops, on the rebel stronghold of Aleppo.

Comments 10
Thumb Mystic 14 February 2016, 16:14

5 years later, and Assad still sits on his seat.
The Saudis still talk crap as they did since 2011, they have yet to survive in Yemen.

Thumb Mystic 14 February 2016, 16:14

Wahabi lover.

Missing helicopter 14 February 2016, 18:12

Obama's presence has helped Assad stay where he is. Once Obama goes and if the new president is a Republican then Assad/ISIS/Iran/HA will be dealth with appropriately.

Missing helicopter 14 February 2016, 18:16

When will Lebanon start transferring the thousands of Iranians back to your cuntry Iran?

Thumb Mystic 14 February 2016, 18:33

When will Hariris saudi assets be seized by the Lebanese government and be given to the Lebanese People?

Thumb ashtah 14 February 2016, 21:40

your assessment of the Saudi army is very interesting. It looks like you spent a lot of time talking and interviewing the saudi armed forces. A graduate of Westpoint i am guessing?

Thumb kanaandian 14 February 2016, 23:06

Whenever I see the Saudi Fm, it reminds me of the horror from 9/11.. Done by his fellow Wahabis.

Thumb gigahabib 14 February 2016, 23:24

How has it "failed" when he is still there, stronger than he has been for years? What a joke. And where is this guy's goat-beard? Is it exclusive for the Saud family?

Thumb liberty 15 February 2016, 04:47

do you have friends in the Kremlin?

Missing panzergen 15 February 2016, 21:13

my comment of Saudi Army being poorly trained and propped up by mercenaries and hired technicians have been deleted. hahaha Thank you Naharnet- we truly know who owns you. Truth hurts!!! lol lol.