60 minutes: Assad explains US foreign policy in 60 seconds [Archive]

Zippyjuan

01-11-2016, 05:22 PM

Their show this week was a view of Russian military in Syria and the Russian spokesperson said what a lousy job he thought Assad has done in his country- blaming him for creating the opposition. But they also pointed out that removing him would only add to the chaos in the region.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-road-to-syria-bill-whitaker/

General Konashenkov wouldn't tell us how many planes are flying missions, but American military sources say the Russians have 36 fighter planes and 17 helicopters. The Russian military says they have flown more than 5,000 sorties -- mostly from here -- since President Putin ordered the bombing campaign in September.

Bill Whitaker: What is the primary goal of Russia in this intervention?

Vladimir Komoyedov, translator: The main task is to restore statehood in this region, Syrian statehood.

Admiral Vladimir Komoyedov is the chairman of the Russian Parliament's Defense Committee. He was involved in the planning of the Syrian mission.

Vladimir Komoyedov: If you cut off the head, you get chaos. There's chaos in Libya, chaos essentially in Iraq. Half the country is under ISIL. And the head was chopped off there, you see. So, if you want to so stubbornly remove the leaders of Syria, it's an enormous mistake.

Bill Whitaker: I'm just wondering if you believe that Assad has a role in the future of Syria?

Vladimir Komoyedov: The problem is that he has lost some of his authority. The people themselves must figure out, in elections, whom to follow and how to build their lives, which have been essentially ruined in Syria.

Ruined, in large part, by President Assad's own military. We got the sense Admiral Komoyedov is not crazy about the Syrian president, who has dropped bombs on his own people. The admiral used a derogatory term to describe Assad, then asked that we not repeat it on TV.

Vladimir Komoyedov: We know why the opposition was formed. It was formed due to the mistakes of the president of Syria himself.

When they launched this mission back in September, the Russians said it would be temporary. After months of almost daily bombing, ISIS and the other insurgent groups fighting the Assad regime have barely been budged from the territory they hold. And Russia has added more planes and expanded to other bases here in Syria. The mission doesn't look so temporary anymore.

Bill Whitaker: Did Russia overestimate the power of the Syrian Army?

Vladimir Komoyedov: But we have been fulfilling our obligations to Syria and we will go on fulfilling them. President Assad shouldn't rest on his laurels. He needs to work on his army, and raise its morale, and if necessary, lead the army himself. He needs to unite his forces which are scattered like fingers. They must be clenched into a fist. If you can't beat them, at least you can give them a black eye.

Russia wants to preserve the country (and their naval bases)- not protect Assad. They too would not mind if he is replaced- in an orderly manner.