Russia Pullback Risks Iran Rift as Allies Differ Over Assad Fate
- Syria opposition's hopes increase at UN Geneva negotiations
- Transitional body may spell end of Assad, Russian expert says
Why Is Russia Pulling Out of Syria?
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Russia’s surprise move to start withdrawing military forces from Syria risks a rift with key ally Iran, which remains wedded to keeping Bashar al-Assad in office even as Russia signals growing impatience with his intransigence.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif hailed Russia’s decision as a “positive sign” of its faith in a cease-fire now in its third week. But pro-Iranian regional newspapers, a barometer of the mood in Tehran, said it endangers gains by the Syrian army and may force Iran to withdraw its own forces.