[WAPO] MOSCOW -- Russia on Friday proposed conducting joint airstrikes with the U.S.-led coalition in Syria against an al-Qaeda-linked group and other factions, marking a potential new strategy by Moscow toward more coordination with the West and allies in the Syrian conflict.
There was no immediate official response from Washington, whose airstrikes with partners have concentrated on Islamic State strongholds in Syria.
Reportedly the Pentagon sez, no can do.
But such a proposal could face a tough road over Russia’s alliance with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose forces were greatly aided last year by the intervention of Russian warplanes and other military assistance.
Several Pentagon officials said they were not immediately aware of any plans to change the current arrangement for separate U.S. and Russian air operations in Syria. |