During Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate, Republican vice-presidential candidate Mike Pence pushed for his own foreign policy towards Syria and Russia, differing from the policy proposed by his own running mate, Donald Trump. Pence criticized Putin, said the US should push for a no-fly-zone in Syria, and even claimed the US must be prepared to bomb forces loyal to the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. To say the least, this differs from Trump’s comments on Russia’s policy in the country, among other positions.
Trump has consistently said that Russian President Vladimir Putin – who is supporting Assad in the Syrian civil war – is a strong leader as well as a better leader than US President Barack Obama. He has further suggested that the US should “let Russia fight ISIS”. In addition, Trump has a record of criticizing the Obama administration's support for rebel groups in Syria.
Pence, on the other hand, warned that Putin is a “small and bullying leader”. He continued to say that the US should set up a no-fly zone in Syria during the debate, and even that the US should be prepared to bomb the Assad regime in order to prevent Syrian forces from retaking Aleppo.
Reports are surfacing that Trump is angry with his VP’s performance.
The situation in Syria is becoming increasingly complicated and intricate while the Trump campaign’s policy towards the country is seemingly becoming more inconsistent.
DL
