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[Xando]

WASHINGTON—The Trump administration has been holding secret talks with Russia to try to set up a de-escalation zone in southwest Syria, where Syrian government forces and rebels would be separated in hopes of ending hostilities in the region, officials familiar with the talks said.

At least two meetings have taken place so far, the last of which took place about two weeks ago in Jordan, where Jordanian officials also took part. The meetings followed a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to Moscow in April. Another meeting scheduled in Amman for this week was canceled because of scheduling conflicts, and a new date hasn’t been set, a U.S. official said.​​

The talks signal a gambit by the White House to attempt some kind of cooperation with Moscow even as President Donald Trump is under fire for being too close to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and investigators in the U.S. continue to probe alleged Russian interference in last year’s U.S. presidential election and possible connections between Trump associates and Russians. Russia has denied the allegation.

The officials familiar with the talks said they are also threatened by continued tensions in southern Syria between the U.S. and forces allied with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Russia has provided military support for the Syrian regime.

The Pentagon has long opposed de-escalation zones because military officials are wary of coordinating with the Russians and fear that the costs of safeguarding the borders of the zones is costly and could significantly deepen the U.S. involvement in the conflict.

But officials say they hope to find a way to work with Russia in destroying the Islamic State. If the de-escalation zone is successful, the U.S. and Russia would look to set up other sites, the people familiar with the situation said.

Brett McGurk, the U.S. special envoy to the anti-Islamic State coalition, and Michael Ratney, the U.S. special envoy for Syria, are leading the talks on the U.S. side.

More at the link
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-in-talks-with-moscow-on-syria-safe-zone-1497043492

 

[Bruce Springsteen]

Sooner we have peace and stability in that region the better

 

[Electric Eye]

And they will get what in return? Hmmm

 

[Guy.brush]

Dat first reply by Bruce Springsteen lol

So 2016 during the campaign:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-trump-exclusive-idUSKCN12P2PZ
Trump says Clinton policy on Syria would lead to World War Three

Clinton has called for the establishment of a no-fly zone and “safe zones” on the ground to protect non-combatants. Some analysts fear that protecting those zones could bring the United States into direct conflict with Russian fighter jets.

Now in 2017:
http://www.businessinsider.de/trumps-safe-zones-syria-refugees-world-war-2017-1

 

[BoogieWoogie]

And they will get what in return? Hmmm

A REAL MYSTERY

 

[Lowmelody]

Sooner we have peace and stability in that region the better

Lmao

 

[Buckle]

Trying to figure out a way to get those sanctions lifted.

"Look at how nice Russia is! Lets reward them, right guys?"

They could not give a shit less about Syria.

 

[AcademicSaucer]

The US and its rebels backed forces no longer have a border with ISIS in that region

http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/iran-extends-its-reach-in-syria

I wonder if that kills the negotiations and its back to full on war.

 

[KingV]

"Trump has secret discussions with Russia."


... No shit?

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

Sooner we have peace and stability in that region the better

Damn you're naive.

 

[Electric Eye]

You want to bet that back channel will be used for more that coordination? What better way to make deals than have a "military" back channel. I can't believe they think people can't see what their doing lol

 

[Liha]

There are already safe zones backed by Russia, Turkey and Iran. It's the only option right now to stop the war.

 

[TetraGenesis]

"Trump has secret discussions with Russia."


... No shit?

¯\_(&#12484_/¯

 

[antonz]

There are already safe zones backed by Russia, Turkey and Iran. It's the only option right now to stop the war.

None of us are stupid enough to fall for this shit. We know this is all about a "good partner" who should be rewarded with sanctions lifted