Syrian prelate says US involvement harms, Russian strikes help against Islamic State

October 09, 2015

 

A Syrian archbishop has said that American policies have contributed to the growth of the Islamic State, while recent Russian air attacks have forced the Islamic forces to retreat.

Archbishop Jacques Hindo of Hassake-Nisibis said that American air strikes have been mostly cosmetic, with no real impact on the Islamic State. “Moscow’s intervention has been positive,” he reported.

The archbishop, who lives close to the front of the fighting in Syria, said that American air strikes have taken a toll on the Syrian government, but not the Islamic forces in Syria. “It’s not about being for or against the government, but people never believed in America’s attacks,” he said. 

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Syrian bishop: Ambiguous US policy favors Islamic state. Fears for kidnapped Christians (AsiaNews)