Reports of Iranian Support Dwindling for Assad

A French diplomatic told Al Arabiya TV channel that Iran, Assad’s staunchest ally, showed flexibility with regard to Assad’s survival in power amid a flurry of talks to reach a settlement for the Syrian conflict. The French diplomat talked about a change in the Iranian position on Assad survival or his departure from power, but he added that he could not determine whether the Iranian position is a positive one to encourage and speed up negotiations or a negative one aimed at shelving the thorny points to the final stage of the negotiations.” He also said that Washington prefers to avoid escalation with Iran on the outstanding issues out of concerns for the safety of its military advisers operating in Iraq where Iran has a big influence.” The French diplomat pointed out that the Assad regime no longer has the same power factors it had enjoyed before, especially with the great shortage of its military resources and manpower. (Source: Syrian Coalition)