Arab Governments Warn Russia Over Syrian Campaign

An offensive by forces loyal to the Assad regime in Syria, supported by Iranian and Hezbollah commandos and Russian air strikes, has failed to gain significant ground from rebel factions. Even as fighting continued Thursday, the governments of Turkey and Saudi Arabia issued official statements to Moscow warning that the Russian military intervention in Syria was a “big mistake” which would end badly. “What it does will bring no meaning or benefit, other than delaying the transition process to help Syria out of the chaos,” Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu told reporters after talks in Ankara with Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir.