"The fact that the US president set red lines in Syria and didn't act on them is very important. More and more leaders in the Middle East understand that America is going out, not totally, but it is not the same America that these people and these leaders could count on 20 years ago.&
On Russia: "They look at the Middle East differently. They think that it's better to deal with the terrorists they know than to let new terrorists come in. That's why they continue to support [Syrian President Bashar] Assad. And another thing, unlike the Americans, they keep their promises to their allies."&
On Europe's role in the region: "Europe is not a factor anywhere in the Middle East. They don't have military means; they don't have determination; they don't have the stamina; they don't even have the system in which to make decisions. The only place where Europeans have some influence in the region is in Israel because it's a group of 28 democratic countries and what they think about us is very important for us."Wow.
An extremely poor opinion of the current administration...maybe the past two administrations (he did give a 20 year timeframe).....an almost visceral disdain of Europe---no stamina or determination? Yeah that hurts. But I was intrigued by his view of Russia. No love is shown but a grudging appreciation of their pragmatism.
What does this show?
Everyone in the Middle East, including our friends...HATE weakness.
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