Assad's Legitimacy Must Be Decided by Syrian People, Not US - McFaul

Syrian people, not the United States, must be the ones to decide on the legitimacy of the country's president, Bashar Assad, former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Syria has been gripped by a civil war since 2011. The country’s government is fighting a number of opposition forces, as well as radical Islamist militant organizations, including the Nusra Front and the Islamic State jihadist group.

The United States has been supporting what they label "moderate" rebel fighters in the country and have sought to remove Assad from power.

“I agree, [the issue of Assad’ legitimacy has to be resolved] in a free and fair election,” McFaul wrote on his Twitter, answering a question on US interference in Syrian internal affairs.

I agree, in a free and fair election. https://t.co/3S4Y5sVlbi

— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) 16 сентября 2015