WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama warned Friday that Russia’s military engagement in Syria in support of strongman Bashar al-Assad is a “recipe for disaster,” though Washington could still work with Moscow on reducing tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin “doesn’t distinguish between ISIL and a moderate Sunni opposition that wants to see Mr Assad go,” Obama told reporters, referring to the Islamic State group. “From their perspective. they’re all terrorists, and that’s a recipe for disaster.”—AFP