Putin, Obama to Meet During UN General Assembly Session on September 28

In an interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes”, Putin said he believes the only solution to fighting terrorism in Syria is through strengthening “effective government structures”. That means, according to RUSI, Russian Federation is liable to harm al-Qaeda, which is now a “bad thing”.

The jockeying underscored the delicacy of the meeting at a time of great tension between Washington and Moscow over conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. The U.S. seems to be increasingly on board with that, with former Gen. David Petraeus openly endorsing al-Qaeda as the United States ally of choice.

Officials said that they are keeping a close eye on all Russian military moves although Russia has not flown any combat missions using jets or helicopters in Syria as of the moment.

The White House doesn’t accept every Putin request because history has shown that the Russian leader doesn’t always follow through on the promises he makes during such meetings.

Kerry had not wanted to discuss Syria at the same time as the negotiations on an Iran nuclear deal, which concluded in July, because he didn’t want Tehran to think it could trade concessions on Syria, US officials said. Diplomats say the meeting is critical for a better understanding of Russia’s intentions.

There has been growing impetus among world powers to end the conflict, which has killed more than 220,000 people and displaced millions.

However, the sticking point remains Putin’s alliance with Assad.

Vladimir Krasnov and Alexei Stolyarov, also called “Lexus”, soon came forward and told BBC and Komsomolskaya Pravda, a Russian newspaper, that they were the ones who tricked the British singer.

No doubt, the talks are going to be one of the most significant events of the year because the two leaders are expected to discuss Russia’s proposal to create a new coalition in the Middle East to fight Islamic terrorists.

“The USA and Russia share two interests [in Syria]; the lasting defeat of ISIL and a political transition from the [Bashar] Assad regime that preserves and begins to restore the country“, Carter told reporters while recalling his telephone call with his Russian counterpart.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter says the U.S.is willing to work with Russian forces in Syria but it must be on American terms.