Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright offered rare praise for President Trump Wednesday for recognizing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a foe rather than a friend.
But Albright, who served former President Bill Clinton, implored the Trump administration to put together a comprehensive strategy to deal with the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Syria.
“Well, I have to say I agree with President Trump in his description of Putin. There’s no question that he has been culpable in this. But the thing that I’m concerned about is, as far as I can tell, there is no strategy,” Albright told CNN, referring to Saturday’s suspected chemical attack on the rebel-held city of Douma, Syria, which killed 40 people and injured 500 more. The U.S. suspects the Syrian government, propped up by the Kremlin, to be behind the incident.
“I do think we are facing a very serious situation, but at least the president has recognized that Putin is not a friend,” Albright added.
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright commends President Trump for recognizing that “Putin is not a friend,” but says the US needs a strategy for Syria: “As far as I can tell, there is no strategy” pic.twitter.com/I1DUGX8m29
— New Day (@NewDay) April 11, 2018
Her comments followed a series of tweets from the president Wednesday in which he warned Russia that it should not have partnered with “gas killing animal” Bashar Assad, Syria’s president.
“Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!” Trump wrote on Twitter.
The Trump administration is still weighing how and when to respond to the poisonous gas attack, which will likely be coordinated with British and French allies.
