It's about time: US Views Russia as "Essential Diplomatic, Security Partner in Syria"

Remember, the Washington Post -- and David Ignatius -- are conduits for U.S. Department of State views.

(Sputnik Jan 14, 2016)  The American political and military leadership seems to be warming up to the idea of working together with Russia to bring an end to the Syrian conflict, which, as Moscow has repeatedly stated, can only be resolved through multilateral efforts.

When it comes to the war-torn Arab country, Russia, according to American journalist [and Washington Post columnist] David Ignatius, "is emerging as an essential diplomatic and security partner for the United States."

The Obama administration officials consider working with Moscow as "the best of a bad set of options," but understand that they "can't live without" Russian President Vladimir Putin when it comes to bringing lasting peace to Syria, he added in an opinion piece for the Washington Post.

Bilateral cooperation is already taking place despite differences, particularly with regard to President Bashar al-Assad and Syrian opposition groups.

On Wednesday, Putin and Obama discussed ways to resolve the Syrian crisis during what the Kremlin described as "a substantive discussion." Both leaders reaffirmed support for the UN-sponsored efforts, while the Russian leader repeated his call for creating a broad coalition against Daesh and other terrorist groups fighting in Syria.

Syria was also one of the key topics, which Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US State Secretary John Kerry discussed on Monday. The Russian top diplomat and his US counterpart are expected to meet next week for more talks on Syria.

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