White House looks to tamp down tensions with Russia over Syria

[Cyber Liberty]

By Jonathan Easley - 06/19/17 02:30 PM EDT

The White House responded Monday to Moscow’s threat to treat planes in the U.S.-led coalition in Syria as targets, saying the escalating rhetoric over Syria is unhelpful and that the U.S. preserves the right to defend itself.

“The escalation of hostility among all of the factions operating there doesn’t help anybody,” White House press secretary Sean Spicer said. “So making sure people understand we want to deescalate the situation there … and understand we’ll always preserve the right of self-defense.”

Read more at The Hill:  http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/338450-white-house-looks-to-tamp-down-tensions-with-russia-over-syria