(Pics) Syria crisis: US criticizes Russia's role

Damascus, Feb 18: The civil war in Syria has set an example of a fallout on the part of humanity, destroying lives and livelihood. It has not affected the country alone, but also the neighboring countries and the ties that the superpowers share with each other. U.S for instance has intensified its criticism for Russia for its role in tearing apart the country.

The U.S Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday attacked the Kremlin saying that it is not allowing any peaceful negotiation within the state and is multiplying the tension by "contributing weapons" and political support to President al-Assad.

Kerry said in Indonesia,"They're, in fact, enabling Assad to double down, which is creating an enormous problem," before flying down to UAE, a Gulf state which is a strong supporter of the Syrian opposition.

The criticism intended at Russia underlined the eroding relation that USA shares with Syria. This also raises doubts on US's diplomatic strategy to resolve the matter. Moreover, the Obama-led government is reluctant to interfere with the crisis as Assad threatened to eliminate the chemical arsenal. Meanwhile, Barack Obama fears that the long-arduous war may turn into a prolonged fight.

In fact, it is considering paying salaries to some of the rebel forces and providing more intelligence and transportation. (Read)

In Abu Dhabi

Secretary of State John Kerry meets with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Mena Palace in Abu Dhabi, Monday, Feb. 17, 2014.

In Aleppo

This photo provided by the anti-government activist group Aleppo Media Center (AMC), which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Syrian men helping a survivor out of a destroyed building after a Syrian forces warplanes attacked Masaken Hanano neighborhood, in Aleppo, Syria, Monday, Feb. 17, 2014. The Western-backed Free Syrian Army has appointed a new military chief, opposition groups announced Monday as they try to restructure a rebel movement that has fallen into disarray as it faces rampant infighting and declining international support for its fight to topple President Bashar Assad.

In Aleppo

n anti-Bashar Assad activist group, and authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, a Syrian man, top left, tried to extinguish a fire with a bucket of water at shops following a Syrian government forces warplane attack, at al-Bab neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014. Syrian military helicopters dropped barrels packed with explosives on rebel-held areas of the northern city of Aleppo on Saturday, killing at least a dozen of people including a family trapped in a car, as government forces inched closer to opposition-held areas.

In Aleppo

an anti-Bashar Assad activist group which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Syrian rescue workers check the rubble of a destroyed building which was attacked by Syrian forces warplanes.

In Aleppo

Syrian rebel groups battled one another Monday for control of a provincial capital, part of a vicious round of score settling targeting an al-Qaida affiliate that gained stature fighting President Bashar Assad but alienated many by imposing strict Islamic law.