US lauds moves to destroy Syria chemical arsenal, praises Assad

 'Assad told a German magazine he would not negotiate with rebels until they laid down their arms, and said his most powerful ally Russia supported his government more than ever.'

 Russia seems to have its own problems:

 'On September 1, while speaking to students at the Far East Federal University, Putin announced the transition to a policy of austerity and reduced social spending. “The world economy has slumped a bit, and ours is hunkering down behind it,” the president said in his typical manner by way of explaining the upcoming unpopular measures.'
[http://therussianreader.wordpress.com/…/ovsyannikov-russia…/]