Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says that his government is being kept informed about the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State by third parties like Iraq, but is only hearing "a general message...nothing tactical."
In an interview with the BBC, Assad said he would never join the coalition because "we cannot be in an alliance with countries which support terrorism." The Syrian government often says that both jihadists and members of the political opposition are "terrorists." He wouldn't speak with American officials either, "because they don't talk to anyone, unless he's a puppet." Assad also denies that government forces are dropping barrel bombs on areas held by rebels, calling the allegation a "childish story." Watch the entire interview below. —Catherine Garcia
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