Assad: Russian failure in Syria would 'destroy' Mideast

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad warned the success of Russia's military intervention in his war-torn country was vital for the entire Middle East, as Moscow ramped up its bombing campaign Sunday. Russian raids against what Moscow says are Islamic State group targets took place for a fifth day despite accusations in the West that the strikes are mainly targeting moderate opponents of the regime. "The alliance between Russia, Syria, Iraq and Iran must succeed or else the whole region will be dest