WASHINGTON (Sputnik), Leandra Bernstein — In recent months, Trump has called for a better relationship between the United States and Russia, stating that he could work with Russian President Vladimir Putin from the White House. In December, Putin welcomed Trump’s call for deepening US-Russian relations and praised the candidate as a “bright” and “talented” individual.
“I think obviously Trump's ideas on Syria are misguided and dangerous,” Miller said when asked about US presidential campaign rhetoric that concerned him.
At a rally in September, Trump suggested that because of Russia’s established presence in Syria, the United States should let the Russian forces take the lead in fighting the Islamic State in Syria.
Miller, who served under President Barack Obama and indicated he is giving defense policy advice to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, said he hopes that international leaders “discount the statements made among a large number of candidates” in the run-up to the 2016 election.
The former official noted that among US allies and partners “the concern is, why is this guy [Trump] making so much continued headway in our political race?”