04-07-2017 (Photo: 2016: Sisi discussed with both US presidential candidates the importance of combatting the Islamic State group) http://JohnBatchelorShow.com/contact http://JohnBatchelorShow.com/schedules http://johnbatchelorshow.com/blog Twitter: @BatchelorShow

Sisi of Egypt and the balancing act between Trump and Syria. @EricTrager19 @WashInstitute Malcolm Hoenlein @Confofpres.

In an interview with FOX News Channel's Bret Baier Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi praised President Trump and talked about the ongoing crisis in Syria. The Egyptian leader said he fully trusts "the capability" of the U.S. president.

El-Sisi also addressed the "vacuum" left by the Obama administration that was filled by Russia in the Middle East. El-Sisi agreed that Obama enabled Russia to take a greater role in the Middle East and the region is now paying a price.

From Wednesday's broadcast of Special Report on FNC:

BRET BAIER, FOX NEWS "SPECIAL REPORT" HOST: I guess my question is about Russia's actions inside Syria, obviously, could they be inside Libya? And what's your overall perception of Russia in the region? I know you've had some interaction with Russia and Vladimir Putin.

ABDEL FATTAH EL-SISI, EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT: Regarding Russia, I always said when there is attacks and when there is a treatment of the extremists, and I always insist on calling it extremist groups, and I always say clearly who brought the elements and extremist groups from all over the world and made them available in Syria? Who did that?

Did the Syrian regime bring them there? We have to speak in clear terms and honest. And we have to speak with one face as we confront terrorism.

BAIER: And you think Russia is doing that?

EL-SISI: In all case -- Russia has interests in Syria and the region. And I think they are defending their interests.

BAIER: Do you think that the vacuum left by the Obama administration enabled Russia to take a greater foothold in your region?

EL-SISI: In fact many things over the last four years occurred and caused many, many problems. That's a fact. The region is paying a very heavy price for that, not just Syria. The entire region is paying that price.

BAIER: And you hope to turn that around with the U.S. or without the U.S.?

EL-SISI: It can't happen without them.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2017/04/06/el-sisiobamaleftvacuumforrussiamiddleeastnowpayingthe_price.html