US representative to the United Nations Nikki Haley says that the US is no longer prioritizing the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Ambassador Haley said yesterday US cannot necessarily focus on Assad the way that the previous administration did. <br/>'<br/>Under President Barack Obama, the US said Assad must go and backed the rebels fighting against him. But US resources shifted after the rise of the so-called Islamic state. Speaking during a visit to Turkey yesterday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Mr Assad's long-term future will be decided by the Syrian people. <br/>'<br/>A representative for the Syrian opposition called Mrs Haley's announcement unfortunate, adding that American representatives are sending contradicting messages. They clearly said Assad has no role in the transitional period. <br/>'<br/>President Donald Trump has vowed to work more closely with Russia, which has been supporting Mr Assad with its military might during the Syrian civil war.