Speaking to reporters on the Muslim holiday of Eid, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said: "The government shutdown in Washington is a good step in the right direction. The international community should support the creation of a new, transitional government in America in this tough crisis. Syria and her people stand behind such efforts. We hope that Republicans and Democrats can settle their differences, and come together around the creation of a new government that serves the American people better."
Immediately after Assad's explosive remarks, Secretary of State John Kerry countered with his own statements, calling for a transitional government in Syria.
