Perle Predicts Putin Will Be 'More Aggressive' as Russian Economy Deteriorates

Russian President Vladimir Putin will likely become more aggressive as the Russian economy deteriorates, as is often the case with "totalitarians and dictators," former assistant Secretary of Defense Richard Perle told Newsmax TV Friday.

"It's among, other things, a way of rallying people [and] taking their mind off the economic problems they're facing, so I expect he will behave even worse," Perle said Friday on "The Steve Malzberg Show."

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But the "only bright spot" in the picture, Perle said, is that Russia and Iran "and some other doubtful characters like the Venezuelans" will be adversely affected by drastically dropping low energy prices coming as a result of Saudi Arabia increasing its oil production.

"Without that, you would have even more money at the disposal of Mr. Putin and the Ayatollahs to Iran," said Perle. "We should be [grateful] for small things."

Meanwhile, Perle said, Arizona Sen. John McCain is "absolutely correct" in his assessment that Russia is engaging in "diplomacy in the service of military aggression," when it comes to the deal for a temporary truce in Syria.

"It's even a little worse because it will undoubtedly be violated and because the Russians will continue to attack those opponents of the regime that we are inclined to support," said Perle. "They offer the best prospect for ending this conflict eventually without the worse characters coming to power and without [Syrian leader Bashar al-] Assad remaining."

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