Secretary of White House said State is trying to 'pressure ' Assad to talk . Administration has been calling for his removal for years . Softening stance comes alongside the rise of ISIS in Assad 's back yard . Syrian president has been in power 15 years and is presiding over civil war .
Secretary of State said White House is trying to 'pressure ' Assad to talk . Administration has been calling for his removal for years . Softening stance comes alongside the rise of ISIS in Assad 's back yard . Syrian president has been in power 15 years and is presiding over civil war .