Nonproliferat Subcommittee on Terrorism

Russia Nonproliferat Subcommittee on Terrorism

In 2015, Russia began a military intervention in Syria claiming it was waging war on ISIS and international terrorism. To some, this was welcome news. It seemed that there may be a rare moment of cooperation between former Cold War foes. Moscow and Washington would be able to work together to combat terrorism. This was fantasy. Moscow's actions in Syria has shown it is more interested in saving the brutal Assad regime than fighting ISIS. To accomplish this goal, the Kremlin partnered with Iran and its terrorist proxies to suppress Syrians calling for democracy. While Moscow certainly has killed some known terrorists and helped reduce territory controlled by ISIS, it has also strengthened other terrorists. Its reckless methods and support for Assad the butcher destroyed any chance of Russia being an effective counterterrorism partner with us. Russia's indiscriminate bombing has targeted hospitals, schools, convoys, and rescue crews, like the heroic White Helmets. Its campaign of terror drove once moderate Syrians to embrace extremist groups that also fight Assad and his backers. Despite our success in retaking key ISIS strongholds, Russian officials claim the U. S. supports ISIS and consistently threatens our forces in Syria. Putin is laying the foundation for chronic instability in this vital part of the world. Moscow cannot be our partner so long as it continues to enable the terrorist state Iran, prop up Assad, arm Israel's foes, and contribute to the slaughter and misery of millions of Syrians.