Pentagon skeptical about proposal to work with Russia

By Kasim Ileri

WASHINGTON

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Thursday cautiously addressed a report that claimed the Obama administration has proposed cooperation with Russia in Syria.

A Washington Post article claimed President Barack Obama has approved a proposal to work with Moscow to deepen military cooperation in Syria against radical groups such as al-Nusra Front in exchange for Russia’s pressure on the regime of Bashar al-Assad to stop bombing U.S.-backed rebels.

The article said Carter is skeptical about the proposal because he believes Russia has failed to keep its commitments.

During a press conference at the Pentagon, the top defense official tried to avoid questions regarding the article.

“If the Russians would do the right thing in Syria, and that's an important condition, as in all cases with Russia, we're willing to work with them,” Carter said.

He said Russia “got off on the wrong foot in Syria” when it attacked opposition forces and civilians after it said it intervened in the war-torn country to help the political transition and fight terror groups to keep the country together.

He noted that diplomatic talks with Russia, led by Secretary of State John Kerry, are aimed at pushing Russia to follow through on its stated intentions.

“If we can get them to that point, that's a good thing,” he said.

The U.S. has a Memorandum of Understanding with Russia for the safe operation of aircraft above Syria.

Russia also agreed not to fly above areas in Syria where U.S. Special Forces are operating.

According to the Post, the Obama administration has proposed identifying certain no-strike zones for the Syrian regime and Russia, where opposition forces are operating.

Carter characterized business with Russia in Syria as “a professional relationship” to ensure the safety of U.S forces but did not disclose whether there will be cooperation on targeting certain groups in Syria such as al-Nusra and al-Qaeda affiliates.

In an email to Anadolu Agency, State Department spokesman John Kirby said it is in the U.S interest to address the Assad regime’s compliance with the cessation of hostilities deal signed in February and the threat posed by al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria.

Although he did not confirm that the U.S. and Russia reached an agreement, he did not delve into the specifics of the alleged proposal, saying: “We are looking at a number of measures to address both of these issues, while also accelerating the fight against ISIL.”