Putin Hopes For Closer U.S-Russia Ties

It is no surprised that President Putin is hopeful for a change in U.S.-Russia relations with the election of Donald Trump’s administration. On Thursday, Putin reached out to Donald Trump in a nationally televised address in hopes of gaining U.S. support Russia’s fight to ending international terrorism – in their eyes. The Kremlin has expressed its preparedness to work with the new Trump Administration, stressing that “it is important to normalize ties and begin to develop a bilateral relationship”. Coming from 8 years of an Obama administration, Putin’s foreign policy, specifically in Ukraine and Crimea, have seen serious push back. This is even more reason for Putin to be excited at the hopes of a unprepared Trump, who seemingly is ready to have closer ties, perhaps economically, with Russia. According to the Economist, Putin spoke on the phone with Trump, expressing similar hopes as he did in his televised address.

If fighting international terrorism with Russia was as simple as Putin proposed, the United States would already be onboard. Simple is not the word to be used in describing Russia’s stance on terrorism, especially if it is to attempt to work with Republicans. Putin’s fight in Syria is complex, as he has allied himself with both Iran and the Iranian-back Shiite militia, Hezbollah, a fierce advocate for Palestine. This will prove a difficult position for Republicans, who are strongly pro-Israel. In addition to having complicated alliances, Russia has come under international criticism for its bombing of Syrian civilians and hospitals. In the conflict with Syria, Russia and the U.S have taken very different sides, with Russia backing Assad’s regime and the U.S supporting and arming Syrian rebel groups who hope to unseat Assad. The definition of terrorist is also something the U.S and Russia fail to agree on, Putin considers those fighting Assad as the real terrorist.

The Trump administration must take a strong stance in terms of its relation to the Kremlin and Putin. If the U.S were to support Russian efforts in Syria, which is highly unlikely, it will pose as a huge concern for stability in the Middle East, as well as the U.S relation with Israel.