Russia Fears Syrian Terrorists Could Hurt Them

Syria’s diverse rebellion has Al-Qaeda members fighting against the regime, and Putin noted that terrorists there pose a threat to his country and its neighbors. “Rebel groups [in Syria] did not arise out of thin air and are not going to stay put. The issue of terrorism spilling over from one country to another is real and can directly affect the interests of any of our countries,” Putin was quoted by RIA Novosti as saying.

Free Syrian Army soldier walking amongst rubble in Aleppo Putin was speaking to a meeting of former Soviet nations, including Russia, Armenia, Belarus and others. Putin noted terrorists can cross borders. While it may seem unlikely, a failed, collapsed Syria could be a breeding ground for terrorists much like Afghanistan was for Al-Qaeda. And even America wasn’t far enough away from that.

Putin, however, has suspicious motives for critiquing the Syrian rebels. Russia is one of the main friends of the Syrian regime and helps their cause by making all the rebels look bad. Some Syrian rebels are believed to be moderate and have been supported by the US and Europe.

Still, it’s a strong reminder that what happens in Syria may not stay in Syria.