Chairman Poe on the hearing: “Russia has targeted ISIS and al-Qaeda-linked militants in Syria since 2015, yet their backing of the Assad regime, indiscriminate bombing, and support for Iranian-aligned Shiite militias raises the question: is Moscow doing more harm than help in the fight against international terrorism? The Kremlin has long had a mixed relationship with terrorism, from combating Chechen militants operating within its own borders to backing violent separatist in its neighboring countries. This hearing will allow Members to learn more about Russia’s relationship with terrorism and delve into the policy debate surrounding whether or not the United States can and should look for a helping hand from Moscow in our fight against terrorism.”

Chairman Rohrabacher on the hearing: “Our country, the United States, is faced by adversaries who wish us harm. As recent events in New York again reminded us, radical violent Islamism continues to target America. Likewise, the people of Russia have also suffered from the consequences of violent Islamism. To the extent possible, common interest between the US and Russia to fight these forces should continue to encourage common actions.” 

Opening Statements

Full text of Chairman Ted Poe’s opening statement


Witnesses

Colin P. Clarke, Ph.D.
Political Scientist
RAND Corporation
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]

Svante Cornell, Ph.D.
Senior Fellow for Eurasia
Director of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
American Foreign Policy Council
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]

Mr. Simon Saradzhyan
Director of the Russia Matters Project
Assistant Director of U.S.-Russia Initiative to Prevent Nuclear Terrorism
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Harvard Kennedy School
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]

Michael Carpenter, Ph.D.
Nonresident Senior Fellow
Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center
Atlantic Council
Senior Director of the Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement
University of Pennsylvania
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]

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Hearing transcript (PDF)