US-Russia Clash Intensifies in Fiery UN Debate on Syria

Published at: December 4, 2024 5:01 AM

Updated at: December 4, 2024 6:53 AM

Tensions Escalate Between US and Russia in Heated UN Debate on Syria's Conflict

At a United Nations Security Council session on Tuesday, the United States and Russia exchanged sharp and pointed accusations, each blaming the other for fostering terrorism amid the ongoing intensification of conflict in Syria. The debate comes in the wake of a significant escalation in the Syrian civil war, following the capture of Aleppo by Syrian rebels, led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS).

HTS, which spearheaded the offensive in Aleppo last week, is a terrorist group designated by both the United States and the United Nations. Formerly known as the Nusra Front, it was once the official Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda before breaking ties with the group in 2016. Despite this, HTS remains a significant force in the region and has been accused of committing atrocities against civilians, further complicating the already volatile situation.

The sharp exchange began when Robert Wood, the Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, called for an urgent de-escalation of hostilities in Syria and stressed the importance of protecting civilians caught in the conflict. Wood raised concerns about HTS’s involvement in the recent rebel offensives, highlighting the group's designation as a terrorist organization by both the US and the UN. However, Wood also took the opportunity to criticize the Syrian government, led by President Bashar Al-Assad, and its Russian allies for continuing their assault on civilian infrastructure.

“The fact that HTS is listed as a terrorist organisation by the US and UN does not excuse the further atrocities committed by the Assad regime and its Russian allies,” Wood stated, condemning the deaths of civilians in Russian and Syrian government attacks on schools and hospitals.

Russia’s response, led by Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, was immediate and pointed. In his speech, Nebenzia directly challenged Wood’s position, accusing the United States of failing to address the reality of terrorism in Syria. “You lacked the courage to condemn an obvious terrorist assault targeting peaceful civilians in tranquil Syrian cities,” Nebenzia remarked, referring to the recent actions of rebel forces under HTS's leadership.

Nebenzia further criticized the US for what he perceived as its hypocrisy in tackling terrorism, claiming that Washington had never genuinely opposed international terrorism. "There is no expectation that the United States will ever genuinely fight against international terrorism. To be honest, we are glad to be on the opposite side of the barricades from you,” Nebenzia said.

In a strong counter, Wood fired back, asserting that the Russian ambassador was in "no position to lecture" the United States on combating terrorism. He accused Russia of enabling regimes that perpetuate global terrorism, particularly in Syria, where Moscow has been a key ally of Assad’s government. “The United States has fought the menace of terrorism for decades and will continue to do so,” Wood stated, reaffirming the US commitment to counterterrorism efforts.

The exchange between the two diplomats underscores the deepening rift between the US and Russia over Syria, with both sides accusing each other of fueling instability and violence in the region. The debate highlights the complex and ongoing geopolitical struggle in Syria, where local, regional, and international actors all play pivotal roles in the conflict.