Senator to Obama - Why is Cuba helping Russia in Syria?

Senator to Obama: Why is Cuba helping Russia in Syria?
By Jordain Carney

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wants to know whether President Obama has
confronted the Cuban government over its reported aid for Syrian
President Bashar Assad.

In light of Obama's decision to restore diplomatic ties with Cuba,
Grassley said it is "disconcerting" that the Castro government appears
to be siding with Russia in the the Syrian civil war.

"Press reports now indicate that hundreds of Cuban military personnel
are on the grounds in Syria, with the purpose of supporting Russia and
Iran in bolstering the Assad regime," the Senate Judiciary Committee
chairman wrote in a letter to Obama Friday.

"It's disconcerting that in light of your new relationship with Cuba,
the Castro regime has chosen to align with Russia and Iran in supporting
Assad in Syria."

Grassley's letter comes after Fox News reported that Cuban military
personnel are helping advise Syrian soldiers and training with Russians
inside of Syria.

The Iowa Republican asked Obama to detail any conversations the
administration has had with Cuban officials over the reported military
action, as well as any steps it will take in response.

"Just months after your 'historic step forward' the regime of Raúl
Castro has essentially thumbed its nose at the U.S. by aligning with
Russia, Iran and Assad," Grassley added, asking if the president is
"disappointed."

Grassley, like most Republicans, has been critical of Obama's decision
to restore diplomatic ties with Cuba. Republicans say the administration
should not look past the history of human rights abuses in Cuba, and
argue that easing restrictions on the country only rewards bad behavior.

The administration has repeatedly criticized Russia's military buildup
in Syria, with Obama dismissing Russian President Vladimir Putin's
strategy as "doomed to fail."

Republicans, and a growing number of Democrats, have suggested that the
administration should take a tougher stance against Moscow, accusing
Putin of targeting U.S.-backed Syrian rebels with airstrikes.

Source: Senator to Obama: Why is Cuba helping Russia in Syria? | TheHill
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http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/257162-key-goper-pushes-obama-on-cuban-involvement-in-syria