Sen. Cardin ‘skeptical’ on ceasefire in Syria

A ceasefire now in effect in Syria is the latest attempt led by the U.S. and Russia to bring some quiet in the five-and-a-half year civil war.

The deal, brokered by the U.S. and Russia, calls for a halt to the violence between the Syrian regime and rebel forces. Secretary of State John Kerry says the cease-fire appears to be off to a good start.

“The earliest reports are that there’s some reduction in violence as well as view reports of fighting here and there, though it is far too early to draw any definitive conclusions, and I’m not drawing any definitive conclusions,” explains Kerry.

If the accord holds for seven days, Russia and the U.S. will reportedly start discussing military options for targeting ISIS and Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham, previously known as the Al Kusra front.

The two terror groups are not covered by the agreement, CNN reports. Military operations against them are expected to be used during the ceasefire. 

Also speaking out about this, is U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. The senator for Maryland and ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee says he welcomes the announcement, citing the scale of suffering and scope of war as deplorable.

In a statement, Sen. Cardin also warns in part “I am skeptical that Russia is both willing and capable of grounding Bashar al-Assad’s air force or working productively for a return to political talks.  If Russia does not take these steps, I cannot support counterterrorism cooperation with them.”

Cardin also adds the U.S. needs to test the premise that Russia can deliver on its commitments.