U.S. Sends Moscow Suggestions For Improvement In Relations

by Joel Hendon⁽¹⁷⁰⁾ Red Star

President Barack Obama is to meet with Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev in London on April 1, prior to the G20 summit conference on April 2. In anticipation of this, the administration put together a list of suggestions in the form of a report to the Kremlin.

Articles which ran in the Kommersant daily newspaper and also in the Russian state newspaper Pravda explained much of what the report contained. They reported the title of the report as being, "The Right Direction for the U.S. Policy Towards Russia". And they added that it made a positive impression on the Kremlin. It may be a step in the right direction for better relations with Russia but that remains to be seen. I, for one, would be happy to see relationship improvement between our countries. There are some fundamental differences however, in the Russian culture and philosophy and that of this nations which must be fully understood and accepted by both.

The dissolution of the former Soviet Union has left many strained relationships between those nations who have pulled away and that of Russia. Several of those countries still maintain a close relationship with Russia, while some remain at serious odds with them. This places the U.S. in a precarious position, where all factors must be weighed with extreme care.

The Ukraine and Georgia governments are two very good examples. Both of these nations desire to be totally free and unaligned with Russia and have, heretofore, appealed to and been favored by the United States, for several reasons. They are strategically located to be of assistance to our security for one thing. They desire to become members of the NATO alliance, which is vehemently disapproved by Russia.

We offer below a few paragraphs from those Russian newspapers account of the contents of the report;

The report, which was prepared by the Commission for the US Policy Towards Russia, says the US determination to improve the relations with Russia is not a reward, which must be given to Moscow for its fine behavior on the international arena. It acknowledges the importance of cooperation with Russia because it could help the United States pursue its goals. The goals, which the USA seems to be unable to achieve without Russia, include the prevention of the Iranian nuclear program, the destruction of Al-Qaeda, the stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan and the provision of security in Europe.

The authors of the report believe that all previous US administrations did not understand Russia. Therefore, they wrote, the sitting US administration must improve its understanding of Russia's interests that way that the Russians see them.

In accordance with the report, the United States needs to revise its missile defense systems in Eastern Europe and develop a new approach as far as the potential Iranian nuclear threat was concerned. Secondly, the USA must find another way to show the support towards the pro-Western aspirations of the Ukrainian and the Georgian governments. The new administration also ought to resume its cooperation with Russia in the field of the anti-terrorist struggle and the proliferation of nuclear weapons, in order to develop a new treaty to replace the START Treaty. Finally, the USA will help Russia become a WTO member and will take efforts to cancel the Jackson-Vanik amendment.

And according to Pravda's account, the commission who wrote the report advised the administration to be more careful of it's criticism towards Russia's affairs such as it's civil rights at home.

It should be noted by my readers that The Russian papers are known for their embellishments and biased writings in favor of the Kremlin. So some of the things reported may be their version of what the report meant, rather than a verbatim quote. Following is the two final paragraphs from the Pravda account:

The commission also said that the United States must acknowledge the post-Soviet space the zone of Russia's special interests. The authors of the report said that America's strategic interests implied no domination of one separate country in Europe, Asia or in the Middle East.

At the same time, the report recommends the US government to support Europe's efforts aimed at the development of non-Russian sources of natural gas. Russia may choose an unacceptable way of development, the report said. Therefore, the United States must do its best not to push Russia towards such a decision, although America must be prepared to react to it, if it eventually happens.

The last two sentences in the last paragraph is confusing to me. I do not know what "unacceptable way of development" has reference to.

Russia has proven to be difficult to trust. On more than one occasion, they have feigned friendship with the U.S., only to undercut us in some other way. Perhaps they are like most people today, they have no regard for others. It is good to try and improve relationships between us, but we must never let our guard down. That is my view.

Webgazine Columnist.

Article submitted Saturday, March 21, 2009 & read 57 times.

Please log in to leave your comments.

» left by Gary W. Halsey Sr. (3 years 47 days ago.)

Joel, I have never, nor will I ever, trust Russia. They are appeasing as long as it benefits them, and they are not to be trusted. Their own newspapers do have a tendency to emblish on the truths to meet their needs. I am with you on this, although it is important to keep the piece between the two countries, and what other countries this may affect, should be approached with, with caution. I believe Patten had it right when he wanted to go in and kick their behinds while he was near the Russian borders. I personally think we should have let him, but I understand the "political reasons" why they (Washington) wouldn't let him...but he wanted to!!! Very well put together and informative well researched article that I really enjoyed reading....(Heck, I may learn something on Webgazine)!! Great job, your friend and fan....Gary.

» left by Joel Hendon (3 years 47 days ago.)

Thanks Gary, I believe we see this situation pretty much alike..There were times in the past when we had nuclear weapons and NO one else did. Like the instance you mention. Also when Macarthur wanted to take care of China during the Korean war. Truman fired him over it.. Macarthur was worth two of Truman.

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