So the long-rumored deed is done: American has decided that the anti-missile shield, parts of which were to be built in Poland and the Czech Republic – is best set aside for other considerations. When one get’s past all the bravado and one-upmanship of foreign affairs, what impact will it have on Russian behavior?
This editorial from Russia’s Gazeta newspaper, notably owned in part by Mikhail Gorbachev, suggests to the Kremlin and its reliable stable of party-line yes men that it’s time to return the favor to Washington by helping on the Iran issue and toning down the anti-American rhetoric.
The Gazeta editorial says in part:
“If in the case of Washington giving up its missile defense project in Europe we are truly dealing with a ‘new pragmatism,’ then Russia should respond to America with reciprocity – at least on the Iran issue. And it should also build its own foreign policy on rational rather than emotional or ideological grounds.
“America’s anticipated rejection of plans to deploy elements of its defense missile system in Poland and the Czech Republic is naturally regarded by Russia as a major foreign policy victory. On one pro-Kremlin Web site, material on the topic is appropriately titled: “The Evil Has Receded.” … The victory, however, was won not primarily over the American military, but over pro-American politicians in Eastern Europe.”
“It would be quite appropriate to at least soften the anti-American rhetoric (for the authorities to abandon it altogether now, after years of brainwashing, is probably too much to expect). We can politely support Western pressure on Iran, which, setting aside abstract theories of a ‘clash of civilizations,’ presents a real headache along Russia’s Southern borders.
EDITORIAL
Translated By Yekaterina Blinova
September 18, 2009
Russia – Gazeta – Original Article (Russian)
If in the case of Washington giving up its missile defense project in Europe we are truly dealing with a “new pragmatism,” then Russia should respond to America with reciprocity – at least on the Iran issue. And it should also build its own foreign policy on rational rather than emotional or ideological grounds.
America’s anticipated rejection of plans to deploy elements of its defense missile system in Poland and the Czech Republic is naturally regarded by Russia as a major foreign policy victory. On one pro-Kremlin Web site, material on the topic is appropriately titled: “The Evil Has Receded.”
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