Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, when the United States won the Cold War, Russians and Americans have consistently been less than amiable towards one another. Their plans for economic viability are greatly varied, as well as their thoughts over global disputes. While both countries attempt to hit the “reset” button on their relationship, their thoughts on the causes are drastically different, making it a particularly uneasy battle to solve.
In the 1990s, the United States had great hopes that Russia would develop into the Western, free-market, democratic, country that the United States was. This quickly collapsed due to mutual disappointment and unraveled priorities (1). Russia and the United States are entitled to their differences, however, the list is overwhelming on global schematics. The U.S. and Russia have disputes over Iraq and Iran, Ballistic Missile treaties and defense, pipelines and politics, etc. It seems as though Cold War tensions have never really been resolved, and, with Russia’s invasion of Georgia during the presidential campaign of 2008, it seems as though Russia might really be “testing the waters.”
Russia isn’t among the top 3 contenders in the world-wide scale of macro-economics, politics, or military strength. The country is not currently a “hot topic” so to speak in the media, nor did they even manage to surpass the United States in the Medal Count in the 2010 Winter Olympics. The country is not planning a nuclear missile attack on the United States (that we know of) and is not creating deplorable human rights violations within our control. So why then, is a healthy relationship between the United States and Russia so desirable?
With risky involvement in the Middle East, it is vital – for America – to have as many alliances as possible. Experts urged America, in the Huffington Post in March of 2009, to genuinely seek Russia’s cooperation in dealing with Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Members of Congress suggested the participation of Russia in a missile defense system in Europe, which, Russians felt, might also be targeted against their homeland (2). Although President Dmitry Medvedev was quoted that Russia might support sanctions against Iran, not all of Russia’s administration is on board. It’s extraordinarily important for the United States to have Russia “on their side.” With threats all across the Middle East, America and the U.N. need as much support as possible.
The Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, and Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, agree that “Threats, sanctions, and threats of pressure in the current situation [against Iran] would be counter-productive.” It doesn’t help, in addition, that the U.S. media is constantly hounding Moscow’s human rights violations. As far as nuclear relations go with Iran, Russia is very deeply involved, causing yet another setback in reaching an agreement over the European Missile Defense System (3).
References:
1. Bremmer, Ian; Kliment, Alexander. Can the United States Truly Press Reset Button with Russia ? I Have Net Online. http://www.ihavenet.com/Can-United-States-Truly-Press-Reset-Button-With-Russia-Ian-Bremmer-Alexander-Kliment.html
2. Schweid, Barry. Russian-American Relations “Deeply Troubled”. The Huffington Post. 2009. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/16/russian-american-relation_n_175543.html
3. Kucera, Joshua. Despite Obama Concessions Russia Remains Unhelpful on Iran. I Have Net Online. http://www.ihavenet.com/Despite-Obama-Concessions-Russia-Remains-Unhelpful-on-Iran.html
Saturday, March 6, 2010
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