FOR ANYONE raised in the Cold War, events in Europe are beginning to sound familiar.
First, perhaps, was the United States’ decision to place anti-missile missiles in Poland, against strong protests by Russia, which said the missiles were both an insult and a threat.
Then Russia sent troops into disputed areas in the sovereign nation of Georgia, bombing military installations in Georgia itself. After an agreement was reached on a cease-fire, Russia began to drag its feet on withdrawing its troops.
Russia has responded to European protests against the incursion into Georgia by threatening to cut off supplies of Russian gas and oil to Western Europe. If Russia follows through on that threat, it could be a cold and unprofitable winter for Germany, and for other nations as well.
Vice President Dick Cheney, visiting Georgia, has accused Russia of brutality in its attack. The Russian government has responded by suggesting that it may decide to provide aid to Iran’s nuclear program. That program is already the target of international sanctions because of Iran’s apparent determination to develop nuclear weapons.
In short, the new Russia is behaving much like the old Soviet Union — trying to bully its way to a position of advantage against the rest of the world. And Russia is in a position to bully. It has re-established a strong central government in the wake of the breakup of the Soviet Union. It has a virtual lock on oil and gas production for the continent. It has a strong and well-equipped military, backed by a still sizeable nuclear arsenal.
Last week, the flagship of the U.S. Mediterranean Fleet sat in a Georgian harbor, unloading tons of humanitarian supplies. At an outpost three miles from the dock, Russian troops kept a close eye on the operation. The Russian message was clear: We are here. We can stay as long as we like. And we can stop you any time we want to.
Relations between Washington and Moscow have not been this tense since the Cuban missile crisis.
It is apparent that Vladimir Putin and his handpicked president are longing for a return to the bad old days.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice began her career in Washington as an expert on the Soviet Union. That knowledge may be useful again.
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Excellent analysis, Pat. Condi's only there for a few more months, though. I doubt Russia will bother with settling anything for awhile. Our next Administration will definitely inherit a situation. I just hope Americans appreciate how serious this could possibly turn out to be.
September 8, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I'm not perfectly sure about the timelines, but earlier this year (Feb?) Russia was very upset about the US plan to place missiles in Poland. It was an ongoing deal that Russia opposed. Russia attacked Georgia on August 8th or thereabouts, and then Poland actually signed the missile defense deal on Aug 20 (probably spurned on by the Russian invasion). I think the other east bloc nations such as Czech are hurrying to do a deal with the US, fearful of Russia invading them next.
FYI - MSNBC just replace Olbermann & Matthews as anchors due to their inability to report neutrally during the conventions. Posted the story on the other thread....
September 8, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
The Jerusalem Post reports that February 1 is the date that Poland and the US agreed "in principle" that the US would help Poland strengthen her medium range missile system.
Aug. 20 was when the deal was actually signed, yes.
Thanks for the FYI on Olbermann and Mathews, openeyes.
September 9, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Your welcome, create. Has anyone seen any timeline for roughly when the missiles are slated to be actually deployed? That is when things might really start getting dicey.....
September 9, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )