Posted on 11/21/2016 10:24:39 AM PST by BenLurkin
By all accounts, the relationship over the past two years has been dreadful. The Ukraine crisis gave way to the worst period in U.S.-Russia relations since the end of the Cold War, resulting in mutual sanctions, aggressive military exercises, bellicose rhetoric, the possibility of a military confrontation in Syria, and a total breakdown in communication and cooperation....
... Trump’s pre-election position on Russia took everyone by surprise last July when he said: “Wouldn't it be a great thing if we could actually get along with Russia?”
...
Trump’s overarching world view, based on national interests, is seen, paradoxically, as being more predictable for Russia than the liberalism of Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. Whereas the latter emphasize value-based issues like the humanitarian imperative and the support of civil society and democratic movements, Trump appears to be a devoted realist, willing to cooperate on matters of mutual interest.
When looking at the history of the U.S.-Russia relationship, partnership based on mutual interests seems to be a lot more successful than partnership based on mutual values.
...
Skeptics say that Trump’s more farfetched positions - such as his stance on Russia, may be moderated by his future advisors once he reaches the White House. ...As reiterated most recently by Obama, the U.S. President doesn’t single-handedly determine U.S. foreign policy; it is influenced by diplomats, intelligence officers, and military officials, which provides for a strategic continuity that goes beyond administrations.
The seriousness of the task of restoring relations was not lost on the Kremlin.
"An atmosphere of mutual trust takes years to achieve. It's not possible to just declare that there is an atmosphere of mutual trust, especially after such serious damage was done in the last few years to our relations" said Peskov.
(Excerpt) Read more at russia-direct.org ...
Hillary brought them a reset button....so why is this like some new idea.
Just a possibility.
Possibly it’s relief at not having to deal with someone who has already been bought and paid for by the Muslim Brotherhood? Just a thought.
Interests trump values every time.
Values are actually extremely variable characteristics of what goes to make up the whole persona of either an individual or a nation as a whole, while interests have this amazing capability of being much more consistent. What is held to be a “value” in one time or in one set of circumstances may have to be totally reversed over time, or as the circumstances change. Interests as overall objectives change little over time, and even in adversity, tend to be held closely.
I think it has to do with Trump being in a position where he barely squeaked out a win in the election. If Trump does something really wrong, he is toast for re-election, so he has every reason to stay an arm’s length from Russia.
Because Putin sees that Trump is an alpha male, and that he too sees what a threat izlam is.
Because they, unlike our Neo-Con dinosaurs, realize the Cold War is over and the new global problem is Islamic Terrorism.
Complete BS.
Maybe because they don’t want to be the only super power fighting The Caliphate
If we can scratch the Bear’s back and the Bear can mind its manners, we can form quite the mercantile enterprise. I see some hope in it. They’ve got a lot that we can use, and we’ve got a lot that they can use. As long as it’s win-win, we win (I know that’s a truism, but sometimes truisms are useful).
Maintaining solid relationships with friends and respectful relationships with ambiguous parties is good business for people and nations alike. It’s pathetic how many losers in Washington never figured out something like this that should be obvious.
Hillary was going to lead us to the brink of nuclear war. Trump will work with them against ISIS.
This is my thought. And also Trump acknowledges Putin’s leadership strength as well as Trump is more of a nationalist as is Putin. I think Putin is looking forward to sparring with another alpha nationalist and fighting the mutual enemy.
Because nobody can be as bad at foreign policy as Obama. Trump can only be an improvement. The Russians are relieved to see that the grown ups are back in charge in America.
Could it be that simple? It could be.
But the if they win too then our win is limited.
He didn’t squeak out a win....he beat her handily.
Because he seems to be a fan of the nation state. That is the cornerstone of Russian national policy. All of our conflicts with Russia are because they will not willingly cede control of their internal policies and economy to the New York/Brussels/London axis. Trump is also respectful.
Simple as that.
I am still hopeful that we have a Jack Ryan lite in DJT.
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