What's Good for Russia Is Good for America

NY Times ^ | 9/26/03 | Robert McFarlane

[STARWISE]

What's Good for Russia Is Good for America
By ROBERT McFARLANE

Published: September 26, 2003

MOSCOW ~~ As President Bush meets with President Vladimir Putin of Russia today and tomorrow at Camp David, he should take the opportunity to chart a new course for Russian-American relations. The logic for such a change is compelling, especially regarding United States interests in Iraq, and it is clear to Russian officials in both government and industry.

This new thinking is the product of several factors involving the common experience of Russia and the United States as victims of terrorism and a common interest in nurturing greater stability in the Middle East. The countries' complementary capacities could accelerate the rebuilding of Iraq and help to end the violence there.

Russia and the United States have had similar experiences with terrorism. Both countries have seen violence in their major cities: the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center and the attack by Chechen terrorists on a theater in Moscow a year ago. The shattering impact of these events galvanized in the United States and Russia a determination to counter the terrorist menace.

Russia was — and remains — very helpful in the American campaign against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. And whatever may have been their differences over how to deal with Saddam Hussein, President Putin agreed with President Bush that Saddam Hussein was a destabilizing influence in the Middle East.

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[STARWISE]

Makes sense .. let the rest of world beg to join the US and Russia, allied together in fighting terrorism and turning the tide of terrorism in Chechnya and the rest of the world. And, they've got tons of crude oil reserves just waiting for our technology and support. Would be a wonderful way to kiss-off OPEC's dominance and the U(nited)N(imkompoops). Sure hope Dubyah and divine intervention can soften Pootie's agenda and wake him up.

[STARWISE]

BTT PRAYERS for a productive and notable Camp David
Bush/Putin getogether.

[John Valentine]

This has been obvious for years. The only thing standing in the way has been internal Russian politics.

It may be that Russian politics is still in the way.

[LibKill]

The U.S. and Russia have some important mutual interests.

We are both in conflict with islamonutzi terrorists.

Still, caution in all dealings with Russia. Examine the fine print with a magnifying glass.

[JoeSchem]

Our experiences with Islamic terrorism are quite different than those of Russia. The Russians are imperializing Muslim territory. Prior to 9/11, the United States may have had Saudi Arabia as a client state but given the vast wealth of the Saudis, our relationship can hardly be termed an imperialist occupation.

[MJY1288]

By this time next year, Iraq will have written a Constitution and elections will be scheduled. The violence will have dropped off almost completely and the beginnings of a long and fruitful relationship with the Iraqi people will be born.

These disgraceful democrats like Ted Kennedy and the Ten Turds running for President, who are undermining our efforts in Iraq and calling our troops efforts a failure, will regret their words

[STARWISE]

On that .. I totally agree .. especially about the Dims .. but I feel it could only help if, by God's grace, Putin's heart and compassion were stirred so much by the uncertainty of our times that he was compelled be our very active and dependable partner in the world. The threat of terrorism and the obsession of our enemies to destroy us will remain for years, maybe decades .. IMHO.

[Princeliberty]

Yes Russia and America's interests are very much
together these todays.

A natural alliance should formed between US, Great Britian,
Japan, India and Russia. China, the Muslims and
EU are our common enemies whether we wish
to recognize that or not.

However, I must depart form some quarters love of Putin.
I think he little more than a thug. He is not
be trusted. However, just because Russia has bad
rulers does not change what their and ours natural
interests are today. Today they are very similar.

Interests change over time. That is something we
refuse to recognize Germany was our ally for
many decades and but that is no longer the case
but we refuse to accept that fact and pretend
nothing has changed.
In the cold war China was the Soviet Union's enemy
and therefore our ally.
However, today they are number 1# enemy.

Washington warned against habitual foundness or
hate for any nation. Our leaders has ignored
this along with almost everything else
the founders said to this nation's great peril.

[Cindy]

LINKS Of Interest...

An Interesting Discussion on FREEREPUBLIC.com regarding a September 19, 2003 AP article via THE CANADIAN PRESS, CANADA.COM: "NIGER'S LOW SECURITY FOR URANIUM, RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS UNDER SCRUTINY" (September 21, 2003) (Read More...)

INTERNATIONAL NEWS ANALYSIS -- TODAY by Toby Westerman: "GOOD PUTIN, BAD PUTIN" (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Russia's foreign policy consistently favors nations overtly hostile to the United States, and its economic and political system. Communist China, Cuba, North Korea, the pro-Marxist government of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, and the Islamic Republic of Iran are all close friends of the Putin regime.") (September 24, 2003) Read More...)

ALBAWABA.com: "RUSSIA: NO NEED TO HALT CONSTRUCTION OF NUCLEAR PLANT IN IRAN" (September 16, 2003) (Read More...)

CNS NEWS.com: "RUSSIA NOT BUDGING ON IRANIAN NUCLEAR COOPERATION" by Sergei Blagov (September 2, 2003) (Read More...)

TAJIKISTAN ONLINE FORUM: "ANALYSIS: THE CLERGY'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM" by Roozbeh Farahanipour -"Posted by SadeghSaleh on September 28, 2003" (Read More)

CNS NEWS.com: "IRAN ALREADY IN BREACH OF NUKE TREATY, US OFFICIAL SAYS" by Mike Wendling (September 9, 2003) (Read More...)

WASHINGTON TIMES.com - Opinion Editorial: "DANGER FROM TEHRAN" (September 3, 2003) (Read More...)

IRAN-DANESHJOO.org - MOVEMENT OF IRANIAN STUDENTS (Check This Site Frequently to Read the Updates Regarding the Student Movement in Iran.)

IRAN PRESS SERVICE