More conciliatory than in the past, Iranian President
Ahmadinejad speaks to the U.N. General Assembly, just before being publicly challenged about the existence of a second uranium enrichment facility on his nation's territory.
Russia and United States, in
the words of President Medvedev, “have once again learned how to listen to one
other.” After meeting with Barack Obama in New York (on the sidelines of the
opening of the U.N. General Assembly), Medvedev told reporters that Russia could
support the sanctions against Iran that are being sought by America.
The central issue for the
United States, Iran's nuclear program, is very convenient for Russia, since for
the Kremlin, it isn't a matter of principle. Consequently, the Iranian nuclear program
could be a trump card in the game being played with the United States.
Today, after reviewing its
plans to build a missile defense system in Eastern Europe, the Obama Administration
has earned the Honorable Mention Prize from the Kremlin. The hardening of its
position toward Teheran is a truly worthy and budget-friendly award.
Posted
by WORLDMEETS.US
Indeed, its no surprise that
after meeting with Obama, President Medvedev acknowledged the possibility of
Russian support for new sanctions against Iran. The ground for this was
prepared in advance: even before the announcement of the rollback of plans for the
missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic, Russia's Foreign Office officially
chastised Teheran for the inflexibility of its position and lack of
transparency of its nuclear program. Of course, Mr. Medvedev’s words that, “in
some situations, the use of sanctions are unavoidable” is much more significant
than statements by the Foreign Ministry, if only because Medvedev's comments seem
to be more than mere rhetoric, but suggest additional Russian activity within
the U.N. which could have legal ramifications. But this maneuver can hardly be
considered a major concession.
Of course, there's some risk
that if Russia stops blocking efforts by Western countries at the U.N. to impose
sanctions, it will be cursed not only by Iranian opponents of Ahmadinejad (for so
readily recognizing his presidential election win), but also by its supporters.
But in reality, relations between Russia and Iran are based not on mutual
sympathy, but on tactical considerations, which are often reducible to a desire
to oppose American policies in the region - and throughout the world.
The thinking of the Kremlin
at this point is likely that the confrontation with the United States has gone
far enough and it's time to start moving in the opposite direction. Teheran, by
the way, is fully cognizant of this logic, and, even if curses from the
ayatollahs rain down on our heads, it will be more of a ritual act than real
animosity.
Posted
by WORLDMEETS.US
There is, of course, a
question: how far is Russia willing to go to renew its relationship with the
United States? As long as both powers have enough issues on which they share positions
without compromising their principles.
Just the challenges presented
by a new treaty reducing offensive strategic arms are enough to keep diplomats
and experts busy. In this case, a permanent movement “toward one another” looks
much more important and meaningful than hypothetical results.
Of course, it would be a sin
for Russia not to take advantage of the fact that Barack Obama is trying to
cure U.S. foreign policy of its expensive and largely ineffective messianism, and
which has brought America so many enemies. The Kremlim must also be aware that
on many questions, Moscow and Washington will never come together - as long as
American politicians take such an interest in what happens on territories
Russia considers within its zone of influence.
This makes it even more necessary
for both countries to have bargaining chips like the Iranian question, missile defense
in Eastern Europe and the like. And who wouldn't agree that it's much better to
negotiate and argue about issues that may appear large-scale but present no
real life and death questions to either side?
