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Comparing Russia Foreign Polcity To Obama's |
By
Stephen Lendman |
| Both countries have polar opposite agendas. Obama isn’t remotely close
to Putin in stature, integrity and high-mindedness. On December 1, Putin approved Russia’s new concept of foreign policy. It calls for “enhancing international security, stability at the strategic and regional levels.” It urges strict “implementation of the Russia-US Treaty for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms of April 8, 2010.” It reiterates “readiness to discuss issues of further phased reduction of nuclear potentials based on the growing topicality of giving this process a multilateral character with due account of factors influencing strategic stability.” It supports establishing a zone free from nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, especially in the Middle East. It seeks broad international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, free from politicization and double standards, in strict conformity with international law. “Russia believes that predictable and gradual development of dialogue with the US on bilateral relations and the global agenda is only possible if based upon the principle of equality, mutual respect of interests and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other.” “Moscow does not accept Washington’s attempts to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction that violate international law, and is adamant to resist any military, political or economic pressure reserving the right to strictly respond to unfriendly actions particularly by strengthening national defense and taking tit-for-tat as well as asymmetrical measures.” In his annual State of the Nation address, responsible foreign policy principles he outlined contrast markedly with America’s imperial agenda, under Obama and earlier US administrations. Putin seeks world peace, stability, and mutual cooperation among all nations, so far unattained -expressing concern over “intensifying political, social and economic contradictions,” along with the risk of increased “force in international relations.” Believing chances for large-scale conflict, including a nuclear one, remain low, regional wars continue raging, despite Russia’s good faith efforts to resolve things, notably in Syria and Ukraine. America under Obama and past presidents continues waging endless wars of aggression against invented enemies. Peace and stability are anathema to its imperial agenda. It remains to be seen if Trump breaks from tradition or continues dirty business as usual. “Russia is ready to cooperate with (his) administration,” Putin stressed. “It is important to normalize and develop bilateral relations on an equal and mutually beneficial basis.” “Cooperation between Russia and the United States in addressing global and regional issues is in the interest of the whole world. We share responsibility for ensuring international security and stability.” Putin is “committed to the friendly, equal dialogue, to upholding the principles of justice and mutual respect in international affairs.” He’s “ready (for) serious conversation on building a stable system of international relations of the 21st century. Unfortunately, in this context, the decades that passed after the end of the Cold War were lost in vain,” he explained. His geopolitical agenda benefits everyone. Washington’s rage for war is humanity’s greatest threat. Will Trump normalize ties with Russia as pledged? Will he be a peace and stability leader or a warrior one like his predecessors. We’ll know once he begins governing. If past is prologue, hope for turning a page responsibly may be wishful thinking. We won’t know either way until a changing of the guard in January. Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III." http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network. |
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