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Russia Patient with America to a Fault |
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By
Stephen Lendman |
| Despite Russia’s best efforts to have things otherwise, relations with
America are adversarial. They’ve been this way for the past century despite a short-term alliance of convenience to defeat Nazi Germany in WW II - Russia deserving most of the credit, America a junior partner. Nothing in prospect suggests improved bilateral relations. Washington remains committed to regime change, wanting Russia transformed into a US colony, its huge land mass partitioned for easier control, its resources looted, its people exploited as serfs, letting Wall Street and other American monied interests profit from their misery. Paul Craig Roberts asked if Russia can survive Washington’s challenge, saying its “real danger…lies in (its) desire for Western acceptance.” Their people are “doomed” as long as their leaders maintain this mindset. It’s refreshing when some of their officials blast US policy and likely intensions, straight talk using largely diplomatic rhetoric. On August 24, its Foreign Ministry said Washington’s “attempt to flirt with Jabhat al-Nusra is fraught with fostering another terrorist monster.” “We…consider the American line in Syrian affairs to be slightly inconsistent and illogical. The Americans are putting up new conditions with an aim to give a respite to Jabhat al-Nusra and its combat allies to enable them to continue an armed confrontation with the government troops.” “Suggesting that American and other partners give up destructive rhetoric, we once again confirm readiness for responsible and efficient cooperation in fight against a universal terrorist threat in Syria and in the region.” Separately during a Security Council meeting, Russian UN envoy Vitaly Churkin urged America and its imperial partners to “look itself in the mirror” before criticizing Moscow’s policy in Syria. He minced no words, saying “(u)nfortunately, some of the Council’s members (meaning America, Britain and France) tend to hold incorrect or, frankly speaking, dishonest discussion.” “They drag provocative insinuations into the Security Council concerning the work of Russian air forces while remaining silent over their own unjustifiable actions.” He accused Washington and its so-called “coalition” partners of killing and injuring hundreds of Syrian civilians, along with using its terrorist foot soldiers to obstruct delivery of humanitarian aid. He said “drop your rhetoric…deal with your actions…Then the number of tragedies in the world will diminish.” The problem with these type comments and others like them is Russia courts favor in the West to a fault, harming its own self-interest. On the one hand, it’s sound policy stressing diplomacy over belligerent confrontation - especially between the world’s two dominant nuclear powers. On the other, it’s fruitless to believe America will ever treat sovereign independent Russia with the respect and normalized relations it deserves. With this in mind, Moscow should act appropriately, serving its own interests responsibly, fostering peace, stability and cooperative relations with all nations, while refusing to be bullied by any of them - especially America. 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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