Russia’s Strong Arm
Donald Lambro of the Washington Times weighs in on the Obama administration’s decision to drop plans to deploy missile shields to Poland and the Czech Republic.
Some who opposed the president’s decision believe he’s trying to placate Russia. Appeasing the former Soviet Union has not been fruitful. Russia has refused the administration’s request to issue tougher sanctions against Iran.
“Mr. Obama ignored the first rule of international diplomacy: Don’t give away your bargaining chips unless you get something in return,” Lambro writes. “He also sent a signal of weakness by appearing to knuckle under to Russian bullying.”
As Lambro notes, Russia wanted George Bush’s plans scrapped, and Obama complied, apparently believing Russia would negotiate fairly. He was wrong. Dmitry Medvedev played him and took the power position. The U.S., the most powerful country on the planet, turned its back on Poland and the Czech Republic with the hope of Russia’s cooperation. Those countries feel betrayed, and Russia feels emboldened.
“Veteran national security strategists now wonder whether his actions sent the wrong message, which will only encourage Russian strong-arm tactics in future negotiations and policy disputes…Mr. Obama’s eagerness to please the Russians in the high-stakes national security game raises broader questions about how tough he will be in the face of the growing Iranian missile threat in the Middle East and Europe.”
Knowing Russia has refused to issue tougher sanctions, Iran can afford to be obstinate. A front-row witness to Obama’s appeasement, coupled with our missile defense budget cuts, the rogue state is more determined than ever to continue its nuclear program.
Tags: Czech Republic, Dmitry Medvedev, Iran, Poland, Russia