As Obama Heads to Russia, the 'Reset' Faces Its First Test

re: As Obama Heads to Russia, the 'Reset' Faces Its First Test

Aditya Mookerjee — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:02:50 GMT

I understand, that when President Obama met his Russian counterpart during the last meeting, the meeting was cordial, and warm between the leaders. How then, did not the two nations come closer together on issues? The diplomats must take the cue from their leaders, and rise to the occasion. The advisors to the two leaders, should have taken advantage of the situation. I wonder, why there is a fallout of the Cold War, so many years after it's ending. In fact, Russia should come closer to it's brother states in Western Europe. Russia has much to gain in it's interaction with Western Europe. I am sure that nations such as France and Great Britain can help in any mutual progressive endeavor.

re: As Obama Heads to Russia, the 'Reset' Faces Its First Test

Manfred Ostrowski — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:33:34 GMT

The article does not say much about the conflict between Russia and pro-western Georgia.

Russian troops control now two parts of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, where they

claim to support these regions' ambitions toward independence. I have studied Caucasian

languages for many years, and I would like to give some facts regarding this conflict:

There are less than 100 000 ethnic Abkhaz in what is now Abkhazia, according to my data

97 000. These Abkhaz constituted less than 20% of the pre-war population of the area called

Abkhazia, the rest of the population were mainly Georgians, Mingrelians (ethnic relatives

of Georgians), and people of Russian descent. Only a minority of the 97 000 Abkhaz still

speaks their native language, the result of complete neglect for Abkhaz during Soviet times.

The ethnic argument for an independent Abkhazia is flawed, since it would be based on a

minority of less than 100 000 people, taking into account that even among them separation

from Georgia might not be the common wish.

According to the available data, there lived around 180 000 South Ossetin in all of Georgia,

the main part in South Ossetia, but others in ethnic "pockets" distributed over the rest of

Georgia's territory. Nearly all of the South Ossetin are said to speak their native language still,

favoured by a positive attitude towards Ossetin in Russia. In South Ossetia, there used to be

a Georgian population, too. Many Georgian placenames in South Ossetia testify that

Georgians are native and autochthonous to a large part of South Ossetia. So it seems to be

highly problematic to divide politically along a Georgian:Ossetin line and to erect borders,

since this ultimately means the resettlement of ethnic Georgians and ethnic Ossetin alike.

The ethnic argument for dismantling the traditional statehood of Georgia, which is flawed in the

case of Abkhazia, has to be questioned regarding South Ossetia, too, given that these around

180 000 Ossetin lived among a predominently Georgian population peacefully for many

hundred years.

re: As Obama Heads to Russia, the 'Reset' Faces Its First Test

Tan Boon Tee — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:01:47 GMT

It appears both the presidents are sincere in warming up the relationship of the two great nations.

One just wonders what the Russian Premier has to say. Is Putin the prime mover behind the scene? Does he agree totally with or fully support Medvedev? Or is the latter just putting up a show?

Let’s look at the brighter picture and hope the giants would collaborate to promote world peace.

(btt1943)

re: As Obama Heads to Russia, the 'Reset' Faces Its First Test

monger — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:27:56 GMT

I don't understand the logic. NATO is an alliance whose purpose is to come to each other's defense. What on earth will Georgia or the Ukraine bring to the table if the US gets attacked ? On the flip side,if they became part of NATO, we'd be committing to go to their defense if Russia were to attack them (who else could be the threat). For what gain on our part??

If Obama, or Bush, had to peddle a mutual defense treaty between the US and Georgia, they would have been laughed out of Congress and the public. It would be like signing a treaty with Panama. Why do we have now two administrations insisting that these two banana republics are in any way worth risking American blood?

re: As Obama Heads to Russia, the 'Reset' Faces Its First Test

airjackie — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:05:01 GMT

What a difference between a War Criminal US President and a US Peace President. Now Russia has an intelligent US President to deal with. As we have seen we have a Global Economy now and President Obama understands how to cooperate with Foreign Countries. You can't make peace when your illegally invading countries and stealing oil rights or lying to the United Nations. We are no longer the Leader of Human Rights after torturing Iraq men/woman/children. Russia knows they had to wait for the new US President. Just think if McCain/Palin had gotten in office the US would be bombing Russia, Iran, Syria and North Korea right now. Some Americans wish McCain/Palin had gotten in office and chaos would continue. At lease the War Profiteers would still be stealing US taxpayers money.

re: As Obama Heads to Russia, the 'Reset' Faces Its First Test

Volodymyr — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:17:34 GMT

To understand the logic, monger, the awareness of at least a recent history of US-Ukraine relationship is a MUST.

During Clinton’s visit to Kyiv just after Cold War, the Ukraine gave up nuclear weapon. Ukrainian arsenal was the third powerful in the world (after USA and Russia) and covered whole Western Europe! That was not North Korea’s firework toys – that was the system of many $trillions worth.

Since then, US are the Guarantor of Ukraine’s independence.

re: As Obama Heads to Russia, the 'Reset' Faces Its First Test

Tan Boon Tee — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:25:04 GMT

In this absolutely severe global crisis, political antagonism should not supersede economic collaboration.

There have been many unresolved issues between the two giants, yet the critical economic situation demands sanity and tolerance.

The world can ill afford a second Cold War. Let there NOT be another.

(Tanboontee)

re: As Obama Heads to Russia, the 'Reset' Faces Its First Test

gardenhen — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:58:10 GMT

There has alway.s been conflits, with these two countries , but as Russia sees that Obama just wants to have them help with North Korea, and that our countries can work together with our new leadreship.I hope that things turn around soon. It's a good idea that Obama will also address the people of Russia and let them know we mean them no harm. Obama is very good at choosing his words and telling people the truth.