<http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/foreign/g8/18556/can-russia-and-the-us -resolve-their-differences-%e2%80%a6-no/> Can Russia and the U.S. Resolve Their Differences? No
March 23rd, 2008 by WILLIAM KERN [Kommersant, Russia] Is there any hope that the United States and Russia will be able to resolve at least some of their differences before President Bush leaves office? <http://worldmeets.us/kommersant000031.shtml> Fedor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of the magazine Russia in Global Affairs writes for Kommersant, The Bush Administration is one of the biggest lame ducks in history. Even if it wanted a historic achievement to crown its term with, it doesnt have the political wherewithal: the world is openly preparing for the change of power in Washington. As far as the Russian sides willingness to compromise, <http://worldmeets.us/kommersant000031.shtml> Lukyanov seems to hint at President-elect Medvedevs lack of an electoral mandate by writing, In terms of foreign policy, actions will be cautious, since the delicate balance between continuity and innovation must be kept. Both Russian leaders [Putin and Medvedev] will be looking to keep the other in mind as they confront the many domestic and foreign challenges. By Fedor Lukyanov* Translated By Igor Medvedev March 18, 2008 Kommersant - Russia - Original Article (Russian) U.S.-Russian two plus two negotiations are always remarkable events. Thats no surprise, since its not every day that the ministers [and secretaries] responsible for both political and military strategy for the two nuclear superpowers get together. An awareness of the significance of these events generates high expectations, which then lead to disappointment. So it would be better for us now to identify the limits of the possible. Can Russia and the United States make a breakthrough and resolve their differences? No they cant, mainly because of the political situations in both countries. The Bush Administration is one of the biggest lame ducks in history. Even if it wanted a historic achievement to crown its term with, it doesnt have the political wherewithal: the world is openly preparing for the change of power in Washington. The ability of the United States to contribute to the stabilization of global currency and financial markets is very much in doubt. In Moscow, there has been a de facto change in the system of power, and now the difficult process of configuring new mechanisms must begin. In terms of foreign policy, actions will be cautious, since the delicate balance between continuity and innovation must be kept. Both Russian leaders [Putin and Medvedev] will be looking to keep the other in mind as they confront the many domestic and foreign challenges. This is not conducive to revolutionary steps - and it will raise the suspicions of Russias partners. The greatest challenge over the coming months will be to avoid open conflict, especially given the unfavorable situation that is now unfolding. The situation in and around Kosovo , the agenda for the upcoming NATO Summit in Bucharest , the construction of an anti-ballistic missile system in the post-Soviet countries and even in part, the situation in China in light of the tensions in Tibet all could drastically worsen the atmosphere. As a result, new leaders are tied to the legacy of the previous period. There are many disagreements between Moscow and Washington. But thats not the main problem. In terms of generalities, no one disputes the fact that we live in a globalized world wherein all processes are interrelated, and all countries are mutually dependent. But as soon things get wrapped up in bilateral relations, globalization is forgotten and people behave as if this underlying reality no longer exists and mutual accusation becomes a goal in and of itself. <http://worldmeets.us/kommersant000031.shtml> READ ON AT WORLDMEETS.US, along with continuing translated foreign press coverage of the United States. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ =============== Group Moderator: [Е-ПОШТА ЗАШТИЋЕНА] page at http://magazine.sorabia.net for more informations about current situation in Serbia http://www.sorabia.net Slusajte GLAS SORABIJE nas talk internet-radio (Serbian Only) http://radio.sorabia.net Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sorabia/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sorabia/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[Е-ПОШТА ЗАШТИЋЕНА] mailto:[Е-ПОШТА ЗАШТИЋЕНА] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [Е-ПОШТА ЗАШТИЋЕНА] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
