subject: Is President Obama appeasing Russia's imperialist policies? [print this page] Just a couple of years ago such an aggressive Russian policy to its neighbors would be impossible, mainly because the United States and European countries that strongly supported the independence of former Soviet republics right from the beginning would deter any Moscow's imperial ambitions. But Obama's administration naively believes that Russia under the president Dmitry Medvedev has changed and can cooperate with the US for the common good. This is an unforgivable mistake. While president Medvedev, who has no real power in the country, tries to play a role of progressive and liberal-minded leader to win the "hearts and minds" of western policymakers, the real figure behind the Russian politics - Vladimir Putin, is using the opportunity to strengthen the "vertical of power" in Russia in order to create a more favorable conditions to challenge the West, when he takes the presidential post again in 2012. The recent abolition of presidential posts in Russian federal republics and dismissal of strong regional leaders is a clear evident of Putin's plans to consolidate the power in the country, which otherwise becomes Russia's weakest point, when it pursues an aggressive foreign policy. Putin's return will inevitably put under the question Russia's present half-hearted support to the US in dealing with the problems of Iran and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, by that time the US may lackthe support of the CIS states, itsclosest allies in preventing the resurgence of the Russian empire.
Is President Obama appeasing Russia's imperialist policies?
