Financial Times Editorial Comment: Putin’s proposal nears the target
Financial Times Editorial Comment: Putin’s proposal nears the target
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
Published: June 10 2007 20:41 | Last updated: June 10 2007 20:41
Vladimir Putin’s proposed compromise on missile defence may not have been a serious offer, but it is significant all the same. By suggesting a deal, the Russian president has improved prospects for top-level talks on an issue that has flared out of all proportion, increasing tensions between Russia and the west.
The offer to operate a radar station in Azerbaijan jointly with the US is to a certain extent gesture rather than substance. Over the past week, Mr Putin has performed a classic manoeuvre that put him at the centre of attention at the Group of Eight. Before the summit he raised tensions by threatening to target Europe with nuclear missiles. During the event itself he calmed things down by striking a more conciliatory note.
The earlier threat was largely symbolic: missiles can be targeted and retargeted within minutes. By the same token, the important thing about his new idea is that he is talking the language of compromise.
At the heart of the dispute are two suspicions that Russia has, or professes to have. One is that US plans to install interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar base in the Czech Republic are in some way intended to counteract Russia’s nuclear deterrent, rather than, as the US insists, to address the prospect of Iran developing the bomb. The other is that the mere presence of new US bases on central European soil is too much for Russian interests to bear.
Although Mr Putin has also suggested that the US place the interceptor missiles in Turkey, in Iraq or at sea, his main concern seems to be the Czech radar, which, he suggests, could cover Russian territory up to the Urals. Hence his idea that the radar be operated jointly – presumably to ensure that the system points south, towards Iran, rather than north, towards Moscow.
The US has already offered to share technology and information with Moscow. But Washington may well find that the Azerbaijan base would not cover enough of Europe and is bound to be deeply reluctant to surrender sole control.
Nevertheless, Mr Putin’s suggestion offers a basis for discussion. It is worth remembering that the missile defence base in Europe is not due until 2013 and may very well not work. It is absurd to excite talk of a new cold war. Mr Putin’s proposal should be welcomed as a conciliatory move, as should President George W. Bush’s decision to invite him to the US next month to discuss the issue. The two men should reach an understanding and move on. The world has more important things to worry about.
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
Published: June 10 2007 20:41 | Last updated: June 10 2007 20:41
Vladimir Putin’s proposed compromise on missile defence may not have been a serious offer, but it is significant all the same. By suggesting a deal, the Russian president has improved prospects for top-level talks on an issue that has flared out of all proportion, increasing tensions between Russia and the west.
The offer to operate a radar station in Azerbaijan jointly with the US is to a certain extent gesture rather than substance. Over the past week, Mr Putin has performed a classic manoeuvre that put him at the centre of attention at the Group of Eight. Before the summit he raised tensions by threatening to target Europe with nuclear missiles. During the event itself he calmed things down by striking a more conciliatory note.
The earlier threat was largely symbolic: missiles can be targeted and retargeted within minutes. By the same token, the important thing about his new idea is that he is talking the language of compromise.
At the heart of the dispute are two suspicions that Russia has, or professes to have. One is that US plans to install interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar base in the Czech Republic are in some way intended to counteract Russia’s nuclear deterrent, rather than, as the US insists, to address the prospect of Iran developing the bomb. The other is that the mere presence of new US bases on central European soil is too much for Russian interests to bear.
Although Mr Putin has also suggested that the US place the interceptor missiles in Turkey, in Iraq or at sea, his main concern seems to be the Czech radar, which, he suggests, could cover Russian territory up to the Urals. Hence his idea that the radar be operated jointly – presumably to ensure that the system points south, towards Iran, rather than north, towards Moscow.
The US has already offered to share technology and information with Moscow. But Washington may well find that the Azerbaijan base would not cover enough of Europe and is bound to be deeply reluctant to surrender sole control.
Nevertheless, Mr Putin’s suggestion offers a basis for discussion. It is worth remembering that the missile defence base in Europe is not due until 2013 and may very well not work. It is absurd to excite talk of a new cold war. Mr Putin’s proposal should be welcomed as a conciliatory move, as should President George W. Bush’s decision to invite him to the US next month to discuss the issue. The two men should reach an understanding and move on. The world has more important things to worry about.
posted by Carlos T Mock at 9:04 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home