#8 - RW 272
Kommersant
September 4, 2003
THE VALUE OF THE QUESTION
Analysis of the Iraq situation and Russia's stand on the matter
Author: Leonid Gankin
[from WPS Monitoring Agency, www.wps.ru/e_index.html]

RUSSIA SHOULD MAKE UP ITS MIND, AND DO IT NOW, BECAUSE DISCUSSION OF THE NEW RESOLUTION ON IRAQ AT THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL WILL BEGIN RIGHT ON THE EVE OF VLADIMIR PUTIN'S VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES AND HIS TALKS WITH GEORGE W. BUSH. NO MISTAKE MUST BE ALLOWED TO CLOUD THE SUMMIT.

There are various ways of looking at the situation in Iraq. Washington launched a military operation in Iraq without the consent of the United Nations. Now that it is bogged down there, it wants all of the international community to help it sort out the mess. No way! You made the mess in the first place, you sort it out now.

At first sight, this reasoning is quite sound. However, there is a different way of looking at the situation. What's done is done. Instead of finding faults and flinging accusations, the international community should get together and decide what should be done to defuse the situation and restore peace in the region. Needless to say, this line of reasoning appeals to Washington. It will spare neither time nor effort to convince other nations of its validity.

Russia should make up its mind, and do it now, because discussion of the new resolution on Iraq at the UN Security Council will begin right on the eve of Vladimir Putin's visit to the United States and his talks with George W. Bush. No mistake must be allowed to cloud the summit - especially since the Kremlin's current stand on the matter does not make the White House happy at all. Official Washington considers that Moscow is keeping aloof from the situation and gloating over the difficulties the Americans have encountered. The Kremlin denies it. When it does, the White House invariably refers to how the first and second TV channels in Russia cover the situation in Iraq.

You are not ready to walk side by side with us to the end, the White House says. You are not ready to share with Washington the responsibility for what is happening in Iraq. How can we call you strategic partners after that?

As always, Washington is thoroughly business-like. Russia should support the new American resolution. In fact, more is needed. It is of paramount importance for Washington to have Russia send a military contingent to Iraq, at least two battalions strong. Aware of Russia's traditionally close ties with Iraq, Washington expects the Russian contingent to up the prestige of international forces in this country and therefore help the United States to restore order there. Washington is prepared to pay for the service. We will allow your oil companies to return to Iraq, the White House implies, but only when your troops are quartered over there. Come and share. Share the difficulties with us, and it will be you chance to share post-war dividends as well.

Moscow is facing a dilemma: remain an aloof observer and independent critic, or become involved in the difficult and dangerous process of settlement. Both choices have their advantages and disadvantages. In the first case, we will get nothing; in the second, we may expect something. Giving in to the American insistence would be pragmatic. What will the Kremlin choose?

(Translated by A. Ignatkin)

CDI Russia Weekly #272 ~ Contents   •  Next