U.S., Russian relations key to global stability

U.S. , RUSSIAN NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN

POSSIBLE CLASSIC WIN, WIN DEAL

 

In the last few days we have seen polite saber rattling by Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Talk of a renewed cold war and an escalation of nuclear arsenals is a very unlikely result. While there are some in the U.S. establishment, and I am sure in the Russian as well, who long for the glory days of the cold war, it is not really on the agenda of Vladimir Putin or Donald Trump. Putin needs to increase the economic viability of the Russian economy, Trump wants to stimulate the real economy of the United States. A cold war would not be in the best interest of either.                                        

 

We can expect to see tweets and speeches that will make many on both sides anxious, We can expect to see the anxiety level in the Ukraine be increased. Then we can expect to see a deal were the Ukraine situation will be solved, probably with guarantees by the Ukraine to respect the rights of Russians in eastern Ukraine, a right to join the EU, even though they may be having second thoughts about that, a monitored referendum vote  by the citizens of Crimea, a pledge by the U.S. of not accepting Ukraine into NATO or any further expansion of NATO. This of course is all open to negotiation, but it is in the best interest of the Ukraine, Russia and the U.S.

 

The result of such a deal will allow the sanctions on Russia to be removed by the U.S. and the EU. This could result in the opening of the vast resources of Russia to be developed with the help of European and U.S. companies. This would be a plus for the U.S., EU, and Russia. The normalization of relations with the Ukraine is a must for the Ukraine as Russia was its largest trading partner. It is also dependent on energy from Russia. Both Russian and the Ukraine has suffered from the conflict and both should be ready for a new normalcy.

 

What is needed is the type of respect that was shared between the U.S.and Russia during the Reagan era. It was a pragmatic type of respect that has been lost by harsh words by many in the U.S. continually attempting to humiliate Putin and the Russian people. Putin and Russia should be afforded the same kind of respect that our politicians are willing to give to Fidel Castro and the leaders of Saudi Arabia and China. While having disagreements and accepting differences in cultures, the U.S and Russia have many more parallel interests than conflicting interests.

 

If such a deal could be made, many more things could be possible, such as a unified attempt to settle the Syrian civil war and the elimination of ISIS,  increased leverage in negotiations with Iran and China, and a more prosperous Russia and the United States.

While the difficulties with the Ukraine situation are complicated and difficult, it is in the best interests of all to find a solution.  New players and open minds may be just what is needed.