March 9, 1998
RUSSIA: AHEAD ON IRAQ; WOOING IRAN, OTHER NEIGHBORS
Writers abroad debated the perceived advantages garnered by Russia through its involvement in the Iraqi crisis, its controversial push to strengthen ties with Iran and its stepped-up involvement with other neighbors in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Russian editorialists and their colleagues elsewhere emphasized that, from its former republics to the Middle East, Moscow is succeeding in reasserting its influence and promoting its economic interests throughout its vulnerable southern borders. But some critics held that these diplomatic and economic maneuvers were detrimental to its already ruffled dealings with the U.S., and wondered how these moves might affect the 10th round of the Gore-Chernomyrdin talks this week in Washington. Russia was often seen by these pundits as opposing U.S. policy in Iraq and Iran while trying to undermine any gains Washington has made in the energy-rich regions of the CIS. Moscow's reformist Segodnya and others, however, asserted that the U.S. is the one making inroads throughout Russia's "soft underbelly" and that a U.S. "upset" by "Russia's 'inordinate' successes in Iraq and Iran" will make Moscow pay by opposing deals with Tehran. These were additional assessments made by commentators:
IRAQ: A 'COMEBACK' FOR RUSSIA IN MIDEAST--The outpouring of praise in late November that followed Moscow's diplomatic resolution of the U.S.-Iraq confrontation was not repeated this time around. However, a number of analysts judged that the UN's success in preventing a military clash between Baghdad and the U.S. and Britain represented a "diplomatic victory" for, among others, Russia. The crisis sparked several pieces in the Russian press declaring that its solution highlighted international opposition to U.S. hegemony. Reformist Izvestia, for instance, insisted, "The Americans don't seem to realize that nobody wants them to be the sole leader.... There is no room for a one-superpower rule in this world."
IRAN: A PARTNERSHIP WITH A PRICE TAG--Even before Friday's announcement by the Kremlin of the sale of two additional nuclear reactors to Tehran, Russian observers were predicting that Iran, as compared to Iraq, would prove the stronger "irritant" in U.S.-Russia relations. The U.S. and Russia, said centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta, "practically have no common ground when it comes to Iran," with Moscow believing that the U.S.' containment strategy "is clearly not the best answer to the problem." Only one Russian comment was available regarding the nuclear sale. Russian TV featured the director of the USA and Canada Institute saying that the U.S. does not consult Russia when it sells "weapons or dual-purpose technology to (its) partners." Official Tehran Radio declared that the U.S.' persuading Ukraine not to provide turbines for the project was actually "a gain for Iran and Russia," since the U.S. now has to deal with Russia, "a more powerful country that has not taken a step back from cooperating with Iran." Israeli pundits, however, signaled their alarm over the possibility that Moscow's nuclear contributions would allow Iran to become "a nuclear power within a year to 18 months at most." An Israeli writer wondered whether the timing of the announcement "was intended to discredit" Vice President Gore before his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Chernomyrdin--a meeting designed to "portray Gore as a seasoned foreign policy expert."
This survey is based on 52 reports from 12 countries, Feb. 21-March 9.
EDITOR: Mildred Sola Neely
RUSSIA: "U.S. Does Not Consult Russia When It Sells Technology"
According to FBIS, Moscow Russian public television's "Novosti" newscast (3/9) aired these remarks by Sergey Mikhaylovich Rogov, director of the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of the USA and Canada regarding the nuclear deals with Iran: "Americans do not consult us when they sell weapons or dual-purpose technology to their partners. We do not discuss these issues with them. An equal approach is required."
"Yeltsin Snubs Duma's Advice"
Aleksandr Shumilin wrote in reformist, business-oriented Kommersant Daily (3/6): "The State Duma recommended that President Yeltsin consider sending naval vessels on a friendly visit to Iraq and order Russia's leading arms dealer Rosvooruzheniye to organize an arms exhibition in one of the countries in the Arabian peninsula. The president chose not to notice the recommendation. But the effects of the Duma's 'intimidating' action won't be long in coming. Demarches of that sort undo the efforts of Russia's arms merchants. In the Persian Gulf area, like nowhere else, political considerations have an overriding importance in signing arms contracts. Confrontation between the Arab Six, on the one hand, and Iraq and Iran, on the other, has been a determining factor in recent years. Attempts by Russian politicians and businessmen to gain ground in Iraq and Iran tend to turn off the Six member countries."
"Nixon's Ping Pong Diplomacy May Be Of Use In Iran Case"
Aleksei Pushkov judged in centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (3/6): "'Quiet' differences on Iran between Moscow and Washington may escalate into a 'friction' more serious than their heated debates on Iraq. With Iraq, they at least have a common UN Security Council resolution and the Baghdad agreement. In fact, the United States and Russia have complemented each other. Without America's threat to use force, Saddam Hussein would most certainly have been less inclined to listen to the UN's Kofi Annan and Russia's Viktor Posuvalyuk. All that plus the fine skills of Russian diplomats have helped Moscow look good in the Iraq crisis. But we must also hand it to the Clinton administration--despite considerable pressure from the rightists, it exercised restraint, resisting a temptation to aggravate relations with Moscow over Iraq. Iran is a different story. The United States and Russia practically have no common ground when it comes to Iran. America's containment strategy is clearly not the best answer to the problem, causing no enthusiasm even among its allies in NATO. Apparently, Iran will remain a strong irritant in Russo-American relations until the Americans change their attitude toward that country. They would do well to remember the Richard Nixon ping-pong diplomacy used in regard to China in the early 1970s."
"America's Idea Of Russia Very Uncertain"
Reformist, youth-oriented Moskovskiy Komsomolets (3/4) ran this piece by Oleg Yuryev: "Overall, America's idea of Russia is extremely uncertain now. Two almost mutually exclusive views stand out: One is optimistic and the other pessimistic. That 'the optimists' have started to retreat across the board says a lot. The United States is seriously concerned over how things are standing in Russia: Slow progress of economic reform, regional separatism, and weakened control over the army and its nuclear weapons. But, officially--at the government level--there are no problems between our countries, and none are expected soon. 'Friend Bill' and 'friend Boris' will always smile in front of cameras and pat each other on the back. Nor is our government going to leave its stand of 'balanced optimism.' But 'the pessimists' are taking the upper hand, nonetheless."
"Russia, U.S Agree On Ends, Differ On Means"
Aleksandr Bovin said in reformist weekly Moskovskiye Novosti regarding Iraq (# 8, 3/3): "Russia and the United States pursue the same objective--to make Saddam Hussein fully honor a UN resolution. But to do that, Russia believes, there is no need to kill. A siege, patient and enduring, not an attack, less so a doomed attack, is how I would define our approach. It is an approach which meets the criteria of reason and justice."
"Be Cautious About America's Calls For Caution On Iran"
Vadim Markushin held in centrist, army Krasnaya Zvezda (3/3): "After the Iraq crisis 'resolves itself,' the United States is expected to toughen its stand in areas that Russia considers her underbelly in the South. So Moscow would do well to build up the potential of cooperation with ex-Soviet republics in Central Asia and the Caucasus, even if it has to make 'tactical' concessions to pander to their ambitions.... To cite our foreign minister, Russo-Iranian goodneighborliness may serve as an 'example of international relations in our region.' We should be cautious about the Americans calling for caution in our dealings with Iran so as not to find ourselves pushed out of major political and economic processes going on to the South of our borders. A firm and consistent policy in the South, far from putting off leading Western powers, will enhance Russia's prestige among them."
"CIS In U.S. Commanders' Areas Of Responsibility"
Viktor Kalashnikov wrote in reformist, business-oriented Kommersant Daily (2/28): "The United States, in the biggest move since World War II, is getting set to update its global military-political control system. CIS member-countries are for the first time to be included in the U.S. military commanders' areas of responsibility. That American military plans now cover the CIS is, in effect, a result of the ongoing operation in the Persian Gulf. The U.S.-staged massive show of force has thrown in bold relief that which the Americans have had time to do in the area stretching from western Ukraine to Central Asia. Moscow has unwittingly contributed to that by saving the United States the risk of military escalation over Iraq."
"A New Approach To Our Neighbors And Brothers"
In the view of Aleksei Pushkov in centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (2/28): "The main paradox and the main rule of Russia's post-Soviet existence is that we find it easier now to get along with countries in [South and Southwest Asia] or the Far East than with our recent brothers in the huge 'family of nations.' The former closeness, alluring and deceptive at the same time, creates illusions. It upsets our partners when it proves non-existent or it reminds them of its existence via galling and as-yet insurmountable dependence on the Big Brother. That makes our policy irregular, with us running to extremes, from excessive paternalism to excessive concessions. Apparently, it is time that we and our neighbors set aside our emotions and start searching intensively for converging and diverging interests."
"Without U.S. Armada, It Wouldn't Have Worked"
Boris Petrovsky summed up in reformist, business-oriented weekly VEK (# 9, 2/27): "The (Baghdad) deal enabled Russia and France to avoid the hard choice between their interests in the Arab world and solidarity in global politics. But had it not been for the formidable U.S.-British armada in the Persian Gulf, diplomacy, including Russian-French diplomacy, wouldn't have worked."
"U.S. Push In Central Asia, Caucasus Brews Problems To Our South"
Neo-communist Pravda-Five's Pavel Bogomolov filed from London (2/27) about "serious
advancements in Iraq-Iran rapprochement": "As expected, the threat of air raids against Baghdad has become a powerful catalyst for a new anti-NATO alliance. This is only a beginning, the beginning of an inevitable reaction of the Islamic world, divided as it is, to outside pressure. The murderous irony of it all is that the more the United States tries (at Russia's expense) to draw ex-Soviet republics in Central Asia and the Caucasus into its sphere of influence, the greater the trouble brewing up in areas to the South. The past few months have seen the contours of a Baghdad-Tehran axis thrown in high relief."
"Russia Has To Pay For Ties With Iran"
Georgy Bovt commented in reformist Segodnya (2/27): "Upset by Russia's 'inordinate' successes in Iraq and Iran, America is putting more pressure on it. You have to pay for everything, including your spectacular diplomatic victories. In the Iraq case, Russia has had to pay, too, in the form of a drop in the price of oil in the world market. Next it will have to pay for Iran, supposedly when Gazprom puts up its securities for sale in the United States. Hopefully, Moscow knows what it is doing, and the Primakov-Posuvalyuk breakthrough in the South will not entail defensive battles or, worse still, retreats on other fronts."
"Thanks Largely To Russia, UN"
The Iraqi settlement sparked this piece by Dmitry Gornostayev in centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (2/26): "A peaceful settlement has been reached and has every chance to become final soon, thanks largely to Russia and the UN secretary general."
"No Room For Just One Superpower"
Reformist Izvestia (2/26) published this article by Sergei Markov, director of an institute for political studies: "The Americans don't seem to realize that nobody wants them to be the sole leader. They have either to find a new global enemy to prove a need for that status or to develop a new foreign-policy concept acknowledging the demise of the unipolar world.... There is no room for a one-superpower rule in this world. The sooner America realizes that, the sooner it will find a new spot for itself. The difficult road once covered by Russia may have to be trodden by the U.S. foreign policy elite. Of course, America's place in world politics will be way more honorable than Russia's, but it won't be a place for the only superpower. As shown by the Iraq crisis, the unipolar world is receding into the past."
"G.I.s Won Laurels For Annan, Saddam And Viktor Posuvalyuk"
Valery Batuyev said in reformist, youth-oriented Moskovskiy Komsomolets (2/26): "Kofi Annan returned to New York as a hero and a great peacemaker. But he did not win those laurels--they were won for him by American G.I.s who scared Saddam into a consensus by having flexed their muscles for a couple of weeks.... Moscow can't but rejoice over the success of the Annan mission which was proposed by Boris Yeltsin and prepared by Viktor Posuvalyuk. So it appears that Kofi Annan, Saddam Hussein and Viktor Posuvalyuk are the ones who have benefitted the most by Desert Thunder. I am not so sure about the Yankees in khaki who continue sweating out there in the Persian waters. But then, Saddam Hussein is not known to be as good as his word. Therefore, new diplomatic or military missions are just a matter of time."
"How Friend Bill Treats Friend Boris"
Reformist weekly Obshchaya Gazeta's Aleksei Bausin noted (# 8, 2/26): "The current crisis has shown how 'friend Bill' treats his 'friend Boris.' At the height of the war preparations the U.S. president was asked if he could order an attack against Iraq over Russia's 'nyet.' The head of the White House said that 'nyet' did not mean 'no' to the United States in that situation. Some 20 years ago he would have thought hard before making statements like that. Some 20 years ago, mind you, the Kremlin's 'nyet' weighed a lot more, too."
"Moscow Counts On Tehran"
Yury Chubchenko remarked in reformist, business-oriented Kommersant Daily (2/26): "Slow at the start of a race for the Caspian Sea resources, Moscow risks ending up among losers at the finish. It can remedy the situation by enlisting support from Tehran. This is why, Yevgeny Primakov said, we are working to step up cooperation with Iran across the board."
"Influenced By Initiatives Of Boris Yeltsin And Russian Diplomacy"
Official government Rossiyskaya Gazeta (2/25) stated editorially on page one: "For the first time since 1990, world public opinion, influenced by the initiatives of Boris Yeltsin and Russian diplomacy, has compelled the United States to refuse to use crude force in an international crisis."
"Crisis Practically Resolved With Russia's Active Participation"
Rossiyskiye Vesti (2/25), a newspaper of the presidential administration, front-paged this editorial: "The Iraq crisis has practically been resolved with the active participation of Russia which, to cite Boris Yeltsin, consistently worked for a diplomatic solution."
"Cooling Off In U.S.-Russia Relationship"
Aleksandr Shumilin held in reformist, business-oriented Kommersant Daily (2/25): "Yeltsin's pronouncements on the possibility of a third world war are a sure sign that Moscow-Washington relations, warm only recently, have cooled off noticeably. As a result, the United States, while remaining the only superpower, is finding itself confronted with a 'political multipolarity.' Saddam Hussein may well claim that as a success of his crisis-type diplomacy."
"Partnership With Iran Has Its Price"
Sergei Guly, commenting on the current visit to Russia by the Iranian foreign minister, pointed out in reformist Noviye Izvestia (2/25): "Any partnership has a price. Moscow pays for its share of the Iranian market in its reputation as a reliable member of a club of democratic nations by ignoring their concerns over Iran developing weapons of mass destruction, sponsoring international terrorism, misinterpreting human rights, and impeding the peace process in the Middle East."
"U.S. Not Perfect But Familiar"
Centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (2/21) published this article by Yevgeny Bazhanov: "Unlike the radicals, the Kremlin does not believe that there is a direct threat to Russia's security from the outside. But it discerns quite a few challenges and risks, including NATO enlargement, Islamic extremism, conflicts in CIS countries, and the growing strength of the giants of the East--China and Japan. At the turn of the century, Russian foreign policy, essentially, is geared to helping the world community become multipolar. The 'establishment' is of the opinion that international relations will become favorable and convenient for all, if American hegemony is replaced with a system of several power centers, Russia among them, of course. This does not seem indisputable. The United States is not a perfect superpower, but it is at least familiar and predictable. Sure enough, entrusting the fate of humanity to one power, civilized as it may be, is unfair and risky. But there is no telling either how would-be power centers, such as Japan, will behave."
"Cause Of Anti-Americanism Is In Us"
Pavel Palazhchenko of the Gorbachev Fund wrote in reformist weekly Moskovskiye Novosti (#
7, 2/21,1998): "Barely felt at first and quite palpable now, anti-Americanism has come into fashion in Russia. It is still not an established ideology or habit. Far from it. It is more like a 'manner of speaking,' a fad. The main cause of anti-American sentiment, especially in the upper crust of Russian society, is not in American policy. The main cause is in us. Russia is not cross with America. We are cross with ourselves. A blue-eyed perception of 'their' life and a blue-eyed perception of how instantly 'our' life can be changed for the better are closely interrelated. What happened--they haven't 'helped' very much, and we haven't been much of a success either--has not only ruined our illusions but wounded our pride. Plainly speaking, we feel that we have been fooled. And we can't forgive America for that. New anti-Americanism is insincere and schizophrenic. The Soviet elite, anti-imperialistic ex officio, tried to find jobs for their children in the Foreign Ministry and other agencies with outlets abroad. The new 'establishment,' sounding off its anti-American discourse, is hypocritical."
GERMANY: "Only Guideline In Controversy Must Be Non-Proliferation Treaty"
Werner Adam's editorial in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (3/7) said regarding Russo-Iranian nuclear power cooperation: "When political and commercial interests are involved, there will always be disputes. The only guideline in such a controversy must be the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Access to nuclear power can legally not be denied to countries that have signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty."
"Russia Interested In Seeing Iraq Sanctions Lifted"
Roland Heine said in an editorial on Russian policy toward Iraq in left-of-center Berliner Zeitung (3/4), "It is clear that Russia and China will try to exert influence on the disarmament controls in Iraq through the newly created group of diplomats, since the outcome of their inspections determines whether and when the embargo on Iraq will be lifted. Russia is very interested in seeing these measures lifted as soon as possible. Baghdad still owes Moscow several billions of dollars which can be repaid only when Baghdad fully resumes its oil exports. But in addition, other interests are involved: For a long time, international companies have been negotiating behind the scenes on exploration rights on Iraqi oil fields. In addition to Russian and Chinese companies, French, Italian, and Spanish companies are involved."
"Another Reshuffle Or Real Reform?"
Werner Adam frettted in an editorial in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (3/4), "President Yeltsin is using the levers of power in an almost confusing manner. The only strategy that is visible behind his moves is that he knows very well how to use the formidable apparatus to safeguard his czarist methods to rule, but in this context, some urgently needed reforms are going to the dogs. It remains to be seen whether the latest streamlining of his presidential bureaucracy will be more than a continuation of his permanent reshuffling efforts in the Kremlin.
"But it makes at least sense that the Defense Council and the Military Inspection Offices should be included in the Security Council to finally implement the reform of the armed forces.... It is obvious that this reform could create dangers for the Russian state. Yeltsin has obviously realized this, since he no longer wants to leave it to his reluctant generals to transform the armed forces into smaller but more advanced units. He has now entrusted a civilian with this task. Nevertheless, one must demonstrate caution when trying to draw conclusions from the Kremlin leader's treatment of his power apparatus."
"Yeltsin: Loss Of Authority"
An editorial by Werner Adam in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine judged (2/27), "Russia's president is exposing himself and his government to ridicule. Before the eyes of his subjects, he announced the dismissal of cabinet members but then refrained from doing so. At the
same time he is surprised that the Federal Duma no longer takes presidential decrees seriously. The loss of authority is increasingly making the system of checks and balances in Russia...a farce, while the president likes to play the role of an absolute ruler."
"Yeltsin's Complaints Rebound On Him"
Readers of business Handelsblatt of Duesseldorf (2/27) saw this: "Yeltsin's complaints rebound on him. It is not Chernomyrdin but Yeltsin who is responsible for the replacement of government officials. The result of this presidential carrot-and-stick policy are unnerved ministers who try to cover themselves before they make any decision and hardly dare to formulate any courageous strategies.... The pressure which Yeltsin is exerting on the cabinet does not produce any fruit and does not result in a salutary shock. Instead, the ministers pass the buck down to inferiors. But those who think that they will soon lose their job feel the need to enrich themselves in the short period of time they are in a top position. Thus the system is feeding upon itself: The quicker the names change, the quicker they try to take advantage of their good position."
"Nothing Happens"
Adrian Zielcke commented in an editorial in centrist Stuttgarter Zeitung (2/27), "Yeltsin likes to pound the table...and nobody has been able to frighten him. But to keep the communists away from power and to fight putschists is one thing, to build up a country and establish democratic structures is another. Over the past few years, Yeltsin signed thousands of decrees...but the country makes no progress and decrees from the top are not taken seriously outside of Moscow.... After his re-election, Yeltsin's plan was to implement reforms, simplify the tax system, allow everybody to possess property, and restore law and order. But since then, nothing has happened."
ITALY: "Winner: Russia"
Alberto Pasolini Zanelli wrote in leading rightist opposition Il Giornale (2/25): "The White House tried to hinder Annan's mission which was instead proposed and sought by Russia, which is therefore the real, unexpected winner of the game from a psychological and political point of view. Yeltsin has managed to achieve a prestigious success. Not Saddam Hussein, whose situation has not changed notwithstanding his delirious communiques. Not Bill Clinton, who has spent two months waiting to cut a Gordian knot which has never come."
AZERBAIJAN: "A New U.S.-Russia Cold War?"
Independent Ayna/Zerkalo (2/21) published a commentary by correspondent "Nurani" (Tofiqa Qasimova) which argued that the Iraqi crisis represents only "the tip of the iceberg in what may be called a new 'cold war.' It is impossible to find a better explanation for Russia's apparent readiness to do its best in supporting an odious leader like Saddam Husein.... It is this competition, rather than any Russian sympathies for the present Iraqi regime, which serves to explain Yeltsin's predictions of a third world war or Sergeyev's threat to end military cooperation between the United States and Russia. By trying to play on the conflicting ambitions between these superpowers and thus preserving his own power, Saddam Husein has transformed Iraq into a hostage of Russo-American relations or rather, into a training ground for showdowns between these two powers.
"Recent rumors concerning a rapprochement between Baghdad and Tehran (two former 'irreconcilable' enemies) and their strengthening diplomatic relations can be seen as additional proof that two military blocs are in the process of being consolidated: one headed by the United States, and the other by Russia."
BELGIUM: "Virtues Of Russo-Euro-American Cooperation"
Pierre Lefevre observed in independent Le Soir (2/25): "The latest Iraqi crisis has shown the limits of U.S. unilateralism and the virtues of Russian-Euro-American cooperation. Will the lessons be drawn from it?"
"Russia, In Particular, Can Be Elated"
In the editorial opinion of foreign affairs writer Frank Schloemer in independent De Morgen (2/24): "Russia, in particular, can be elated. With silent and industrious diplomacy, the former superpower has made its comeback in the Middle East--the exclusive hunting ground of the United States."
ESTONIA: "A Diplomatic Victory For France And Russia"
An editorial in top-circulation, center-right Postimees (2/25) concluded, "This peaceful agreement does not damage the U.S.' reputation, even though it is a diplomatic victory for France and Russia."
TURKEY: "There Are Now Other Players In The Gulf"
Sami Kohen remakerd in mass-appeal Milliyet (2/27): "There are signs of change regarding the power equilibrium in the Gulf.... After the 1991 crisis, the United States had managed to prove its influence and strength, and the first steps of a Pax Americana were taken. But the conditions today are not the same as in 1991. The United States continues to be the sole superpower; however, there are some other players in the region today. Not only Iraq, but also Iran and the Arab world welcome the Russian role in the region, and they consider Russia's influence as a counterbalance."
IRAN: "Ukraine's Decision A Gain For Iran, Russia"
Ukraine's decision not to supply equipment for an Iranian nuclear power plant being built with Russia's help sparked this commentary on official Tehran Radio (3/7), "Contrary to what it might seem, the decision by Ukraine not to provide turbines...announced on Friday after a visit by...Albright to Kiev, will be a loss for America and Ukraine but a gain for Iran and Russia. The Ukrainian decision was a loss for America because, before the Americans had the opportunity to celebrate, Russia announced that it would complete and deliver the Bushehr nuclear power station on time. This is no solution for the Americans because now the situation is more complex and they have to deal with Russia, a more powerful country that has not taken a step back from cooperating with Iran.... The promise by the Russian government to provide the turbines and complete the Bushehr nuclear power station is an example of firm and independent decision-making on the part of Russia."
"Bright Future For Iran-Russia Ties"
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi's February visit to Moscow sparked this comment on official Tehran radio (2/24), "It should be noted that Iran's relations with the Russian Federation have improved greatly and have seen a considerable growth in the past few years. The officials of the two countries are determined to improve their relations in the fields of politics, economics and culture. Therefore, the Iranian foreign minister's discussions with Russian officials, relative to regional issues, the recent Iraqi crisis and the Caspian Sea treaties, enjoys especial importance. It should be noted that from the inception of the Iraqi crisis, Iran and Russia were in favor of a diplomatic resolution of differences between Baghdad and Washington in
compliance with the resolutions of the Security Council by Iraq.... Cooperation among the regional countries can provide a suitable example for other countries and on this basis the two countries can expect friendly relations and a bright future for Tehran and Moscow."
ISRAEL: "The Russians Are Coming (Back)"
Mass-appeal, pluralist Maariv's lead editorial pointed out (3/9): "Moscow's announcement of the sale of additional nuclear reactors to Iran is a disquieting statement of intent directed at both Washington and Jerusalem. Militarily, the sale does not amount to much but, coming right after the visit of Israeli Cabinet Minister Sharansky to Moscow and in the wake of Vice President Al Gore's trip to Russia, the statement demonstrated considerable defiance.... Russia wants to play superpower games in our region. To that end it is using the old and notorious strategy of buying off the Arabs at Israel's expense."
"Russia's Diplomatic Muscle Flexing On Eve Of Gore-Chernomyrdin Talks"
Analyst Zvi Barel wrote in a front-page commentary in independent Haaretz (3/8): "Russia's announcement of the sale of two additional nuclear reactors to Iran is astounding only in its timing.... Building additional reactors in Iran does not influence Iranian nuclear arming capability in any significant manner.... What is left, therefore, is only the timing of the Russian announcement.... Gore's meeting with Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin...was meant to...portray Al Gore as a seasoned foreign policy expert. Moscow chose this moment to flex its diplomatic muscles...in order to demonstrate its return to the world's key strategic arenas."
"Too Late To Stop Iranian Nuclear Program"
Anti-Netanyahu analyst Akiva Eldar wrote in independent Haaretz (3/6): "The United States and Israel agree that if Russia does not stop its technology leak, Iran will be nuclear power within a year to 18 months at most.... Next week, Vice President Al Gore will try once again to convince Russian Premier Chernomyrdin to move from excuses to practical steps against violators of the ban. The Americans themselves are not placing high hopes on Gore's mission. All signs indicate that it is too late to stop the Iranian nuclear program.... That said, there is nothing more annoying to Netanyahu's last advocate in the White House than the Israeli threat to push Congress into legislating sanctions against Russia.... The Russians hoped that Israel would help them get a sort of Marshall Plan from the Americans to help them convert their nuclear weapons industry to peaceful purposes. Upon the completion of her tenure, Israel's ambassador to Russia Aliza Shenhar said...the Russians have hinted to her that a quiet dialogue aimed at finding practical solutions would be far more effective than highly publicized pressure."
"Russia And Iran"
The independent Jerusalem Post's lead editorial maintained (3/4): "The U.S. administration should drop its opposition to Congressional efforts to cut off space cooperation as long as Russia continues aiding Iran's missile program.... Since the Russians have been immune to the force of reason, it is time to cut to the chase.... Russia is directly threatening U.S. security interests by aiding Iran and it is Russia which should fear damage to its relations with the United States, not vice versa.... There is still time to prevent the security nightmare of an aggressive Iranian regime armed with missiles that can reach both Israel and Europe. The United States must not let itself be duped by delaying tactics and diplomatic chaff, and link hard consequences to Russia's failure to control itself."
"Russian Diplomacy"
Right-wing columnists Uri Dan and Dennis Eisenberg wrote in the independent Jerusalem Post
(2/26): "As American prestige sinks in the Middle East, with Uncle Sam appearing to be nothing more than a toothless tiger, Russian influence and prestige soar in the area.... War is still on the mind of Saddam Hussein.... France and Russia don't give a damn. And therein lies the rub for the Middle East--and particularly for Israelis presently storing away their gas masks with sighs of relief."
WEST BANK: "Russia Creates A Rift In Unpopular World Order"
Semi-liberal, pro-Palestinian Authority Al-Ayyam's editor-in-chief Akram Hanieh said (3/2) that there are new realities in the world which "preclude an American monopoly.... A rift has been created in the unpopular world order. Russia can be credited for that."
CHINA: "Russo-Ukrainian Relationship Gradually Upgraded"
Xu Zhihong and Yu Hongjian collaborated in this piece for the official, Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 3/3), "Ukrainian President Kuchma's official visit to Russia and the signing of a series of documents by Ukraine and Russia indicates that the two countries' relationship has achieved some progress.... But is still far from excellent. To Russia's satisfaction, the Ukrainian president has articulated that Ukraine does not want to join NATO."
"Historic Opportunity To Improve Russia-Ukraine Ties"
The official, Chinese Youth Party China Youth Daily (Zhongguo Qingnian Bao, 3/3) ran this by Li Qingyi, "Some say that the Ukrainian president's visit to Russia represents the total sum of achievements he has attained in the bilateral relationship since he took office. For the sake of the 1999 election, Kuchma needs to get all-out support from Moscow. Therefore, these two years, 1998 and 1999, might serve as a historical opportunity to improve the Russo-Ukrainian relationship."
"Japan-Russia Ties Promoted"
In the opinion of Wang Xianju in intellectually oriented Guangming Daily (Guangming Ribao, 2/27), "Although the Russo-Japanese relationship has been improving recently, territorial disputes between the two nations remain just as before. Whether a treaty can be signed still remains a question. The enhancement of engagement between the two nations recently demonstrates that neither Russia nor Japan is willing to have their relationship impaired by the territory dispute. They are hoping to improve their ties and appropriately promote cooperation in certain fields such as trade and economy."
HONG KONG: "China, Russia See Washington As Common Foe"
The independent, English-language Hong Kong Standard featured this comment (2/24) by Cary Huang: "The impending showdown between Iraq and the United States is forging a Sino-Russian alliance that aims at putting the brakes to Washington's domination of global affairs and its self-proclaimed role as the world's sole superpower policeman.... The simple truth as to why China and Russia have such a high profile on the issue is that both are in no position to intervene militarily in the Middle East.... The Gulf has additional value. If Washington is not able to control the transit area between Europe and Asia or if it falls into hostile hands, the U.S.' strategic outlook would be seriously impeded.... (This is) just what other adversaries such as China and Russia want to see as a check on the U.S. military and strategically.... Both nations also have economic, political and strategic stakes in the region."
For more information, please contact:
U.S. Information Agency
Office of Public Liaison
Telephone: (202) 619-4355
3/9/98
# # #
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
