Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

RUSSIA IN 'DIRE STRAITS,' 'SEARCHING FOR ROLE IN THE WORLD'

EUROPE

RUSSIA: "START II Favors U.S."

According to the deputy chairman of the Duma's defense committee, Mikhail Musatov, in centrist, army Krasnaya Zvezda (1/6): "Implementing START II will lead to an absolute nuclear diktat in U.S.-Russian relations, which may result in Russia's total nuclear disarmament. The Americans will have a manifold preponderance in missiles and nuclear weapons, whether or not we ratify this treaty, but START II will sharply increase the fighting capability of the U.S. strategic offensive weapons, and its ratification will insure that America will reorient itself to securing a disarming nuclear strike potential."

"Reform Must Go On, But Trust In Yeltsin Ruined"

Aleksandr Bovin said in reformist Izvestiya (12/31): "It is clear now that monetarist and neo-liberal abstractions do not work in post-Soviet society. At least they do not work in their 'pure' form, unadapted to the Russian reality. Reformers have discredited reform, which is not to say that we should give it up. We should continue reform without monetarist extravagances and neo-liberal illusions.... Public trust in the president's creative powers and his state machine has been ruined. He says a firm 'no' to a return to the past. That's true. He stands on guard of two basic freedoms--freedom of expression and freedom of choice. That's true, too. But he is incapable of making headway. He does not know where to go. He can still surprise people. He is still a player, but he is an 'apparatus,' not political player. He picks his palace guards from menials, not associates, thereby isolating himself from the country, the people, and the future."

"Moscow's Cyprus Lesson Damaging"

Sergei Guly wrote in reformist Noviye Izvestiya (12/31): "The leadership of the Cyprus's Greek community has its reasons, including strictly internal ones, to refuse to deploy Russian S-300 air defense missiles in its country. What matters to Moscow is how much this is due to pressure from the United States, the EU and Turkey.... The way the Cyprus lesson is likely be taken in the world is: Ask 'the seniors' for permission before making a deal with the Russians."

"How White House Treated The Kremlin"

Reformist weekly Itogi (12/29) published this commentary by Leonid Velekhov and Sergei Strokan: "How the White House treated the Kremlin during the Iraq crisis in December is stark testimony that Russia's chips have fallen low in world politics. Moscow, judging by its reaction, is greatly demoralized, unable to formulate a constructive reply."

"START II: Fate Uncertain"

First Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Maslyukov wrote on page one of reformist Izvestiya (12/16): "The START II treaty's fate in the State Duma seems uncertain in many respects. That, in large measure, is due to the fact that information about the condition and prospects of Russia's strategic nuclear forces is scant and distorted.... Since 1993 President Clinton has repeatedly declared himself in favor of this treaty.... But this cannot go on forever. The upcoming election campaign in the United States may take attention away from strategic arms control. Therefore, it is appropriate that Russia should ratify and enact START II right now. This would make it possible to quickly draft and conclude a new treaty, START III, within the parameters that have been agreed already and to reliably ensure Russia's military security, while keeping its defense expenditures reasonable and affordable."

"U.S. Wants Russia To Follow Economic Laws"

Dmitry Gornostayev wrote on the front page of centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (12/15) about a visit to Moscow by an American delegation led by Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott: "The Americans have made it clear that it is in their interests that Moscow should abide by strict economic rules. This way it can hope to have its debts restructured. The Americans are ready to help. But we have to meet certain conditions. A hidden diktat has been replaced with a bargain of sorts, and the current (Russian) government seems to have accepted it in principle, based on reality and Russia's interests.... Moscow and Washington see eye to eye on that."

"Americans Placated"

Konstantin Levin reported in reformist, business-oriented Kommersant Daily (12/11) about a high-ranking U.S. delegation that visited Moscow in December: "The Americans must have felt better yesterday, informed that the Russian government and the leaders of most factions in the Duma had agreed on a stringent budget for 1999. Moreover, most MPs have consented to ratify START II. The treaty has been less menacing to the Russian military industrial complex, since the arrival of new Topol-M ballistic missiles. So, the Americans must be satisfied--they have gotten everything they wanted."

"Optimistic Forecast"

Yelena Sveshnikova said in reformist Noviye Izvestiya (12/11): "All previous and future budget battles may in fact prove useless. The consolidated financial statement presented by the finance ministry has a little note saying that the amounts necessary to service the foreign debts are not included in the calculations. This means that all figures in the current draft budget for 1999 are nothing other than an optimistic forecast."

"Political Fantasy"

Yulia Ulyanova commented on page one of reformist Segodnya (12/11): "No doubt, the epithets (stringent, honest, mobilizing, optimal, a prelude to an improvement) Primakov used to describe the budget are absolutely correct, because the beginning of budget drafting--the forecast for this country's socio-economic development in the next year--is infinitely optimistic. So much so that [the budget's] major provisions, rather than being forecasts per se, sound more like political goals or, better still, a fantasy."

"Risky Venture"

Centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (12/11) front-paged the opinion by Milana Davydova and Vladislav Kuzmichev: "The federal draft budget does not appear workable and is likely to remain an instrument meant for political battles. It is rigid all right, but its being 'honest,' in large measure, depends on luck. The draft budget is a very risky venture."

"Ordinary People No Longer Trust Authority"

Aleksandr Batygin said on page one of official government Rosssiyskaya Gazeta (12/9): " A wave of political extremism, crime and separatism has swept Russia, with ordinary people no longer trusting the authorities. The presidential administration is responsible for that. A desire to quit, laxity and depression have prevailed in the Kremlin corridors of power.... We need a strict order and a strong and respected government. It must be clear to all by now that Yeltsin will remain president, not to be written off by anyone. At least not until the year 2000."

"Plan Incites No Confidence"

Reformist Segodnya (12/5) front-paged this comment about a World Economic Forum meeting in Moscow, where Prime Minister Primakov and other cabinet members spoke about their anti-crisis plan: "Deputy Minister of the Economy Andrei Svinarenko cheerfully assured that the situation (in Russia) will continue to deteriorate roughly until the middle of next year, when anti-crisis measures by the government and Central Bank are expected to take effect. While other statements make you unsure about how feasible and appropriate the proposed actions are, the one by the Deputy Minister of the Economy sounds absolutely truthful."

"Betwixt And Between"

Nikolai Yefimovich and Yevgeny Anisimov remarked on IMF chief Michel Camdessus's visit to Moscow in reformist, youth-oriented Komsomolskaya Pravda (12/4): "They won't break off with us--that would make Russia totally isolated from world markets and have grave consequences. That is, they won't let us die, but you wouldn't call this life either."

"Ridiculous Promises"

Otto Latsis stated in reformist Noviye Izvestiya (12/3): "With the kind of attitude toward expenditures, particularly 'support' for industrial and agricultural producers, that has been mentioned by First Deputy Premier [Maslyukov], his promise to keep inflation down to 30 percent sounds ridiculous. He would look great at 300. Just as ridiculous, in light of that policy, is his speculation about a social reorientation of the market economy."

"Government Unsure What To Do"

Yelizaveta Osetinskaya remarked in reformist Segodnya (12/3): "The government does not seem quite sure what to do. So it hems and haws, refusing to talk publicly about the 1999 budget parameters."

"Just A Nice Trip"

Centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta front-paged a comment by Marina Volkova and Vladislav Kuzmichev on Michel Camdessus's visit to Moscow (12/3): "It was just a nice trip involving an exotic cold winter, talks with high-ranking officials, and a safe return to Washington. Camdessus has seen for himself that Moscow is still standing."

"No Way Primakov Can Prevail On Camdessus"

Yelena Sveshnikova noted in reformist Noviye Izvestiya (12/2): "Most experts agree that Primakov's chances of convincing Michel Camdessus to renew financing for Russia are nil."

"Don't Expect Much"

According to Marina Volkova and Vladislav Kuzmichev on page one of centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (12/2): "Little is to be expected from the IMF's Michel Camdessus. His visit is a favor to Yevgeny Primakov, who personally invited him to Moscow, rather than an attempt to learn first-hand about Russia's economic problems.... Using the scare of an imminent disaster may prove effective if only because the world community would hate to face a new global crisis."

"Nobody Wishes Russia Ill"

Svetlana Babayeva, reporting about the IMF-held brain-storming session on Russia in Washington on November 30th, remarked on page one of reformist Izvestiya (12/2): "There's no ill will harbored against Russia, nor is there money coming its way."

BRITAIN: "Boris Yeltsin's Sorry Year"

BBC Radio's World Service aired this year-ender (12/30): "1998 was the year that President Boris Yeltsin was all but written off as a political force--and not just in Russia. Abroad, world leaders have signaled a strong desire to establish new ties with a range of politicians, all of whom would like his job when the time comes.... Yeltsin still clings to office, is still able to make the occasional punitive strike from within the Kremlin walls, but his grip on power is undeniably weakening. Occasional bursts of energy and lucidity cannot hide his growing detachment from the realities of daily government, a potentially dangerous development in a system which grants so much authority to the president. A vacuum is appearing at the heart of the state, and a deadly battle is underway to fill it.... It's seven years now since Yeltsin stood atop a tank outside the Russian parliament and proclaimed the triumph of democracy.... The Soviet Union was in its death throes. Russia was rejoining the world--or so it seemed. Today, such optimism appears naive. Russia is adrift, spinning in a crisis of identity, and Yeltsin is bereft now of the energy and drive that once made him an irresistible force."

"Learning To Live Without Yeltsin"

The independent Scotsman of Edinburgh had this lead editorial (12/8): "Supporting Yeltsin now is futile. There is a tendency in Western capitals to regard Yeltsin's decline as a problem not an opportunity. This perspective is rooted in the naive faith that the Russian president is an enlightened democrat surrounded by men of ill-repute. It is as if London and Washington fail to understand what is achingly clear in Moscow: that Yeltsin is as much part of the problem as of the solution.... Good relations now require us to distance ourselves from a leader whose time has gone."

"Yeltsin Back In Bed After Firing Aides"

The conservative Daily Telegraph had this from Moscow (12/8): "President Yeltsin was back in hospital last night after a three-hour visit to the Kremlin in which he tried to restore his flagging authority by purging top advisers. His chief of staff, three senior aides and the head of one of Russia's most secretive intelligence services were all unceremoniously dismissed in the course of what was a spectacular morning's work, even by Mr. Yeltsin's erratic standards."

FRANCE: "Yeltsin At It Again"

Laure Mandeville declared in right-of-center Le Figaro (12/8): "Yeltsin's perpetual fixation on restructuring is absolutely stupefying. The country's economy is in ruins, the political debate is degenerating, calls for a dictatorship are making inroads, and Prime Minister Primakov is alone and trying to fight like the devil to win back a little bit of confidence. Meanwhile, between two visits to the hospital, Yeltsin has nothing better to do than to upset the Russian political system [by his firing of several administration officials]."

GERMANY: "Russia Still Nuclear Capable"

Centrist Badische Tagblatt of Baden-Baden commented (12/9): "Yeltsin's rotting giant empire is no more predictable than the former Soviet empire, but its destructive capability is still enough to lay Europe in ashes.

"In addition, the Russian parliament, dominated by communists and nationalists, refuses to ratify the START II treaty on nuclear disarmament. For this reason alone it is premature to dismantle NATO's strategy of flexible response."

"Shadow President"

Right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine front-paged this editorial (12/8): "The way Russia is being governed at the moment is almost ghostly.... It is unlikely that Yeltsin will be able to keep up his desperate hold on power until the end of his term in summer of 2000. Despite his increasingly despotic regime, Russia's first freely elected president is but a shadow of his former self. Such a loss of authority cannot go on very much longer in a country that is in such a deep rut, seven years after its so-called national self-liberation."

"Moscow Wants The IMF Billions"

Moscow correspondent Miriam Neubert filed the following editorial for centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (12/3): "Russia needs the IMF billions if it wants to avoid admitting its insolvency or taking refuge in hyper-inflation. The IMF has payed the first tranche of $ 4.8 billion...but has held back the subsequent tranche, since the new government under Primakov does not seem any better than the old one.... Russia is in a debt trap. The state budget is burdened by the repayment of debts.... The government is pinning its hopes on IMF funds and, at the same time, striving for a restructuring of its foreign debts.... Primakov has one means to pressure [the IMF]: The West cannot welcome a Russia drifting into chaos."

"Russia's Dire Straits"

Frank Herold argued in left-of-center Berliner Zeitung (12/3): "We do not have to be a friend of the IMF to understand its position. Since five billion IMF dollars quickly disappeared into the unfathomable depths of Russia three months ago, the country has forfeited its creditworthiness. Since then, Moscow has become entangled in contradictions. On the one hand, Moscow complains about the damage done by following IMF advice, and, on the other hand, the Russian government is begging the IMF for money. In the opinion of international financial institutions, there can be no other decision but a moratorium. Moscow can threaten that it will collapse, but the principle is till valid that good money should not be thrown after bad."

BELGIUM: "Russia Searching For Role In The World"

VRT TV correspondent Johan Depoortere had this commentary in independent Catholic De Standaard (12/23): "Russian diplomats....believe that Washington consciously chose not only the Saddam regime but also the UNSC as targets. In the Russian version, the Americans want to get rid of a troublesome player in the international game. They thus definitively blew the last lever out of Russia's hands via which it could influence world politics. By ignoring the Kremlin publicly, the United States put Russia on the place where it belongs: that of any Third World country.... Prime Minister Primakov's call to India and China to join Russia in the formation of a strategic Asian triangle is a direct reaction to events in Iraq. The idea is not new and Primakov knows very well that practical and political obstacles stand in the way. But, it is a clear signal to the outside world: Russia does not intend to give in and is looking intensively for allies....

"Another consequence of Operation Desert Fox is the consensus in Russian political circles on two issues: Russia must restore its political status in the world and it must rebuild its military potential--no matter what sacrifices that demands.... The consequences for the rest of the world...are enormous.... Nothing rules out that the Russians will follow the American example of organizing punitive expeditions, without the approval from anybody, against (Baltic) countries which, for instance, do not respect the rights of Russian-speaking minorities."

DENMARK: "Western Assistance, Russian Stability Essential"

Center-left Aktuelt opined (1/6): "The West should give Russia well-directed and well-thought through assistance. This will cost a lot of euros, dollars and yen. The West must do this, not just for the sake of Russia, but for purely selfish reasons. Without progress and stability in Russia's part of Europe, it is unlikely that stability can continue on the rest of the continent."

"Yeltsin Shows Them Who's The Boss"

Center-left Politiken had this editorial on Yeltsin's firing of four top aides (12/8): "Yeltsin has been on a flying visit to the Kremlin to...show he still is the boss. The people he fired have been accused of not having done enough to fight corruption, extremists and separatists.... It would almost be endearing to see Yeltsin rise up to perform a war dance if it was not a shame for the Russian people that nothing else is happening."

"Russians Must Solve Their Own Problems"

Center-right Jyllands-Posten editorialized (12/4): "While Russia gradually transforms itself into a Burkina-Faso without the sun, the West is considering what it should do to help the former superpower. (The answer to this should be) very little. The Russians must solve their own problems because they have created them. This will presumably take several generations. The one problem the West should give them assistance with is the dismantling of their nuclear weapons, as they pose a threat, not only to Russia, but to the whole world."

FINLAND: "The Changing U.S. Policy Towards Russia"

Leading, independent Helsingin Sanomat had this commentary by Olli Kivinen (12/3): "The U.S. policy towards Russia has undergone a clear change this autumn. For years, Washington strongly supported President Yeltsin and Russian reformists. The United States is now distancing itself from them, and the message has changed: Russia's problems can be alleviated, but its solutions lie with the Russians.... Washington now admits--surprisingly late, many think--that President Yeltsin's power has faded and that policies which rely on his presidency may collapse. In addition, expectations of quick economic reform have disappeared. The change has been visible in statements and speeches by several leading U.S. policy-makers this fall, including Madeleine Albright ... and Strobe Talbott.... U.S. policy, which is now far more realistic, can be summed up as follows: In the best case, Russia's revival will take plenty of time; Russia itself is responsible for this revival, and it must adopt businesslike policies; foreign countries can and should help. The objective, from the Western perspective, is a selfish one, since the goal is still to prevent an even deeper collapse and internal confusion, even the disintegration, of Russia."

HUNGARY: "Caution About Moscow And Its Plans Justified"

Influential Magyar Hirlap carried a piece by respected foreign policy writer Janos T. Barabas (1/5): "It is logical and understandable that Russia is trying to restore itself to its former greatness. The fact that the Duma's ratification of the Russian-Ukrainian friendship and cooperation agreement coincides with its signing of a [reunification] agreement with Belarus reveals its intention to build a new Pan-Slavic state.... Few things can be more dangerous than underestimating Moscow. Ever since Napoleon, the West has a tendency to underestimate the Russian capability for self-sacrifice or for enduring the sacrifices their leaders force on them. If the Kremlin decides that they need 40 new missiles every year, they will have them. If we add to that the fact that it is rather doubtful how long Yeltsin will be able to keep the steering wheel in his own hands (if he still has it at all), and what future his possible successors are outlining for us, caution about Moscow and its plans is even more justified."

POLAND: "New Belarus-Russia Union"

Andrzej Romanowski wrote in social and cultural Catholic weekly Tygodnik Powszechny (1/5): "The international agreements Belarus has been signing with Russia for the last two years, were mostly in writing. Will it be likewise with the last one signed? So far, only Lukashenko has been politically bankrupt.... Today, Boris Yeltsin is politically bankrupt, too--Russia's economic slump and crisis of power have already resulted in the drop of a rational factor in the Kremlin policy.... The 'Declaration of Further Reunification,' signed over Christmas in Moscow, appears to be a gesture of despair on the part of both politicians. Since both nations crave a spectacular success and the dream of a happy--Slavic or Soviet--unity still lingers...this new 'reunification agreement' mustn't be underestimated. We may be seeing a new geopolitical--and unpredictable--situation take shape in the region."

SPAIN: "Russian Shell Game"

Conservative ABC remarked (12/4): "This time IMF Director Camdessus left Moscow without promising any help, and a day later Primakov's cabinet approved an economic stabilization plan. Obviously, the plan was not hatched overnight but was probably part of a last ditch attempt to wangle something out of the IMF. It will be interesting to see now whether the IMF's new [hands-off] policy will bear more fruit than the one it previously followed, which served only to shore up the ruins of the ruble and enrich the corrupt."

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

CHINA: "Yeltsin Sacks Top Aides, Scolds Officials"

Official English-language China Daily noted (12/8): "President Boris Yeltsin, unnerved by his waning power, left the hospital for three hours yesterday to sack his chief aide and berate his administration.... Yeltsin's latest spell in the hospital has palpably diminished his authority at a time of deep economic crisis. Indeed, many Russian and foreign analysts have largely written him off as a political force.... Yeltsin has a habit of ending a period of absence with a splash, and yesterday was no exception."

JAPAN: "Reduce The Shocks From Failing Nations"

Top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri opined (1/8): "Threats from politically and economically unstable Russia and North Korea must be addressed immediately, for the worst-case scenarios there could have tremendous repercussions for the international community. Although there is a need to establish an international security system, with the UN playing the central role, the UN is not currently equipped to deal with such threats. Thus, post-Cold War threats must be countered based on healthy leadership by the United States and close cooperation among developed nations. The United States, which for decades was locked in a neck-and-neck nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union, is now worried that conditions in Russia prevent nuclear facilities from properly safeguarding their fissile material. This worry reveals the awkward realities of global security during this transitional period. Mishandling of the Russian crisis would have serious consequences for global security, political and economic systems. There is no alternative for Japan, the U.S. and European countries but to jointly press on with patient and constructive engagement of Russia."

"President Yeltsin Moves To Reinforce Power"

Top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri's Moscow correspondent Ogata observed (1/6): "The temporarily stricken President Yeltsin is now recovering and trying to reinforce his power base which has been undercut by his political absence.

"While keeping close tabs on the powerful politicians seeking his post, the president is expected to fire some ministers of the security apparatus.... Thus, change now becomes inevitable in the Kremlin power structure surrounding Prime Minister Primakov, who has solidified his footing to fill in the presidential power vacuum by giving cabinet posts to members of the opposition Communist Party. The prospect for the Kremlin is now more uncertain than ever. Ironically, the resurrection of President Yeltsin is becoming a new source of instability in Russian politics."

"Amid Economic Crisis, Russian Arms Sales Up"

The conservative Sankei's Moscow correspondent Naito observed (1/5): "With Russia's weapons sales steadily expanding in the midst of its economic crisis, there is increasing concern that this will heighten tensions in Asia and Africa where regional conflicts are prevalent. With the state coffers empty...there is evidence that Russia's arms sales will continue to increase as its economy stumbles.... Weapons are the third largest export item for Russia, following oil and natural gas, whose world market prices are in the doldrums."

"Yeltsin Fires Top Aides"

Business-oriented Nihon Keizai's Moscow correspondents Ikeda and Sakai observed (12/8): "Briefly returning to work on Monday, Russian President Yeltsin fired several top aides and assumed personal control of two key government agencies.... The latest shakeup...is seen as the last-ditch fight of a quickly disintegrating government. It also raises concern that Russia is fast headed toward political instability.... As in the past, President Yeltsin carried out another 'reckless' shakeup to demonstrate his physical and political vigor and fitness. Given growing concerns over the president's physical deterioration, however, it is quite doubtful that the latest shakeup will help prolong his administration further. Instead, it will only hasten the fall of his presidency."

SINGAPORE: "Russia's Economy On The Brink"

The pro-government Business Times headlined (12/2): "If this were any other country, Mr. Camdessus may not even have bothered with the trip. But Russia remains in a special category, as always. In any event, the IMF's prescriptions for other troubled economies have had such varied results. It is hardly in a position to push its ideas with authority or vigor. Mr. Primakov is taking a large risk with his latest strategy. While the IMF's proposals may not have produced the desired outcomes, what his current plan will certainly do is delay international lenders' release of new loans to Russia.... Until a new agreement is finalized, neither international lenders nor the IMF are likely to consider any additional credits to Russia.... On top of this, President Yeltsin is ailing and politically isolated.... He seems to have ceded almost all of Russia's levers of power to Mr. Primakov. So if Mr. Primakov's plan fails, there is no obvious rallying point. Social upheavals leading to a breakup of the country and a coup cannot be ruled out."

SOUTH ASIA

BANGLADESH: "Strategic Triangle"

The centrist Independent editorialized (12/23): "Ideally, a strategic triangle between Russia, China and India may help guarantee stability in the bulk of the Asian continent, but it may not be easy to achieve. Security in East and Southeast Asia has taken shape over the years with the American presence in the Asia-Pacific. In addition, the growing military cooperation between Russia and China is tempered by significant Sino-U.S. strategic understandings. Any fallout from the Anglo-U.S. military action in Iraq may or may not offer adequate stimulus to override those handicaps and win adequate support for the triangle idea."

INDIA: "Strategic Merger"

Nationalist The Hindustan Times held (12/29): "There are two ways of looking at last week's compact between Russia and Belarus. Russian Premier Yevgeny Primakov has recently thought aloud about rebuilding the country's federal structure and transferring more power to the far-flung regions of the federation. A more obvious reason, however, for bringing Moscow and Minsk closer together is the eastward expansion of NATO. NATO has yet to explain the necessity for including Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary in its fold when this threesome face no real threats from anywhere; Russian nationalist fears on this count can hardly be termed groundless. NATO's decision-making is wholly an American affair and its image as a military alliance under the baton of the superpower is anything but reassuring."

"The Russian Disaster"

An analysis by Muchkund Dubey appeared in the centrist Times of India (12/6): "What has befallen the Russian economy is nothing short of a 'disaster' or a 'catastrophe.' The crisis has been building ever since the commencement in 1992 of the IMF-prescribed policy of fiscal stabilization, liberalization and privatization. Even after the horrendous consequences of this policy became clear, it continued to be applied almost as a conspiracy between the IMF, its major stakeholders and the Russian mafia of private businessmen, corrupt officials and politicians to totally ravage the Russian economy.... The policy...has been followed in the absence of market institutions and private enterprises. The result has been the rise of a new class of private monopolists whose sole motive has been profiteering.... The U.S. administration seems to be in no hurry to take the lead, as it did in the case of Brazil, in putting together a rescue package for Russia or pressuring the IMF to do so. This is because the U.S. government and companies have, by and large, kept themselves away from the Russian economy and, therefore, do not have much stake in its revival."

PAKISTAN: "Primakov's Idea And Our Options"

An op-ed column by S.H. Zaidi in Karachi-based independent Dawn observed (1/8): "Russian premier Primakov's suggestion for a 'strategic alliance' between Russia, China, and India has been described by a foreign ministry spokesman as a threat to Pakistan's security.... The missile attack on Afghanistan to 'avenge' the bombings of U.S. embassies in East Africa, and the attack on Iraq to punish the latter for alleged non-cooperation with weapons inspectors...should be enough to open our eyes, lest we find ourselves on the wrong side of the fence when the time comes. It is necessary to disentangle ourselves from the spell of the United States on the one hand and overcome our preoccupation with Indian phobia on the other. Neither India nor the Russian Federation is a negligible quantity in world affairs."

"Russian PM's Proposal: Of Concern For Pakistan, China"

Independent Nawa-e-Waqt commented on Mr. Primakov's proposal to form a strategic triangle between Russia, China and India (12/23): "Perhaps Russia's economic troubles and its weakened position vis-a-vis the United States compelled it to put forward a proposal which will neither be acceptable to India, due to its ties with the United States, nor to China, due to the inclusion of its enemy--India."

"Mr. Primakov's Pipe Dream"

An editorial in the Karachi-based independent Dawn also wrote about the Primakov proposal (12/23): "Russia must first put its own house in order. Mr. Primakov is prime minister but he still must contend with an ailing president who remains jealous of his power. Moreover, China and India are not likely to take easily to the same bed."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

ARGENTINA: "Russian Crisis"

An editorial in pro-government La Prensa read (12/10): "The Russian social and economic crisis demands urgent measures.... This crisis not only involves teachers; the Kremlin owes several months of salaries to practically all state employees and retired people.... Although the government announced recently that it will receive financial aid, what makes the situation even more alarming is the 'power vacuum' [created] by the fragile health of President Yeltsin."

"Uncertainty And Crime In Russia"

An editorial in leading Clarin read (12/7): "The incipient political civility which was developed in Russia in the last decade runs its most serious risk of collapsing amid the terminal decadence of Yeltsin's presidency and the combination of natural and social catastrophes.... The killing of deputy Galina Starovoitova, one of the most fervent defenders of 'perestroika'...has been one of the peaks in this tragic spiral of political murder. Since the Soviet Union's disappearance, the expansion of the 'Mafia's' power has accompanied... the double transition from communism to capitalism and from autocracy to democracy.... The engine of both processes was fed by that corrosive fuel (the Mafia) which ended up undermining the idea that Russia could achieve free market and liberal democracy with no harm. The result has been the... black market and political fragmentation. The return of a renewed Communist party and the presence of nationalistic factions seem to be...a muted expression of potentially explosive forces."

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1/8/99

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