Roguely Stated

“Bigger, Tougher, Stronger, Faster, Meaner.” Those were the words of a boastful Russian President Vladimir Putin in a previous meeting with US President George Bush. Fortunately for the future of diplomatic relations, Putin’s comments were drawing a distinction between Bush’s small lapdog Barney and Putin’s physically superior Labrador. His comments, however, seem fitting to a rapidly changing US-Russia relationship. As the Bush administration prepares for Putin’s visit to Kennebunkport starting today, I’d recommend that President Bush bring a dog and position a bit more worthy of a fight, or at least one that can do more than just bark.

The two-day meeting between Putin and Bush, coined the “lobster summit”, offers the Bush administration what is likely a final opportunity to reverse a rapidly sinking relationship with Russia and Putin’s administration. With both men nearing the end of their terms, what is largely on the line in Kennebunkport is reputation, not policy.

The Issues

Along with some fishing with former US President George H.W. Bush, President Putin and President Bush are expected to address three issues: US plans for a missile defense system in Europe, the situation in Iraq, and the ongoing negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Although the issues are big, there is little reason to believe that much will be accomplished.

“Kennebunkport represents the last real opportunity for the two presidents to reverse the downward slide that’s characterized U.S.-Russian relations the last several years,” said Steven Pifer, a former Bush State Department official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in a recent Washington Post article. “But having said that, expectations should be modest.”

While expectations are modest, as expressed by both parties, this is an opportunity that President Bush should not fail to take. President Bush must achieve two objectives in the “lobster summit”: first, he must diminish Putin’s arrogant posturing and growing belief in Russia as a world power; second, he must solidify Russia’s support to slow down Iran’s nuclear program.

A Second Look into Putin’s Eyes

President Bush’s relationship began quite strangely with President Putin. As reported in the Washington Post, Bush’s earliest encounters with Putin were based on anything other than policy.

During their first meeting, in Slovenia in June 2001, Bush famously said he looked into Putin’s eyes and got a sense of his soul. The aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon three months later seemed to ratify that, as Putin overruled hard-liners and permitted U.S. troops to set up bases in Central Asia, a traditional Russian sphere…

Many in Washington believe Bush misread Putin, and was captivated at their first meeting by the Russian leader’s attachment to a cross his mother gave him. Bush saw a democrat instead of a former KGB colonel intent on reconsolidating power in the Kremlin.

In order to achieve the first goal, President Bush must take a second look into President Putin’s eyes, looking not for his soul, but for his intentions. President Bush must be clear that Putin’s recent actions, including his comments comparing US policies to the Third Reich are unacceptable (and no one can be thrilled with Putin’s recent meeting with Hugo Chavez). Putin must be convinced that cooperation enhances Russia’s position greater than opposition. Bush’s approach, one that has been nearly the default in the face of every foreign crisis, must be one of bold confidence.

To achieve the second goal, President Bush must first be willing to negotiate on the missile defense system and its location. Even though Putin’s recent threats of pointing missiles at Europe are irresponsible, Bush should focus on getting results on Iran. If Bush compromises, Putin will be pressured to limit Russia’s trade with Iran, which provides much of the material needed for Iran’s nuclear program. While this compromise may hamper plans for a missile defense system, a slow or halt in Iran’s nuclear program is a trade-off that will result in greater security throughout the region.

As America prepares to once again celebrate her freedoms on July 4th, Putin must leave the summit with a clear understanding that Russia’s role in the world should not be to counterbalance US policy, but rather to build a relationship based on protecting mutual national interests. Only then will we all live in a world with less presidential arrogance and fewer growing nuclear threats; only then will we have a relationship based on policy, rather than dog ownership. President Bush, stand up for your dog (or buy a new one), for yourself, and for our country.

Tags: Bush, Chavez, Europe, Iran, Kennebunkport, Missile Defense, nuclear weapons, Putin
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