Obama Shouldn't Sacrifice Allies To Please Russia -Michael Rubin
On March 2, "The New York Times" reported that U.S. President Barack Obama had written to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev suggesting that reconsideration in Moscow of the extent of its support for Iran's nuclear program, might result in a U.S. suspension of plans to establish a missile-defense system in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic.
The Russian leadership rebuffed Obama's outstretched hand.
Too often, new U.S. administrations assume that the reason for the failure of engagement lies more with their predecessors than with their adversaries. Obama is no different, but rushing into diplomatic initiatives, however well intentioned, can be costly.
Obama may see his offer to Russia as pragmatism, but gestures create precedent. U.S. allies [will] fear that Washington is willing to sacrifice [them] for the sake of diplomatic convenience.
Diplomacy should always be a strategy of first resort. But Obama should realize that diplomacy with dictatorships is not the same as diplomacy among democratic nations. If democracies can be swayed with values and incentives, altering autocrats' behavior often requires far more complex coercion, not simply letters.
If Washington is to remain strong, its alliances must remain strong. The White House must learn that the best security comes from supporting allies, not cutting deals over them.
[Radio Free Europe]
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On March 2, "The New York Times" reported that U.S. President Barack Obama had written to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev suggesting that reconsideration in Moscow of the extent of its support for Iran's nuclear program, might result in a U.S. suspension of plans to establish a missile-defense system in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic.
The Russian leadership rebuffed Obama's outstretched hand.
Too often, new U.S. administrations assume that the reason for the failure of engagement lies more with their predecessors than with their adversaries. Obama is no different, but rushing into diplomatic initiatives, however well intentioned, can be costly.
Obama may see his offer to Russia as pragmatism, but gestures create precedent. U.S. allies [will] fear that Washington is willing to sacrifice [them] for the sake of diplomatic convenience.
Diplomacy should always be a strategy of first resort. But Obama should realize that diplomacy with dictatorships is not the same as diplomacy among democratic nations. If democracies can be swayed with values and incentives, altering autocrats' behavior often requires far more complex coercion, not simply letters.
If Washington is to remain strong, its alliances must remain strong. The White House must learn that the best security comes from supporting allies, not cutting deals over them.
[Radio Free Europe]
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