“Naturally, yes.”
Those were the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin when asked if Russia would aim nuclear missiles at European cities and American military bases, should the American missile defense system in Europe be put into place. Putin has, over the past seven years, built up a track record of human rights abuses and attacks on civil liberties: tampering with Eastern European democracies and the freedom of industry and media in his own country, allying with the violent dictatorship of Iran, and using control over oil to exert influence on Western Europe. Yet his most recent action has brought the conflict between Russia and the United States to a whole new level. Now, the nuclear armament of Europe is a distinct possibility.
This recent escalation is the product of a series of diplomatic battles that have taken place between Russia and the U.S. over an American missile defense shield based in the Czech Republic and Poland to counter threats from Iran. The proposed missile shield would secure American allies in Europe from any potential threats brewing in Asia, but Russia has not taken this “militarization” of Europe lightly, claiming that the plan is designed against Russia, not Iran
But this is not the only reason that Russia and the U.S. are on bad terms; other criticisms of Russia include: the status of Kosovo and Russian human rights violations there, a Russian ‘cyber war’ against Estonia, possible murders of critical journalists, open censorship of the Russian media, the state takeover of large oil companies, support for the Iranian nuclear program and a possible oil-related trade deal, the refusal to allow sanctions on Iran for its nuclear enrichment program, refusal to place sanctions on Sudan in response to the genocide in Darfur, involvement in Belarusian and Ukrainian politics, and General hostility towards the United States and Western powers.
Russia clearly has a record of enmity towards the West, but one question remains: will Putin back up his threats, or are they just rhetoric? It is unclear what Putin’s intentions are; some have suggested that he wants to re-establish Russian dominance in Eastern Europe, while others contend that he wants to control the flow of oil in order to exert greater influence on global politics. He already has a successor in line to fill his spot when his term is up, presumably to carry on with the same policies.
In 2004, Ukrainian president Victor Yuschenko was poisoned and nearly killed by the opposition during the election. The Russian government, which has interfered in Ukrainian politics to ensure the election of pro-Russian candidates, is a suspect. Until recently, sanctions against Iran were not passed in the UN because of Russia’s veto power. The Russian military has committed horrible atrocities against the residents of Chechnya, drawing the ire of the international community and of human rights organizations. Russia has vehemently opposed the growth of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), founded during the Cold War to counter the Soviet Union, and which now has gained the strong support of other Eastern European, former Soviet-bloc countries. Obviously Putin is not just talk; he means what he says, and he is willing to take action to defend his country and his ideals. For that reason he should be taken very seriously.
Putin’s abuse of power is well-documented and well understood by the international community, and it is about time that Russia is seen as a threat. Its threat to bring nuclear politics back into play in Europe should be taken seriously, and his rhetoric should not be taken lightly. Of course, he is not about to invade Eastern Europe, but it is evident that he is trying to find Russia’s place in the post-Cold War world order.
---as printed in The General.
