In comments on the Russian Foreign Ministry website, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised a Friday meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, saying he believes the US is making “certain small moves toward a more constructive approach.“
Neither side has offered much specific detail on the talks, but Lavrov’s report did indicate that arms control was discussed, which may suggest that the two sides have not wholly given up on New START, which expires next year.
Russians had previously warned it may already be too late to extend New START before its expiration, but that likely reflected how little interest the US showed in it in the past. The US had also been holding out demanding Chinese involvement, something very unlikely.
Lavrov’s faint praise of small moves is substantial, given how reserved his assessments tend to be. Given Lavrov’s usual downplaying of matters, this is practically an endorsement of a big US change.
Agree. Faint praise in Lavrov-speak signifies a change.
One problem will remain.
Conditioning many things on enticing Russia to decouple from China,
We continuously either have bad intel or have such strong group think — making us believe that such thing is possible. What may have worked in the seventies of the last century, certainly is a bit too late nearly half a century later. With such an impasse with China in the field of telecom infrastructure — there is a temptation to make overtures to Russia that are unrealistic, nearly childish. The degree of integration between Russian and Chinese economies, military, Asian security, and complementary nature of their growth — makes many changes impossible.
Yet, as we know, a constructive approach — beyond small steps — would advance global security inly if Russia, China and US could work together.
If you think the Chinese have any real loyalty to Russia you have lost your mind. They are still pining for their lost trans Amur River territories. The Russians know this.
If our DC class weren’t such a bunch of blundering fools there’s no reason Russia couldn’t be our ally.
I don’t think it is loyalty-it is pragmatism and finding that the two countries are able to work together positively, while with the USA it is expected that any other party has to defer to Big Brother, not act as equals. There are very large numbers of agreements between Russia and China.
and as equal partners even though following different ideologies . China is communist and actually opposed to Christianity and Russia is the most Christian country in Europe but understands communist very well .
Yes, I agree. Russia could be an ally. There are reasons why this was not possible before and why not now.
Historically, no matter what Russia did to insure stronger relationship with Europe, it was always undermined by various interests. Going back to post Napoleonic wars Europe when Germany, Russia and Austro-Hungary had a deal on consensus — it was not to last as that did not suit UK interests, and Disraeli took credit for torpedoing it. Post WWII alliance did not last, all in the name of communism, but the root causes were the same as ever.
US has inherited the European virus, and will continue carrying the banner of anti-Russian hysteria. Like in Europe, in US, the historic animosities carried into their new homelands by the immigrants — are facts of our political life. And these affect decision makers. Thus, I see no chance of that changing in US no matter what a political candidate or even a president wants. We cannot change our political culture. It could change only if dual citizenship is not allowed for political candidates and any other public office holders. Same should be true of any person involved in lobbying on behalf of foreign interest, not excluding cultural interests. We are very susceptible to such pernicious influences, to the point of being totally blind to their damage to our society and the relations to others.
In today’s world, it will be impossible to achieve a relationship with Russia that in bargain throws in harming China. For twenty years now, Russia and China have nursed Shanghai Cooperation Organization into a strong organization it is today. Its eight permanent members include besides Russia and China, both India and Pakistan, and four key Central Asian states. It has many partners and observers, including Turkey and Iran.
Its key premise is — friendship with everyone, but do no harm to others.
China and Russia are not known for breaking treaties, I cannot see SCO treaty broken. The Organization also leads the cultural fight for traditional values, and is against imposing cultural norms and values on others. Putin is often accuses of promoting conservative values, but it is SCO as an organization that is committed to
non-interference in member countries, and respecting their culture, traditions and religions. SCO is working quietly, but thoroughly. In all fields — anti-terrorism, anti-extremism, and opposition to violent secessionism.. But also on trade, investments, cultural and sports events, universities, science, space. Even associations of WWII museums,
What we do not know can fill volumes.
The cooperation of border region has grown in leaps and bounds. Common land ports, use of Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union tariff standards for transit of goods via railroad from China to Europe. New roads developed and planned. Conflict management that has both public and secret components — like India-Pakistan issue, Azerbaijan-Armenia, and Turkey-Armenia. The mediation is within organization, excluding all former European or US based forums. This is still a case for Syria, even though UN Is nominally involved.
Amur region is today an agricultural land, with Russia growing non-GMO grains and soy. This is why it will not be for so long that our agricultural products will sell to China.
We also tend to remember parts of history that confirms our beliefs, forget others. Amur region may have been a historic grievance, but life changes. That China and that Russia do not exist any more. And more in memory of todays generations was Red Army entry on the side of China against Japan in the battle for Manchuria.
If we can find the way to separate historic ethnic grievances and campaign contributions from our foreign policy, a more stable relationship would be possible. But the trend is not good, not here and not in Europe.
A very well reasoned and written piece.
Thank you. It is a complex matter
both historically and from the contemporary global perspective. And giving it some reality in our politically extreme correctness culture — a mission near impossible. I value your feedback.
Russia can’t be our ally because we issued order to shoot Russian soldiers because they would likely try to protect Orthodox Christian civilians in Yugoslavia . These orders from a U.S. general commanding the North American Terrorist Organization forces known as NATO brought down Yeltsin’s new democracy in Russia , partnered up China and Russia militarially for next great confrontation with NATO
Ir is it about Idlib, nothing more earth shaking.
If any meeting with Pompeo is described as “more constructive”, you know that Pompeo must be lying through his teeth.
But Lavrov is an actual DIPLOMAT. He will always and reliably respond to two-faced, lying, bat-crap-crazy, treacherous neocon war-mongers with a response that “diplomatically” puts lipstick on the pig. That’s what a pro does. Much as Putin always refers to his US would-be enemy — “If only Russia can be provoked!” — as a “partner”.
This too shall pass. The Russians are patient. “It’s in their genes.”
According to Brenner (or Clapper), deception is in their genes. Perhaps, turning one’s cheek over and over — without immediate reaction, can be described as deceptive by perpetrators.
Yomama has this down pat, wars. Russian FM Sergey Lavrov’s a real diplomat who’ll always respond to two-faced, lying, crazy, treacherous neocon warmongers that “diplomatically” puts lipstick on the pig. That’s exactly what a pro does .. Much as Putin always refers to his US would-be enemy – “If only Russia can be provoked!” – as a “partner”.
Yes, indeed, this too shall pass. The Russians are patient .. “It’s in their genes”.
So, wars, you need not worry about Fat-face Pompass lying to Lavrov on any subject .. The Russian FM’s far too expert in exposing any lies Pompass would utter.
As long as that prick is still wasting good oxygen, I will worry.
But, but, pomp was number one in his class at west point. heh,heh
Interestingly, new book out, reviewed at TAC, about the decline of standards at west point. Author, tim bakken, is english professor having been long engaged in disputes with regime at west point.
Reading about the Russian system of education and the development of military policies, from the books of Andrei Martyanov gives a genuine idea of the difference between the USA “finest fighting force the world has seen” and the lack of success in recent wars.
“Losing Military Supremacy” and “The real Revolution in Military Affairs”
give quite a different perspective and many in the Pentagon see the truth.
An amazing book by all standards.