US-Russia relations are once again on the agenda after the Obama’s decision to re-shape the Bush administration’s plan to deploy a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. After Obama came to power, the constructive atmosphere gave an opportunity for a ‘fresh start’. This was followed by steps from both Medvedev and Obama to enrich US-Russia relations.
Obama’s decision to re-start relations with Russia was presented before by Hillary Clinton when she gave a “reset” button to her colleague. However there were two main obstacles to a fresh start: the US’ plan to deploy a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic and NATO’s enlargement to the East. The latter was delayed considering Russia’s concerns. Now the missile defense system plan has not been totally cancelled but is being re-shaped. It was said that Obama’s decision was connected with his military adviser’s statements on the availability of a more versatile and proven missile defense technology. Moreover, Obama said that a missile defense system would be deployed in other countries. Different ship and land-based systems closer to Iran will be used instead to counter any potential threat to Europe. Considering recent developments, one of the most important dimensions of canceling the missile defense system plan is undoubtedly the elimination of the main obstacle in US-Russia relations by considering Russia’s concerns and fears over the missile defense plan.
The truth of the matter is that Obama was from the very beginning of his presidency skeptic on missile defense plan since it was not only very expensive but also not proven. In addition to its cost, the geographic efficiency was not clear.As a consequence of the aforementioned factors, the cancellation or re-shaping of the missile defense plan was already expected.
Obama and Medvedev had an opportunity to discuss issues such as the reduction of strategic weapons and the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan during Obama’s visit to Moscow in July. While issues such as the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea were waiting on the table, Obama’s decision is very strategic since this can give an opportunity for further steps for Russia and the US. Moreover, Obama’s decision also needs further evaluation.
Obama’s decision not to put in force the Bush administration’s expensive and unproven plan can be evaluated as the ‘right choice’. By doing so, Obama opened a window of opportunity to dismiss one of the main problems between Russia and the US. Obama’s important decision could also enrich relations with Russia and could make it possible to have a common attitude, especially on issues like the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea and the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan that are the top priority of the US foreign policy agenda.
On the other hand, Obama’s decision will inevitably be criticized as betraying allies and caving in to Russian pressure, while officials in Eastern Europe expressed discomfort and confusion at the dramatic shift. Indeed, while Poland and the Czech Republic were entering the Western security umbrella, Obama’s radical step and the impression of this step as Russia’s success could also be seen as abandoning Poland and the Czech Republic.
Consequently, the affirmative atmosphere that developed after Obama’s visit to Moscow in July continues with Obama’s decision to re-shape the missile defense system plan. While there are plenty of issues on which Russia and the US have different point of views, the two countries tend to focus on issues that they can work on together. With this radical decision Obama did not only discard one of the thorniest problems but also made it possible to go further with Russia on critical issues. Obama’s radical shift already was planned to serve later plans.
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