Russia pokes America

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/08/2013 (4526 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There aren’t many good theories on why Russian President Vladimir Putin is sticking it to the Americans by providing sanctuary to Edward Snowden, who is either a traitor or hero depending on your point of view, but nothing to the Russians.

The best explanation is that Mr. Putin simply wanted to embarrass U.S. President Barack Obama and draw attention to the controversy over domestic surveillance, privacy and press freedom in the United States, which has been righteous in its condemnation of Russia’s anti-democratic trajectory.

If so, the Russian leader has misjudged the political situation, particularly Mr. Obama’s need to appear strong on security and international affairs.

It doesn’t really matter that America has frequently refused to extradite foreign nationals for serious crimes, or that scores of democracy groups are defending Mr. Snowden for blowing the whistle on an important issue. The fact is Mr. Obama has staked his reputation on bringing him to justice, which the Russians could easily have accommodated without any insult to their own interests.

As a result of Mr. Putin’s decision to indulge his enjoyment over America’s frustration, the shaky bilateral relationship has suffered a serious setback. Mr. Obama cancelled a scheduled summit with Mr. Putin next month in Moscow, and there could be more fallout to come.

Mr. Obama says the Russians appear to be slipping back into a Cold War mentality, but it never fully ended.

Under Mr. Putin, Russia has been reasserting its traditional interests in the Middle East and particularly Eastern Europe and the Transcaucasia. Russia supports the murderous Syrian regime and the unpredictable Iranians, while drawing Ukraine and other former East Bloc countries away from the West and into its bosom.

In its defence, Russia has historically been concerned, with good reason, about western motivations. In the last 200 years — Russians are known for their long memories — it has been attacked by the British, French, and Germans (twice), not to mention a series of proxy wars with the U.S. It also resented attempts by NATO to expand up to Russia’s borders.

It has legitimate concerns about stability in the Middle East, particularly as it affects Russian interests in the Caucasus region. Like America, the British and others, the Russians are also prepared to support repugnant regimes when it’s in their interest.

The problem is Mr. Putin has sabotaged Russian democracy and installed himself as a virtual dictator. He seems more intent on restoring the greatness of a mythical Mother Russia than redefining Russia’s role in a global world.

That is a far more serious challenge than the fate of Mr. Snowden, who will eventually be turned over to the Americans, or even of Mr. Obama’s pride.