Mail Call: Russia’s Power Play

Conflict in the Caucasus
If Russia is seen as upping its ante in the international arena, then the West, particularly the United States, has to share the blame ("A Respectable Russia," Sept. 1). Russia was pushed to the edge and left with no other choice to salvage its self-respect. Had the Georgian president adhered to the principles of good neighborly relations, this situation would not have arisen. It is ironic that America now wants to label Russia—a country that went along with it in matters of international significance, even to the extent of not opposing the invasion of Iraq—as a pariah nation. The United States rarely misses an opportunity to belittle and demean Russia. Take, for instance, its eagerness to get Georgia and Ukraine into NATO, and in establishing the missile defense system in the Czech Republic. The belief that the West alone defines the international system of values smacks of sheer arrogance on the part of its proponents. Russian leaders should realize that by rolling their tanks into Georgia, they have made their point. Now it's time to move out. Abkhazia and South Ossetia can't survive as independent countries, nor should Russia be creating puppets. It is imperative that Vladimir Putin act not only diplomatically but also show statesmanship in the matter.
R. K. Sudan
Jammu, India

While reading your cover story on the fighting in the Caucasus, I couldn't help but see certain double standards at work on all sides. Since the United States and some of Western Europe recognized the independence of Kosovo despite strong Russian opposition, how can it be worse if Russia supports or even unilaterally recognizes the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia? On the other hand, after the events in Chechnya, everyone knows how Russia reacts when someone in its landscape longs to be independent. So, would North Ossetia (located in Russian territory) fare any differently if it were to aim for unification with—according to Moscow—newly independent South Ossetia in another new nation possibly called Greater Ossetia? At the same time, it seems disturbing that the need for people in the Balkans and the Caucasus to split into ever smaller, though not viable entities is bigger than their ability and willingness to overcome past grievances and work together for a common good. The people of Abkhazia and South Ossetia should beware of what they wish for with "protection" from Russia. There is a lesson to be learned from the experiences of nations of the former Warsaw Pact and the now independent republics of the former Soviet Union. They had good reasons to want to leave Russia's orbit of influence, and Russians are not well liked there now.
Gerd Will
Ludwigslust, Germany

To understand Russia's motivations in regard to its neighbors, we have to look deep into Russia's past. For centuries, Russia was besieged by just about everyone: the Mongols, the Turks, the Swedes, the Japanese and various Continental Europeans—all of whom have sought to gain a piece of Russia in one way or another. Thus, Russian paranoia of outsiders is ingrained in the Russian psyche. In the 20th century, the country sought to minimize these fears by surrounding itself with a ring of lesser states—a hegemonic buffer, so to speak—something the United States has historically failed to truly grasp. Russia is not an aggressor. Over the past nearly 100 years, Russia has not waged a single war with anyone, something we cannot say about its past aggressors or the United States. Afghanistan was not a war, but simply an effort to close a gap in the ring on Russia's southern frontier. So, do Russia's neighbors have cause to be nervous? Definitely. Does America have cause to worry? Not at all. Let a contented, sleeping bear lie. As Russia's foreign minister has said, the United States is just going to have to choose between its Georgia project and good relations with the Russian state. There is no other way.
Claude Brickell
New Orleans, Louisiana

Should Russia take the blame for attacking Georgia? It was obvious that Georgia made the first move and provoked Russia by invading South Ossentia. If Georgia hadn't been lulled into believing that the United States would rush to its aid like a big brother, would it have been so bold to do what it did? Not surprisingly, some Georgians are blaming George Bush and Mikheil Saakashvili for their torment. If Georgia bit into a Russian trap, maybe Georgia lured America into one.
Poch Peralta
Manila, Philippines

Never underestimate the true intention and the vested interest of the all-powerful Vladimir Putin. The Georgia crisis is only the beginning of Russia's overreaching plan to restore the former glory that was the Soviet Union. Ever since Putin became president, he has longed to restore his country's status. As the nation's economy was near collapse at the time, his hands were tied, and he had to befriend the West. But in the past several years, Russia has grown very rich, thanks to its massive abundance of oil and natural-gas resources. With this heaven-sent wealth, Putin boldly moved to confront the West, while stealthily reviving his military to be prepared for any possibility of military engagement. Having dealt a big blow to Chechnya, Moscow is beginning to dictate terms to much weaker neighboring states in the former Soviet Union. The world might have forgotten the dirty cold war, but Putin wants to remember. Do not be surprised if the cold war returns with a vengeance, much sooner than one would have thought.
Boon Tee Tan
Hong Kong

I agree with Clifford G. Gaddy's Sept. 1 essay, "How Not to Punish Moscow." Gaddy writes, "It appears that Russia will have its way with Georgia and that the West is powerless to do anything about it." Remember that Georgia was part of the Soviet Union. Although it gained independence, as far as Russia is concerned Georgia remains a vassal state. Russia will not tolerate positioning of weapons of destruction in its vassal states under the guise of NATO or other security arrangements with the West. What Russia did to Georgia is reminiscent of America's quarantine of Cuba when the Soviet Union placed missiles there. Thus, Russia feels justified in teaching a lesson to Georgia—a country viewed as too pro-America and beginning to feel that its independence is a license to test Russia's patience. Vladimir Putin is no ordinary leader. Being an ex-KGB man and proud of his Russian blood, he's prepared to go all the way to redeem Russia's pride after the unexpected loss of rich territories that have become nation-states in their own right. Georgia learned a lesson in ethnic politics. When Putin gave the order to invade Georgia, it was done with careful calculation. It will not be in America's or NATO's interest to retaliate militarily unless they are prepared for Armageddon. Russia is not Iraq, and Putin is not Saddam Hussein. The United States and NATO should not pour salt over wounds by making disparaging remarks, but must endeavor to look at the issue from a wider perspective in the name of peace, love and humanity.
Hassan Bin Talib
Selangor, Malaysia