President Bush looks on while President Putin holds up his catch yesterday. (click here for a video)
In the link to this entry The Washington Post likes to impart the 'idea' that a change in Russian presidency will collapse the nation, it's sovereignty. I don't know where that comes from as Russia has become an indisputable member of the elite countries with gluts of gas and oil. That is wealth. The unique aspect of this is that Russia might be solely the wealthiest Communist country in natural resources. As a Russian President and what accounts for his popularity in Russia is his allegiance to Russian sovereignty and it's government where Communism is the rule of law.
The opportunity I refer to is very simple. Azerbaijani is the first post Soviet nation willing to accept a USA military presence with the approval by Russia. I see that as a huge step to bilateral influence in these nations. It's a significant gesture which can easily lead to a far more ranging opportunity if all goes well. I find the President of Azerbaijani a very smart man.
The Western Media recently visited the facility in question. They weren't impressed because the facility has it's problems.
...The radar station was built mainly to track possible missile launches from U.S. submarines in the Indian Ocean. This is the first time this base has been visited by western journalists since it was built in the early 1980s....
...Most Azeris are largely ambivalent about Putin's offer. But in the town of Gabala, locals say they want the radar base shut down.
Retired military officer Sakhim Jafarov served at the Gabala radar station and lives in the town.
"This radar emits huge radiation that affects four or five regions in the south," Jafarov says. "People complain of birth defects and other problems. The base is old. Why would the Americans want it?"
Retired military officer Sakhim Jafarov served at the Gabala radar station and lives in the town.
"This radar emits huge radiation that affects four or five regions in the south," Jafarov says. "People complain of birth defects and other problems. The base is old. Why would the Americans want it?"
The reality that the USA could actually be inside a Russian radar facility is rather unique. I think it is. I also find a real opportunity to assist countries like Azerbaijan to establish radar facilities that are effective and safe. In order for people to accept the existance of any military facility it first has to be an asset to the 'locals' and cause no harm to them. That, evidently, is an issue for the residents of the area. That alone should be a compelling reality to Americans that want to develop peaceful relationships with former Soviet nations. The reality that President Putin has welcome the USA into such a nation is rather astounding. I find it to be a very real accomplishment and a step in the right direction.
The reality of MDS is that it is a dreamscape. It hasn't to date been proven to be worthy. The project could add to the economy of Azerbaijan. It would build good relations as at the same time better options could be explored regarding the radar facility, after all, Americans will be involved in such a project and the 'idea' we would tolerate any dangers to their health and well being is out of the question. One of the 'concessions' Russia would have to realize about the project is that the dangers of Gabala Radar Base would have to be addressed. It would seem as though Russia is ready and willing to address those issues.
Breaking News published on 02/07/2007
By RFE/RL (http://www.rferl.org/)
30 June 2007 - Russia says it is ready to upgrade its antimissile radar in Azerbaijan as part of a joint security measure with the United States.Major General Aleksandr Yakushin, first deputy head of Russia's space forces headquarters, said today that "the station can be modernized any time."Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered the United States use of the radar as an alternative to Washington's plans to install a missile defense system in Eastern Europe.U.S. President George W. Bush is meeting with Putin at his family estate in Kennebunkport on July 1-2.(Reuters)
30 June 2007 - Russia says it is ready to upgrade its antimissile radar in Azerbaijan as part of a joint security measure with the United States.Major General Aleksandr Yakushin, first deputy head of Russia's space forces headquarters, said today that "the station can be modernized any time."Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered the United States use of the radar as an alternative to Washington's plans to install a missile defense system in Eastern Europe.U.S. President George W. Bush is meeting with Putin at his family estate in Kennebunkport on July 1-2.(Reuters)
If the USA wants to 'seriously' affect change for the people of former Soviet states, I suggest this is an excellant beginning and can only get better.
Putin sends Bush Independence Day greeting (click here)
MOSCOW, July 4 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin sent U.S. President George Bush greetings on the U.S. Independence Day Wednesday with an optimistic tone.
After meeting with Bush in Kennebunkport, Maine, and Washington this week, Putin traveled to Guatemala, and his message was dispatched from Moscow, the Novosti news agency reported.
"We look confidently to further mutually beneficial cooperation," Putin's message said. "I am positive that despite differences, which are inevitable in an open and sincere dialogue, a line toward the comprehensive development of bilateral relations will be carried on."
One of the key differences that chilled relations between the two countries is the U.S. plan to build missile defense sites in the Czech Republic and Poland. The Bush administration also criticized Moscow for its human rights record, press freedom and its opposition to independence for the Serbian province of Kosovo, the report said.
MOSCOW, July 4 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin sent U.S. President George Bush greetings on the U.S. Independence Day Wednesday with an optimistic tone.
After meeting with Bush in Kennebunkport, Maine, and Washington this week, Putin traveled to Guatemala, and his message was dispatched from Moscow, the Novosti news agency reported.
"We look confidently to further mutually beneficial cooperation," Putin's message said. "I am positive that despite differences, which are inevitable in an open and sincere dialogue, a line toward the comprehensive development of bilateral relations will be carried on."
One of the key differences that chilled relations between the two countries is the U.S. plan to build missile defense sites in the Czech Republic and Poland. The Bush administration also criticized Moscow for its human rights record, press freedom and its opposition to independence for the Serbian province of Kosovo, the report said.
President Putin has done more than offer a site for a USA radar system, he has opened a door. The question is does a Neocon Administration have the guts to go through it without first declaring war?
