We should inform Moscow that NATO s red line will move no further east, that we are bringing home all U.S. forces from Europe, that while American oil companies may cut deals in the Caucasus, the United States has no vital interest there, and no intention of creating any new anti-Russian alliance in her back yard. Let us bring Russia in, rather than drive her out. As for Chechnya, it is an ugly brutal war, but the Russians are fighting inside their own territory. Americans, whose beloved Mr. Lincoln unleashed General Sherman to deal with his rebellious provinces, can surely understand the horrors of civil wars, even as we rightly deplore them. But no matter our differences with Russia, we must repair the relationship.
None is more crucial.
We could make no greater blunder than to cast aside the fruits of our Cold War victory by driving an embittered Russia into the arms of Beijing. But that is exactly what our Beltway elites seem to be doing. But just as we respect the legitimate aspirations of Europe for an equal place in the sun, and Russia s right not to have NATO squat on its doorstep, Europe and Russia must respect our inherent right to defend ourselves against the ballistic missiles of rogue states. As for our policy of dual containment of Iran and Iraq, it is sterile and unsustainable. Like the British, we are one day going home, and we ought not to be devising schemes to extend our stay.