Back to eAction Report

No Longer Business As Usual

Relations between the U.S. and Russia are historically strained and the latest conflict in Georgia has only further mired the murky waters of diplomacy between these two titans of the Cold War. The Russian invasion of South Ossetia has expedited plans for U.S. missile defense initiatives in the region. Now, more than ever, the U.S. has a unique opportunity to take a stand against Russian aggression by curbing our own imperialist actions.

Georgian Army

Since early last year the U.S. has been in negotiations with Poland for a "missile defense" site near the Russian border. The U.S. has insisted the site location is strategically set to counter a potential Iranian threat. Russia has never conceded this point, insisting any additional U.S. military infrastructure in Poland would be a direct threat to Russian interests in the region.

From left, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and William J. Burns, the American ambassador to Russia, faced President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, right, hands locked, at the Russian presidential residence.

Russia may not be too far off the mark according to Alfred Meyer from Peace Action. "Since missile defense is an untested system, we have no way of knowing that it would protect against an attack from Iran. What we do know is that basing missiles at Russia's doorstep is a provocative and aggressive action." He then recalled the U.S. reaction to Russia during the Cuban Missile Crisis of the early 60's. "Why wouldn't we expect a similar reaction to aggression?"

Now, Russian aggression against Georgia has increased fears among its other neighbors that their borders are not safe from incursion. Despite initial hesitancy, Poland signed an agreement with the U.S. to build the missile site days after Russia invaded Georgia in a move clearly designed to show allegiance to the United States.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has downplayed the impact of the Russian invasion on the agreement even as Republican lawmakers touted it as a reason to invest more money and less time in the agreement. Rep. Mark Kirk (R,Ill) said, "As Russian ballistic missiles rain down on Georgia, we should honor our commitment to allies in Poland and the Czech Republic."

Democrats have been skeptical of a missile defense site in Eastern Europe; insisting on testing requirements. Testing, Republicans say, would delay construction for years. While many Democrats remain convinced a missile defense site would only increase tensions between Russia and the U.S., their resolve may be wavering.

Lawmakers, fearful of Russian intentions for regional hegemony, are poised to bolster Russian resolve to reassert dominance in Europe by pushing forward initiatives intended for international intimidation. We can not afford to maintain a strained relationship with Russia. As Russian economic and military dominance in the region increases the U.S. must engage them as a global partner for peace if we want to avoid another war.

This latest conflict brings to bear the responsibility of U.S. lawmakers to work for 'Real Security through International Cooperation.' We, as a country, must set the precedent for the world by restraining our own imperialist tendencies and engaging our 'enemies' in dialogue not provocation.