CNN.com July 9, 2012 Russia Analyst: Russia wouldn't resist intervention in Syria - by Lucky Gold [click here to read full article from CNN]

CNN reports that in a recent interview, Russian-born, Washington, D.C.-based think tank analyst Dimitri Simes suggested that Russian leaders would not resist U.S.-led intervention in Syria similar to that in Kosovo:

"Since you asked," said Simes, "We recently heard a top level Russian delegation....It included Russian officials being there in an official capacity...and this question was raised, and the answer was very clear: Russia would not welcome such an intervention, Russia would not approve such an intervention."

Then, came the bombshell: "It would not resist such an intervention, and this intervention would not become a major issue in the U.S.-Russian relationship."

The CNN article suggests that Simes' think tank has "close connections to the Russian government and Russian foreign policy experts."

Megaphone Diplomacy

Simes seemed to downgrade the credibility of both Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the Obama Administration's Syria policy in general, referring to "megaphone diplomacy" intended for domestic consumption during an election year. For example, Simes referred to Clinton calling for Russia to "get off the sidelines," while Russia was actually now looking to meet the United States halfway behind the scenes by disengaging itself rather than opposing the West.

Said Simes: "'It suggests to me that the Obama administration does not want to interfere in Syria and wants to use Russia as an alibi.'"

Putin Psychology

Simes indicates that Putin does not want to be constrained publicly: "'If you understand Putin's psychology, the last thing you want to do is to put him publicly in the corner if you want his cooperation.'"

Russia Respected and Libyan Experience

Simes indicated that Russia wanted to be respected as a full-scale partner, but that otherwise Russia might simply stand aside and not resist an intervention.

He cited concerns over criticism of Medvedev, who took a Barack Obama-initiated call in which Russia tried to meet the United States halfway, only to find a full-scale war ensued against a Russian client.

Bottom Line on Assad

file photo
Simes elucidated his take on the boundaries of Putin's position on Assad, one that is limited and not dedicated to perpetuating Assad's rule:

Again, Simes questioned Russia's support for Assad: "They are not supplying him with new weapons. They stated publicly that they would not use force on his behalf. And apparently they told privately both the U.S. government, and more important the Assad inner circle, that they are not committed to Assad personally."

Finally, Simes spoke of Putin the realist: "He doesn't want to be the only guy supporting this failing tyrant. I think he is supporting him but up to a point."

[click here to read full article from CNN]

Keywords: Russia, Disasters - Russian News - Russia

CNN.com July 9, 2012 Russia Analyst: Russia wouldn't resist intervention in Syria - by Lucky Gold [click here to read full article from CNN]

CNN reports that in a recent interview, Russian-born, Washington, D.C.-based think tank analyst Dimitri Simes suggested that Russian leaders would not resist U.S.-led intervention in Syria similar to that in Kosovo:

"Since you asked," said Simes, "We recently heard a top level Russian delegation....It included Russian officials being there in an official capacity...and this question was raised, and the answer was very clear: Russia would not welcome such an intervention, Russia would not approve such an intervention."

Then, came the bombshell: "It would not resist such an intervention, and this intervention would not become a major issue in the U.S.-Russian relationship."

The CNN article suggests that Simes' think tank has "close connections to the Russian government and Russian foreign policy experts."

Megaphone Diplomacy

Simes seemed to downgrade the credibility of both Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the Obama Administration's Syria policy in general, referring to "megaphone diplomacy" intended for domestic consumption during an election year. For example, Simes referred to Clinton calling for Russia to "get off the sidelines," while Russia was actually now looking to meet the United States halfway behind the scenes by disengaging itself rather than opposing the West.

Said Simes: "'It suggests to me that the Obama administration does not want to interfere in Syria and wants to use Russia as an alibi.'"

Putin Psychology

Simes indicates that Putin does not want to be constrained publicly: "'If you understand Putin's psychology, the last thing you want to do is to put him publicly in the corner if you want his cooperation.'"

Russia Respected and Libyan Experience

Simes indicated that Russia wanted to be respected as a full-scale partner, but that otherwise Russia might simply stand aside and not resist an intervention.

He cited concerns over criticism of Medvedev, who took a Barack Obama-initiated call in which Russia tried to meet the United States halfway, only to find a full-scale war ensued against a Russian client.

Bottom Line on Assad

file photo
Simes elucidated his take on the boundaries of Putin's position on Assad, one that is limited and not dedicated to perpetuating Assad's rule:

Again, Simes questioned Russia's support for Assad: "They are not supplying him with new weapons. They stated publicly that they would not use force on his behalf. And apparently they told privately both the U.S. government, and more important the Assad inner circle, that they are not committed to Assad personally."

Finally, Simes spoke of Putin the realist: "He doesn't want to be the only guy supporting this failing tyrant. I think he is supporting him but up to a point."

[click here to read full article from CNN]