Русская версияThe Georgian conflict significantly worsened the relationship
between the NATO countries of the West and Russia.
Signs of
escalation on both sides are unmistakable.
The NATO-Russia Council will be suspended by the West until Russian
troops have pulled out from Georgia proper. As a countermove,
Russia is calling back its NATO representatives and canceling all
planned maneuvers with NATO for 2008.
And that's not all. An agreement regarding a Georgia resolution has
not been achieved by the UN Security Council, and in Warsaw,
Americans and Poles are signing an agreement to station a missile
shield -- a move that the Russians perceive as a threat.
A foreign policy rival
The deterioration of the West's relationship with Russia is
accompanied by heated social discussions in which Poland and
Eastern Central Europe in particular are painting Russia as an
aggressive imperialistic power -- as if the Kremlin were on the
verge of attacking the former Soviet Union or the Warsaw Pact
states.
Bildunterschrift:
Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:
Ingo Mannteufel
Indeed, there is no doubt that the invasion of Georgia proper by
Russian troops, as well as the air strikes on Georgian targets
outside of South Ossetia, were excessive. Russia went too far. And
the US and EU States are rightfully asking that Russia's
unacceptable overreaction now be corrected. Nevertheless, it is
wrong to answer Russia with an equally irrational reaction.
It's always been known that Russia is and will remain a difficult
partner. Russia already took over the job of protector state over
Abkhazia and South Ossetia years ago. Saakashvili's attempt to
reconquer the separatist South Ossetian region with military force
was a dangerous undertaking from the outset and one that was
destined to end in a political and humanitarian disaster.
It borders on political naivite to believe that Russia would act
differently than it did.
An uncomfortable partner
Now a clear
Realpolitik
is needed with Russia, without yielding to Moscow in Georgia.
Georgia's independence and territorial integrity must be protected.
Europe's interest in peace and stability requires it.
At the same time, it doesn't help to demonize Russia now and
practice a consequent policy of containment and orbit, because
having a good relationship with Russia is in our own interests when
it comes to other issues.
These include energy supply, Iran's nuclear program, the
reconstruction of Afghanistan, the Middle East and the North Korea
conflict.
The Caucasus conflict should not be made into the lynchpin for the
definition of the West's relationship with Russia. Consideration of
Russian interests in the Caucasus conflict doesn't have to mean
submission to Russian policy, but rather is an intelligent approach
that is in Europe's best interest.
And when it comes down to it, harsh
Realpolitik
is the only thing Russian politics understands.
Ingo Mannteufel is the head of DW's Russian online and radio
programs. (ls)
(Deutsche Welle)
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