U.S. Decides to Talk to Russia Despite Massive Pouting
Sorry to take the hard news edge off the story, but this is so high school.
Sorry to take the hard news edge off the story, but this is so high school.
The United States is very upset with Russia for granting whistle-blower Edward Snowden temporary asylum. President Obama accused Moscow of having a “Cold War mentality,” during his appearance Tuesday on “The Tonight Show.” Because war and the central preoccupation of the 20th century is the sort of thing you want to casually toss around on a talk show.
The White House has hinted that the U.S. might boycott the upcoming G-20 summit in Russia, although Obama said Tuesday that he would attend. But will he meet one-on-one with Russian President Vladimir Putin as planned? The White House is “evaluating whether that meeting makes sense.” (Update: Since this posting, Obama has announced he will not meet with Putin.)
A more immediate diplomatic crisis has been averted. Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will go ahead with bilateral talks with Russian officials scheduled for Friday. With Iran’s nuclear program, the Syrian civil war and the dozens of other issues that concern both nations, it’s a relief to know Washington is willing to speak to Russia, even though Russia, Obama might say, is a total jerk for being nice to Edward Snowden even though he totally knows we have issues.
Wait, didn’t President Obama once make a big deal about engaging with our adversaries? Yes. Yes, he did:
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
— Posted by Peter Z. Scheer
WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Book Review
The nuclear genie can never be stuffed back into the bottle. But are we condemned to live forever on the edge of annihilation?
Democratic socialism might just be about to have its moment in America, and it's thanks to none other than Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Chris Matthews abruptly resigned from MSNBC this week, but not before revealing how party elites really feel about the Vermont senator.
During World War II, the organization launched a campaign tying our national identity to capitalism. We're still living with its effects.
In his relentless red-baiting of Bernie Sanders, Chris Matthews reveals just how divorced he and his ilk are from our political moment.
Officials are now leaking that Russia is trying to boost Bernie Sanders' campaign. Their motivations couldn't be any more transparent.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.