Simon Tisdall (The Guardian): Rodeo diplomancy

[Jack Rabbit]

From The Guardian Unlimited (London)
Dated Wednesday May 10

Rodeo diplomacy
By Simon Tisdall

Dick Cheney's just-completed east European rampage left Russia in a rage. Peppering grapeshot in his inimitable way, the US vice-president accused the Kremlin of using oil and gas exports to "intimidate and blackmail" European neighbours; of "interfering with democratic movements" in places such as Ukraine; and "unfairly and improperly restricting" civil rights.

Mr Cheney's rodeo diplomacy in Lithuania, Croatia and Kazakhstan, all formerly in the Soviet sphere of influence, recalled his roots in Wyoming's cattle-lands. And his down-home criticisms produced a stampede of uptight Russian officials angrily shooting back. The old cold war hustler did not know what he was talking about, they said.

But Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, kept cool. "I believe such statements won't undermine efforts we are making together with the United States ... to build a fair world without conflicts," he said. "Russia expects to be perceived as an equal partner in the world arena without whose involvement it is impossible to solve a single problem."

Such calm assurance about Russia's rightful international role may help explain Mr Cheney's frustration. From Vladimir Putin down, Moscow's new-century message is that Yeltsin-era weakness has finally been banished. The Kremlin is a global player once more, whether the issue is Iran or Hamas, global warming or energy security. Buoyed by an ocean of petro-dollars and a reviving nationalism, Russia is back - and, Mr Lavrov implied, the US must deal on its terms.

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[marmar]

1. The proverbial "bull in a china shop"...

Cheney shouldn't be allowed to leave the country .... unless his destination is The Hague.