In the continuation of the task to heal the bonds which had been disrupted by the Bush administration, Obama has recently visited Russia to add them to his list of compliant helpers. Within his time there he emphasised the similarities in their interests carefully highlighting only issues which they both agree upon. Such as not only reducing their nuclear arsenal but also of other countries amassing nuclear weapons of their own, such as North Korea and in the Middle East, stating: “we should be united in opposing North Korea’s efforts to become a nuclear power, and preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.”
As with many other European countries Obama also called for Russia to have more involvement in its war in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the name of fighting extremism Obama stated: “Instead, we want to work with international partners to help Afghans and Pakistanis advance their own security and prosperity. That is why I’m pleased that Russia has agreed to allow the United States to supply our coalition forces through your territory.”
Since coming to power Obama has moved through the international scene in a haze of bilateral engagement. On the surface Obama’s America appears to be one which champions peace through the removal of arms and a crusader against terrorists who wish to disrupt the civilised world, who currently happen to be in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In reality this is a nation motivated only by its own interests, Iraq being a case in point. The recent ‘so called’ pull out leaves Iraq with destructive sectarianism, and little infrastructure, and instead leaves them with a pliable government which even allows American advisors to draft oil contracts for the Iraq Oil Ministry.
The Pakistan and Afghanistan war is following the same pattern, where the oil and gas in central Asia fiercely fought over by America and Russia to name a few countries. For centuries major powers have been participating in ‘the great game’ where the hunt for fuel, for their energy hungry countries has led them to battle for oil and gas deposits. Hence a major reason for Obama’s involvement in Afghanistan and Pakistan is to protect the pipelines which carry this fuel, not to mention the untapped deposits which happen to lie under the main focus of fighting namely the north of Pakistan.
The warm words exchanged by major the powers does not reflect what these countries are really gaining from the situation. Russia was looking for an American recognition of Russian power in Eurasia, assurances that Poland would remain neutral, and the curtailment of US support for pro-Western Ukraine and Georgia. The US in a much weaker position was looking for Russian airspace to act as a supply line for the war in South Asia. Russia and America have taken advantage of a temporary period where their interests overlap and therefore have decided to help one another. These countries are not our helpers rather their presence in our countries will only deepen the destruction of our countries.