Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in his Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Oct. 10, 2012. (photo by REUTERS/Kirril Kudryavtsev)
What Russia Learned From The Iraq War -- Fyodor Lukyanov, Al-Monitor
In the summer 2006, when then-President George W. Bush came to St. Petersburg for a summit of the "Big Eight," an interesting dialogue took place between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a news conference. Bush drew attention to the challenges posed by democratic freedoms, especially freedom of the press, in Russia — and then noted that things had gotten much better in Iraq. Putin immediately responded, "Well, we really would not want the kind of democracy they have in Iraq." The room filled with applause, and not everyone heard Bush's response: "Just wait, it’s coming." What Bush had in mind was increased stability in Iraq, but it sounded more ominous: you’ll see, democracy will be brought to you as well...
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My Comment: Russia's priority is stability and security .... not democracy. I can also say the same thing about China .... both countries are more focused in maintaining stability and security .... and not promoting democratic institutions. The U.S. (and the West) have a different agenda, but with the entire Mediterranean region now experiencing revolution and/or an economic crisis, and with the Middle East in chaos .... the Russians and Chinese are now even more convinced that they policy is the right one .... and they are not going to change.
Update: China 's new President will be making his first foreign trip this Friday .... and not surprising .... the first country that he is going to visit is Russia.
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