Second winter

Possible return to Cold War relations

Tension is a defining factor in U.S.-Russian relations, and major ideological differences have prevented the two nations from getting along since the formation of the Soviet Union. 

Since the end of the Cold War, relations have remained tense between the two nations, with so much constant friction that I almost disregard it when I read an article that quotes an official saying “It’s like we’re in the Cold War again.”

The two nations whose rivalry fueled the Cold War put aside their differences to focus on fighting the Axis powers in World War II, but that partnership quickly dissolved as the Iron Curtain fell across Europe and America’s foreign policy focused on containing Communism. 

Any hope of the U.S. and Russia temporarily putting aside their differences to fight terrorism in the Middle East and bring an end to the Syrian Civil War has dwindled.

It’s dwindled so much that President Donald Trump said in a news conference April 12th that “we may be at an all-time low in terms of (our) relationship with Russia.”

This possible “all-time low” with Russia comes after the U.S. fired missiles at a Syrian military base in response to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s use of chemical weapons against civilians. 

Russia supports Assad, and according to the Economist, Russian Prime Minister Dimitri Medvedev “claimed that the strike ‘completely ruined’ Russian-American relations.” 

The Economist adds that Russia said Assad’s use of chemical weapons has not been “verified” and vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the chemical weapons attack.

If the U.S. and Russia cannot focus on a way to end the conflict in Syria and work to bring an end to terrorism, they will have nothing with which to form a common ground and build a shaky, yet manageable relationship.

“The war in Syria has destroyed the idea of Russia and the United States sharing the same anti-terrorist goal,” Alexei Fenenko, a Russian political analyst and assistant professor at Moscow State University said in an interview with Russian news organization Pravda.ru. 

“It means we have lost another safety wire in the U.S.-Russian cooperation.”

America does not have to be on the best terms with Russia.

We cannot ignore Russia’s complacency towards the human rights violations in Syria. 

However, a complete breakdown in relations with one of the other largest, most powerful contenders on the world stage would be a terrible mistake.

As the old adage says, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” 

By not completely ruining relations with the Kremlin, America can keep a closer eye on Russia and have a chance for a greater influence in the region.

If relations between the U.S. and Russia completely disintegrate, I fear the break in relations could prove incredibly harmful for the U.S. and the world. 

DePiero is an opinion writer.