The new American president Donald Trump's name frequently being mentioned with Putin and Russia in the media surely has not escaped the notice of the discerning eyes. How the relations between the two superpowers will be shaped in the new period and how it will affect the world is of course a matter of interest. Moreover, unlike the previous periods, the relations between the two countries and their leaders are more positive and warmer this time.
Trump and Putin's respectful, genuine understanding and well-intentioned attitude towards each other is a good start. They both do not shy away from expressing their positive sentiments about each other. The Russian leader describes Trump as "a really brilliant and talented person, without any doubt,” and “the absolute leader." Similarly, the new US president is keen to use praiseworthy words at every opportunity for his Russian counterpart: He says that "he has always felt fine about Putin,” and that "he does respect him," and that "he aspires to a fantastic relationship with Putin.”
Promising developments are not limited to the presidents of these two countries. The new US administration and the Russian state have defused tensions and initiated something of a détente, an agreement and cooperation process, as well. They have taken steps in this direction at the two important international summits held in Germany in the previous days. The meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers in Bonn and the Munich Security Conference were home to harmonious and fruitful negotiations between the two sides.
These are valuable breakthroughs made on the road to restoring and improving the bilateral relations. Especially considering the fact that US and Russian relations went through hard times reminiscent of the Cold War during the Obama administration. Deep disagreements in Middle East and Eastern Europe policies; economic, commercial and political sanctions; new missile systems that targeted one another and increased military spendings; dangerous close encounters on international waters between the war ships and planes: In short, the Obama period was a time that will be remembered for such undesirable incidents. Moreover, some of the actions of the Obama administration in their last days in office further escalated these tensions. Groundless and serious accusations against Russia, the claims of a cyber attack on the presidential elections, and the decision to expel 35 Russian diplomats all seemed like an attempt by the Obama administration to leave behind crises that are hard to overcome.
President Trump rightly argues all along for the importance of establishing good and stable relations with Russia, despite the adverse reactions he elicits regarding the issue both from his own country and from the Western world. In fact, as a consequence, he is being subjected to heavy pressure, insults and slander. His policy on Russia is perhaps the most heavily criticized matter. The new President frequently and sincerely explains the reasons for his determination in this regard, just as he did at his press conference of February 16th:
Tomorrow, you’ll say “Donald Trump wants to get along with Russia, this is terrible.” It's not terrible. It’s good… If we could get along with Russia — and by the way, China and Japan and everyone. If we could get along, it would be a positive thing, not a negative thing… Look, it would be much easier for me to be tough on Russia, but then we’re not going to make a deal… But it would be much easier for me to be so tough —The tougher I am on Russia, the better. But you know what? I want to do the right thing for the American people. And to be honest, secondarily, I want to do the right thing for the world.
Trump has a point regarding this foreign policy strategy. A constructive cooperation between Moscow and Washington will not just be for the benefit of the two countries, but the whole world. This union is also necessary for the solution of global and regional problems and the successful struggle against terrorism, as well as for bringing peace, tranquility and prosperity to today's world that has re-entered an arms race. Obviously, although both are superpowers with tremendous political, economic, military and technological means, they cannot solve these problems on their own. Cooperation is essential for a permanent solution.
This cooperation is undoubtedly important for the peoples of both countries as well. The two major powers that are in alliance for world peace, even signing a non-aggression pact, could allocate the enormous amount they spend on arms to the welfare, peace and development of their people. Thus, the social problems arising from unemployment, homelessness and wage gaps, which have become serious problems in both countries, could be eliminated.
Both Trump and Putin are quite eager to establish mutual good relations, co-operation, reconciliation and agreement, not to mention the fact that they have a lot in common. Both are leaders who deeply and sincerely respect God and Jesus Messiah, and adhere to national, spiritual and sacred values. Both share similar domestic and foreign policy strategies, similar economic plans, and similar worldviews.
However, there are some circles, especially in the US and the Western world, that are vehemently opposed to forging good relations between the two countries. Therefore, instead of criticizing Trump's decisions within reason, slander and defamation campaigns have been put into action in an effort to discredit Trump. “Fake news” is also a part of this effort. With this goal in view, there are those who knowingly or unknowingly attempt to harm the bilateral relations, as well as those who seek to spark a political storm through flimsy excuses and baseless claims with an aim of provoke crises and creating irrelevant issues leading to increased tensions.
Just like every leader, Trump, too, can certainly make mistakes. However, it would not be right to raise obstacles in the very first step of his project to turn over a new leaf with Russia; he should be given an opportunity in this respect. It is important not to leave him alone in such an initiative that will contribute to world peace and prosperity.
In this delicate period that we are going through, the governments of the USA and Russia should also exercise great caution. They should avoid sudden lashing-outs, angry reactions and harsh moves against provocations. The best response to those who strive to hinder this friendship will be to accelerate mutual negotiations and connections, make leaps without any delay to consolidate the friendship and rapprochement, and lay the foundations of a strong and unshakable cooperation.
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