by Femi Sobowale

Created on: February 11, 2009

Reports from different quarters in respect of the relationship between the US and Russia since George W. Bush took office indicate worse terms, no thanks to Bush's lopsided foreign policies. With the events of past year, critics are concerned about potential sour relationship between the two world powers as a result of Bush's administration attitude towards other nations that constitute the security council at the United Nations. It is on this premise that one finds the position of the United States on some international issues rather imposing, and this had further made Russia to be more wary of America's intentions in other regions of the world where Russia's interests reside.

America's relationship with Russia became sour during the presidency of Bill Clinton who failed to use the collapse of the Soviet Union to accord due respect to Russia, and recognize her as still being a world power. The error on the part of Clinton's administration has remained with Bush who has been unilaterally waging war on terrorism with little or no regard for Russia's interest in the Middle East. Former President Vladimir Putin came to power in Russia just as the country began to see economic boom due largely to the increase in oil production and the escalating price of crude oil in the world market.

The issue of White House support for Ukraine and Georgia present a test for the Bush administration, with America taking sides with the two countries against Russia's interest. It is probably this more than any other issue that finally put the clog in the wheels of Russian/American relationship. As it were, the new administration of President Barack Obama can learn from the mistakes of his predecessors and bring about everlasting good relationship between the two powerful nations. All diplomatic efforts should be put in place to ensure that America and Russia regain mutual respect, while they reach a common ground in the fight against terrorism, as no nation can combat the scourge single handedly.

America's interest in the Middle East and the rest of the world can be better protected if her association with other members of the security council of which Russia is a prominent figure remains cordial. The U.S. support for Israel against its territorial enemies is a major problem for any American leader to handle without further putting the country against nations in the Middle East who are allies of Russia. With all these problems, the Obama administration will do the country a world of good if care is exhibited in handling the country's foreign policies with attention focused on the need to ensure that more friends are pulled towards America as opposed to pushing perceived enemies away from the country. Diplomatic machineries should be put in motion to stem the spate of hatred for America as an alternative to military intervention which has so far exposed the country to ridicule, with colossal loss of human and material resources.

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