Obama says 'pause' needed to assess Russian relations
By Jill Dougherty
Two days after calling off a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Moscow, President Barack Obama said Friday he is re-evaluating the entire U.S./Russia relationship.
Obama, speaking at a White House news conference, seemed ready for a more rocky relationship with the Kremlin.
"It is probably appropriate for us to take a pause, reassess where it is that Russia's going, what our core interests are, and calibrate the relationship so that we're doing things that are good for the United States and hopefully good for Russia as well, but recognizing that there are just going to be some differences and we're not going to be able to completely disguise them, and that's ok."
Obama told reporters his decision not to participate in the Moscow summit next month went beyond Russia's decision to give temporary asylum to admitted National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden.
"It had to do with the fact that, frankly, on a whole range of issues where we think we can make some progress Russia has not moved," he said. "And so, we don't consider that strictly punitive."
Obama appeared to blame much of the deterioration in relations on Putin.
When Putin "came back into power," Obama noted, "I think we saw more rhetoric on the Russian side that was anti-American, that played into some of the old stereotypes about the Cold War contest between the United States and Russia. And I've encouraged Mr. Putin to think forward as opposed to backwards on those issues, with mixed success."
Obama insisted, however, that he didn't have a bad relationship with his counterpart.
"When we have conversations they are candid, they are blunt, often times they are constructive," he said.
Speaking in unusually personal terms, Obama added: "I know the press likes to focus on body language and he's got that kinda slouch, looking like the bored kid in the back of the classroom, but the truth is that when we are in conversations together oftentimes it's very productive."
Speaking to reporters after Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met with their Russian counterparts at the State Department, the president said the "latest episode" - the disagreement over Snowden - "is just one more in a number of emerging differences that we've seen over the last several months around Syria, around human rights issues."
Criticizing the Kremlin's approach, he said: "If issues are framed as 'if U.S. is for it, then Russia should be against it,' or 'we're going to be finding ways where we can poke each other at every opportunity,' then probably we don't get as much stuff done."
Obama said his administration will continue working with Russia, but added: "Where we have differences, we're going to say so clearly and my hope is, is that over time, Mr. Putin and Russia recognize that rather than a zero sum competition, in fact, if the two countries are working together, we can probably advance the betterment of both peoples."
At a news conference following the State Department meeting, Russia's foreign minister defended its handling of the Snowden affair, insisting that Moscow had based its decision to grant temporary amnesty on Russian law and international law, noting that Russia and the U.S. do not have an extradition treaty.
"We only adhere to the current legislation that is in place in the Russian Federation," Sergey Lavrov said. "We never violated any part of it. We do realize that there is so much emotion focused around this matter, but this is not a matter that could undermine or somehow threaten the general strategic stability."
"Snowden did not overshadow our discussions," he insisted, adding that the issue should not affect relations between the two countries.
The United States wants Snowden returned to the United States to face charges under the Espionage Act.
Lavrov went out of his way to insist the Obama/Putin summit was not "canceled" by the White House: "Once again, I would like to correct you when you say that the meeting was cancelled," he told one reporter. "The announcement said postponed, and that's what was confirmed to us."
In a briefing with reporters, U.S. official said the United States wants a summit with Putin but "substance has to be there" on a number of issues.
Obama was asked whether the United States should boycott the 2014 Winter Olympics which Russia is hosting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi as a protest over Russia's anti-gay propaganda law. He said he did not think a boycott is "appropriate."
"We have a bunch of Americans out there who are training hard, who are doing everything they can to succeed," he said. "No one is more offended than me by some of the anti-gay and lesbian legislation that you've been seeing in Russia."
"One of the things I'm really looking forward to," he said, "is maybe some gay and lesbian athletes bringing home the gold or silver or bronze which, I think, would go a long way in rejecting the kinds of attitudes that we are seeing there. And if Russia doesn't have gay or lesbian athletes then it will probably make their team weaker."
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August 17, 2013 at 5:49 pm | Report abuse | Reply
Obama is the bottom in that relationship
CORRECTION TO MY POST. Should read; And Obama owns all of the low-information voters who put him in office.
Yes, this works just like marriage counseling. When a couple are having trouble in their marriage, they should stop communicating. Right Obama?
We have a Russian lover in the room
And Obama is the girl in that relationship
Cripes–Obama has screwed up our relationship with every country in Europe. So where do we go from here??–There always another vacation he and his dog can take–
Just be sure the Osprey is gassed up.
It took the U.S. 45 years to win the cold war. Obama is undoing that in a fraction of the time. Worst President EVER!
Holy Smoke! Between the Repuke and Rusky trolls Obama doesn't stand a chance in this flame war!
The word celebrates May 8th for the end of WW2 in Europe. We celebrate July 4th for another reason. What date would we celebrate for the victory in the cold war? In which city did the Russians surrendered to end that war?
We have an ignorant who really think that they won the cold war... That what happens when GOPfans don't go to school.
No Shiite Sherlock. He has done everything but butt fook you. Stand up for yourself.. the country.. geez
The United States has a GDP over 8 times that of Russia. Russia's per capita GDP puts them firmly in the camp of 3rd world countries like Mexico. It will be great when Russia is removed as a permanent member of the UN security council. That should happen NOW.
Russia doesn't even have a SuperPAC. That puts them at the bottom of our list of friends. If they don't have the common decency to contribute to our election funds, then yes, relations are bound to be strained.
We didn't allow unlimited anonymous money to flow to our politicians just to be stood up by frigging Russia. If the Saudis and the UAE can finance our elections, then the Russians can do it too.
So he replaced his "Reset" button with the "Pause" button? What's next, Rewind or Replay?
None of the above. SHUT DOWN.
Putin is a more experienced as a leader with heavy back-round is espionage, he is more experienced as a leader then anything US can produce. Simply because "power corrupts..." so in US we do not keep presidents past 2 terms. Eventually if not now power will make Putin insane.
As far as Putin outplayed Obama, that does not say really say anything bad about Obama.
Thanks Dmitry. You sound like another Obama loving Tea Partier! As everyone with half a brain knows, Vladimir Putin did the right thing when it came to Edward Snowden and besides, who's the one using those monster drones to mercilessly butcher people in the Middle East and Central Asia?
I agree with one of your points – Putin did the right thing with Snowden. But keep the monster drones flying.
Right and wrong in a multicultural environment like that. Again they could be both right. Swoden broke the law and for that he is wanted by the US, Putin granted him asylum because given the situation it was just a human thing to do. They both can be correct in their disagreement. But I would rather Obama realized that Putin could not NOT grant Swaden asylum.
or maybe he does, and the rest is just politics.
Don't be upset because your pal did not kill enough innocent Americans in Boston
ok first AMERICA HS the DOJ and Congress plenty of 20 year criminals there, and last, the comment below me is not an american or he wouldnt hate on AMERICA by disrespecting the fact there is no for or against we are just AERICA accept it and FIX it or shut up
Most likely the carriers are already as obsolete as battleships were 50 years ago: they are either white elephants or sitting ducks, whatever you prefer. ...but they are still useful as power projection tool against a defenseless country. Same as slow-flying drones no match against a 40 years old jet fighter, but most 3rd-world countries do not even have those.
Russia is not a 3rd world country and never been
Russia is very much a third world country. Check out world per capita GDP ...Russia is slightly ahead of Botswana and Gabon...yet trailing Chile and Argentina. Third World all the way.
For the sake of the dedicated athletes, I would not support a boycott.of the Olympics. I would however, support a boycott of goods & services from Russia, and, for that matter; most of the former eastern bloc countries that were part of the USSR. They are all as bigoted as Russia. It is to be noted that when a few peaceful activists for gay rights demonstrated in Tbilisi, Georgia, with the apparent approval of the mayor who said it was their right, Orthodox priests broke through police lines to physically attack the demonstrators.The Russian Orthodox church has developed a reputation for unparalleled corruption. They have former KGB agent Vladimir Putin under their thumb. So, I hope we can just hold our noses, & get through the Olympics, then make sure that Russia is never again included in any significant sporting event. As for a boycott, there must be more than simply vodka to turn down. It would be nice to be able to say that our animosity is directed at the leaders, & not the people. This time it is different. With 88% support for the laws in place; & the likes of Russian paratroopers & police engaging in acts of violence with no fear of consequences; they are a third world country in every sense of the word. No matter what your opinion of gay rights, etc., take a good look at the young faces filled with terror, bloodied, & in shock. If there were any questions as to the wisdom of Russia, look at the timing of their backward & Uninformed legislation; just prior to hosting the world with Olympic games. I would hope that this rejection of human dignity haunts Russia for generations to come.
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POR QUE OBAMA Y LAS HIJAS A LAS QUE SE LES ENVIO LAS PRUEBAS DE LOS CRIMENES QUE REALIZAN DICEN.
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why doesn't Biden call up Vlad, isn't that why Obama made him VP, his wealth of knowledge in foreign relations?
other wise what does he do, in charge of summer of recovery? the world is laughing at us and Barry is playing golf, poorly i might add..Does he do anything well?
Sometimes he also plays basketball in a back yard of the White House.
This what happens when you elect a community organizer with zero foreign policy experience and no backbone.
Indeed!
Russia respected the world when granted Snowden safe havens and that should not create tensions with US. There other victims of government harassment, cleansing, targeted murder, safe-house imprisonment and prisoners of conscience that die unheard of. Snowden is just as important as any of the other victims that cannot stand for their rights.
you've said it all!
well, Repentance comes last. u have elected ur President. to change: a)wait till election time,b) do people power c) thru impeachment d) wait for divine intervention. so u accept and suffer the consequence. 🙂
Sad to say but Putin owns Obama, whose naïveté never fails to amaze.
And Obama owns half of the low-information voters who put him in office.
Oh yeah, and if "sunburn" is legit, the era of the aircraft carrier is either at an end or nearly so.
Oh yeah, community organizers get played in world diplomacy.
The Russians apparently have our cruise missile tech checked with their latest "sunburn" system. Faster and more accurate than our tech it is an aircraft carrier killer. This is why there will be no US action in Syria and Iran.In fact this is why likely there has been no action to this point: we have to bu the Russians off because they have a real deterrent now. No doubt we are hoping Israel won't go it alone as the repercussions of Russia V Israel are not good for anybody even if there is a back down.
In the 1990s and 2000s we could finesse Russia our way.. Not anymore.
3M80 Moskit missiles (known in the west as "sunburn") were around since early 198x, and they were always meant to be aircraft carrier killers. So the reality has not changed. All what has been changed is US perception of the reality.
Poor Obama, he pressed the "reset" button, but ol' KGB Putin just kept pressing the "play" button, the only one he knows.
First it was "reset" and now it's "pause". What's next? "Edit"? "Erase"? "Rewind"? How about "Eject"? We need new leadership, not buzzwords from the a/v department.
What is next? PEREGRUZKA = overload. Indeed, this is why Obama needs pause.
"Pause". Another way of saying "I don't know what the heck I'm doing so I'll just whistle a happy tune and wing it from here on".
We need Condi back. She knows how to deal with the Russians.
The only problem with Condi is that Russian know how to deal with her as well, simply put, she will be neutralized from day one.
He needs to check on his relations with celebrities, too. Since CNN won't report it, go to Fox News and see the lambasting that Kris Jenner gives Obama. I thought CNN was all over the Kardashians, until they say something negative about their golden boy.
I thought Obama said he would have more Leeway After the election? So.... What happened? Sounds like he has given into Russia!
pause on relations--we all know our gov't is giving us their PR side of the story--makes you wonder what is really going on
Obama is always reaching for the "pause" or "reset" button as he attempts to obviate his (many) mistakes.
And McCain and Graham wants to bomb Russia now. They are continuing to look to fight new wars. If a Republican becomes President the USA will be fighting in the entire world. Republicans love war, of course, under the pretense of spreading Democracy, like we have in Iraq and the middle east. That was G. Bushes mission he said. spread Democracy.
Quite true sammy750, quite true. The Republican Party is not one bit different from the German Nazi Party in the 1930's. These Republicans are true maniacs indeed who aren't even fit to be dog catchers. Even then, they'd most probably torture the dogs they caught since they're that sadistic and filled with hatred!!!
You are a complete Moron!
Nazi = National Socialists (German for Socialist starts with a Z). If anything, the Democrats are more Socialist than our Republicans
Sammy, your statements don't standup to the facts. Either you are stupid or have a religious-political agenda. Here are the facts from the last 100 years:
– WWI – U.S. entered under a Democrat
– WWII – U.S. entered under a Democrat
– Korea – U.S. entered under a Democrat
– Vietnam – U.S. entered under a Democrat
– Afghanistan – U.S. entered under a Republican
– Iraq – U.S. enterred under a Republican
4 Ds, 2 Rs.
So what is your point again????
You are an idiot.
Who has been reading OBAMAS TEA LEAF'S. He just can't read the hand writing on the wall. Oh what can one expect, from
a LAME DUCK, inexcusable, inactive executive. STALIN tatics don't work!
Actually Obama can't help it. Ignorance can be excused, stupid is forever.
Putin will stop slouching when Obame stios pimping to the podium!!!!!
stops
Donqx
• a minute ago
Putin and Obama should grow up and quit playing their childish but dangerous games. They are nothing more than two spoiled brats that are accustomed to getting their way; possibly through bad parenting How did these two clowns get all their power? Simple, through a combination of deceit, hypocrisy, willful blindness, and consent by the apathy of the deliberately uninformed masses. For all we know this whole thing could be staged because we all know that wars, hot or cold, are good for the economy and the poor souls that die are the sacrificial lambs celebrated as heroes leaving behind grieving families and friends We should all heed the warnings, wisdom, and foresight left behind by Dwight D. Eisenhower regarding the Industrio- military complex which gives rise to jobs, jobs, jobs, and the preservation of the elite and privileged in the form of military contracts all over the place.....................environment? Forget it. That really won't be understood until the water and and air are too toxic to sustain life.
△
"The expression” if looks could kill ”certainly applies to the above photo. Obama’s veins are literally popping out of his forehead in anger as he gives Netanyahu a steely gaze with furrowed brow. Obama also has his hand on his lower jaw. He contorts his lip in a snarl, much like an animal does when they are angry and ready to attack. This facial expression is an expression of intesnse disdain towards another person."
So, I say, let's lock-up Obama, Netanyahu and Putin together in a room for a week.
now it's a "pause" button? what happened to the "reset" button?
obama doesn't have a good relationship with Americans and you expect him to have a good relationship with other countries?
Exactly, and how about that 51% non approval rating CNN. I won't hold my breath for any coverage and/or discussion about that from anywhere but FOX.
Of course John the right-wing media is going to support everything that this right-wing freak Obama does. I don't why anyone would want to call this clown a liberal since he compromised all his principles upon assuming the Presidency, if he ever had any to begin with! For instance, Gitmo remains open and the wanton torture of political prisoners still go on and he continues to slaughter people in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen with those ungodly drones!!!
this is what happens when you put a hood rat organizer up against a seasoned pro, lol...
What Pres. Obama doesn't understand is that Putin holds all the right cards in this game. Putin's goal has been to restore the Russian Oligarchy to it's former glory by whatever means possible. Obama, in extending the hand of friendship, has forgotten the rule of thumb set down by Pres. Reagan. Negotiate from a position of strength (i.e. the possibility of increasing the cost of the cold war, through "missile defense from space" initiatives, well above the USSR's ability to fund countermeasures, and "trust, but verify" by not only listening to the Russians, but monitor their actions to make sure they are following through on their promises. In a position of fiscal/financial weakness, the U.S. cannot intimidate the Russians Militarily any longer, (in the face of cuts in U.S. Defense Expenditures), that option is off the table. And more importantly, the "promises" made by the U.S. President are not followed up by "credible actions" by him or his Administration – giving the appearance of vacillation and lack of resolve to follow through. An "empty suit" full of "promises", and no "substance". Russians are not world chess masters because they know the names of the pieces on the board, but because they can "read" the fella making the moves. So far it's been Russia 99. Obama (and the U.S.) Zero!
What Obama does mot understand is that he does not understand, err; except for vacations. He has those down pat.
Oh becca don't get in a tailspin, go home and read your good wives guide, may – be you can land a man, face it bammy stinks , that's not my fault, its yours for voting for him,,, enjoy what you voted for.
I would suggest that Mr Obama get a copy of Dale Carnegie's book on 'How to win friends and influence people' since he doesn't seem to be able to do either.
Maybe you could do better as a president... so go for it and let's see your results..
Mr Obama is doing great.
From what planet did you come from?
From a planet that can't read.
Dale ...... is that you trying to promote your book?
Kinda strange how the US has had poorer and poorer relations with many countries these last years – can't travel to Egypt to see the pyramids – Can't travel to Pakistan – would not be surprised if soon can't go to Russia – better book travel soon !
I seem to recall the President running on how bad the world viewed us because of George Bush. Not saying that platform topic wasn't valid, but it doesn't look like he's doing any better.
From the crime stats, can't go to the messiah's home town of Chicago either.
Let me save you some time Mr. President.
By any rational assessment, our relationship with Russia kind of sucks right now.
You're welcome.
Obama tends to spend a disproportionate amount of time rethinking his position on a host of issues. Maybe if he took the time to listen to those around him who know more than he does he wouldn't have to rethink so often.
Sadly, his ego and the need to be the smartest one in the room get in his way.
Nice guy, Bad leader!
It is a sign of maturity to rethink things and he has always been open to hearing from those around him as well as from the citizens. Stiff and unbending is the principle of death. Gentle and yielding is the principle of life. Thus an Army without flexibility never wins a battle. A tree that is unbending is easily broken. The hard and strong will fall.
The soft and weak will overcome. - Tao Te Ching (76)
So being a "flip-flopper" is OK? Or is changing one's mind on an issue only OK for some people?
"The nation who is led away from its founding Judeo/Christian principles and foundations will eventually fall".
Putin can be notoriously difficult. He seems to like wild action, sometimes reminds me of a teenage bully. He also has soviet era mentalities and likes using USA to score political points at home or prove his toughness.
As for Snowden there were and still are forums where snowden should have voiced his concerns.
Obama is somehow failing himself, starting right at home where he routinely allows People(especially Republicans) to abuse him badly. This has led to a situation whereby Republicans stall/block legislation then tell Folks that congress is dysfunctional. Even on the international scene some openly undermine him like Bibi! really confounding when you compare Obama's intellect, diplomacy and warmth to his predecessors, some of whom were like only American lives and policies matter!
Finally a thoughtful post. Yes, Obama needs to show strength through action. This is something we can do on the international stage. Putin will continue to take advantage of U.S. conciliatory gestures regardless of who is president. I sincerely hope Obama does a reality check in this "pause". See Putin for what he is and, regardless of the actual intent of the Russian people, how he is leading his nation. If he wants the cold war days back, well, we can do that.
Obama you don't have a clue as to what it is you're doing. The world has schooled you clearly.
LOL Armchair diplomats and soldiers
Show some respect when you refer to the United States president.
Respect is something you earn. This man has not, the list of false promises and lies grow daily. Look I know it sucks to back a loser, but this is what you voted for. blame whoever, fact is bammy aint getting it done, end of story.
Snowden will regret his actions. Russia is not a democratic society.
For you information simplefaith, Russia is now more democratic than we are! Over here everything is being run by the all powerful M.I.C. as they own both the White House along with 90% of those in Congress!!! We need someone like Snowden to pull the lid off the garbage can, so to speak!
I agree that we needed Snowden to pull the lid off. We need a few more lids pulled off in this country. Democracy is no more than a subterfuge in our country.
If you believe that Russia is more democtratic and a freeer country than we are you are horribly mistaken.
As others have said, if you believe that, you are horribly mistaken. You clearly know nothing about Russia to have said something so ignorant.
Two kids are playing.
A kid said: Act like an adult!
The other kid said: I'm not a kid but you are!
The only "kid" in this game Sid, is none other than Barack Obama himself who is bawling because he didn't get his way when it came to Edward Snowden! This spoiled kid diplomacy is embarrassing to all the rest of us Americans!
Hopefully, you are doing things that are good for the United States as well as the people where we are. And by the way, gays and lesbians need to be deeply concerned. When they ask for job, bosses can give them a hand. When they ask for family, laws can give them a hand. When they ask for baby, doctors can give them a hand. Good luck to them!
Pause ??? job growth = pause, bammys accomplishments= pause, for petes sake this whole admin is on pause as far as working for the people
@Peppy again you make stupid statements been around here long...Pres.Obama ,senate have tried to pass legislation on jobs,infastructure and have been overturned over 450 times,where the hell have you been numbnuts under sedation for years,maybe a drug induced coma more like it or just plain ignorent ,probibly the latter as I've read from you on all these sites,typical troll!!
Its ok to go thru life as fodder, enjoy it !!!
Who says we need to "pause" in our relationship with Russia? What we need to do is drop our insane demand that Edward Snowden be handed over to the thugs who already have a "guilty" verdict drawn up thanks to the right-wing lynch mob mentality currently sweeping this country! Don't forget, it was the essentially Russians who beat the Germans in WW2 while we beat the J apanese in the Pacific so we both deeply depended on one another!!!
If you cant see their is no diff between the 2 lying parties than your an idiot. Quit blaming someone else for bammys failures.
Calling your President bammy shows a level of disrespect that has no one respect you or your comments. Talk like an adult if you want to be heard.
Reblogged this on World Chaos News.
how does having or not having gays/lesbians on a team affect it's strength?
If you don't allow a whole group of people to compete, your team will be weaker just by not having as many strong athletes in that particular discipline. Men's figure skating comes to mind.
"pause" means your policies with Russia have failed, Mr. President. Maybe we can blame Bush, huh?
Mr. Gonzales, a "pause" on this matter have a different concept.