Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA) with President George W. Bush
Robert Ver Bruggen, an apprentice editor for The National Interest, argues that the newly elected Democratic-led Congress is likely to take an even harsher view of Russia than the previous Congress. Mr. Ver Bruggen’s piece focuses on soon-to-be House International Relations Committee Chairman Tom Lantos relationship with former Russian media oligarch Vladimir Gusinsky.
As the ranking minority member of the House International Relations Committee, Lantos has frequently teamed with Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) to pass legislation and resolutions on issues ranging from combating human trafficking to stopping genocide in Sudan and granting asylum to North Korean refugees. These bills have been supported by a broad coalition of human rights groups ranging from socially liberal activists to conservative evangelical Christians and Orthodox Jews. Congressman Lantos has also been an outspoken critic of the Kremlin's seizure of YUKOS and jailing of Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
On Monday, during an interview for the News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) accused the Kremlin of instituting a “state run, Mussolini-style of government”. Senator McCain mentioned Vladimir Gusinsky by name as one of the backers of independent media who had been silenced in Russia. As of today, McCain is widely viewed in Washington D.C. as one of the leading contenders for the GOP Presidential nomination in 2008.
In Moscow, RIA Novosti quotes Russian analysts declaring that the change in partisan control over Congress does not matter very much, and that U.S.-Russia relations have been rapidly deteriorating since the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The Moscow Times also sees the prospect of Congress approving Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) anytime soon as bleak.
Comments
I just wanted to thank you for having the frame of mind not to publish that "nasty" comment I made on this day.
I had been drinking and was upset. I still dispise my congress though!
Thanks again,
John
Posted by: John | November 12, 2006 12:25 AM
I must admit that I was so ignorant the other day I didn’t even read this post. I simply saw the word, "Congress", and let my emotions kick me strait in the groin ;(…
I’m in my mid thirties and I have yet to vote in a single American election. I just haven’t allowed myself to vote for someone I truly do not believe should be in any particular office.
I laugh at those in America who think it’s unpatriotic to not vote. I’m free to choose to vote. The argument that people have fought and died for my right to vote is not an argument! What these people fought and died for, and continue to fight and die for today, is my freedom to choose whether or not to vote. I’ve fought myself!
I’m thinking of voting for John McCain if indeed he is nominated. The only reason I will vote for him is because of his experience as a POW in Vietnam. I believe he would be a good “War-President” simply for the reasons that at one time in his life he was defeated as a human being and knows what’s it’s like to be dominated, tortured and abused by his fellow man.
As far as this new congress and Russia goes, well, if Russia can ban a movie like the one from “Borat”, Russia has a long way to go! With this being said though: Russia and the United States will become strong allies, if for the only reason of these insane Islamic terrorists wanting to conquer the world under the guise of their corrupt view of their respective religion; I fear though, that Russia may act as a “double-agent” in the form of making America think she is an ally only to turn and pull a knife aimed at our backs the second both countries seem to be working nicely together.
I don’t mean to offend anyone but, it’s clear there are men in power from both countries that still hold grudges from that Cold War mess. Let us both pray that the next rulers will have the frame of mind to put aside personal feelings and lead out in front where their people so desperately need them.
Respectfully,
John
Posted by: John | November 12, 2006 6:16 PM
John, Russia is acting as a double agent in arming and abetting Iran, the same Iran that has publicly stated it will destroy Israel when they get their bomb complete, the same Iran that is aiding and abetting terrorists, the Syrians, and Hezbollah throughout the ME.
Putin has censored the media, returned private property to the state, rigged trials like Khordorkovsky's, scoffed at and banned human rights groups, and is essentially returning Russia to Stalin's thuggery.
US and Russian relations deserve to be deteriorating with Russia playing the dangerous game of triangulation with the US and ME terrorists visa a vie Iran. Pretending that Putin is anything but Stalin the Lessor is a fool's dream.
Posted by: penny | November 15, 2006 10:08 AM
Khodorovsky was one of the 20 or so non-Russian Russians who "acquired" Russia's wealth for a song. His company which had 4-5% of the world's oil reserves was grabbed with just $150 million just a shade more than Donald Trump's beach house villa.
The income which hitherto went to the amazing Soviet education system and the national health now went to just one man.Imagine paying $10,000 for a $4 million. Then imagine buying 15,000 such houses and paying just $10,000 each time. And all this at the expense of ordinary Russians. Russians of course adore Putin but believe he should punish the oligarchs wherever they are. This anger comes from the ordinary man in the street, not imposed from above, and for that reason I believe that the oligarchic comeuppance will happen, but will do so after Putin is gone.
Posted by: Mario | November 16, 2006 1:58 PM
Senator McCain:
Don't vote for amnesty, we will vote you out! You fought for our country. Senator you of all people should know it's ramifications
Posted by: Judith Darling | May 20, 2007 6:25 PM