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In 1867 Mark Twain when visiting Russia gave a very positive report and praised the good relationship with Russia as paramount for the US right after the Civil War. Never were his perceptions so important as now. If Obama really wants to promote energy independence and turn our economy around the alliance with Russia is paramount.
Just think about it, Two major nuclear powers comprise a direct alliance, agree to support and cooperate. We then get from Russia a preferential deal for the energy- related exports to the US, build several pipelines through Alaska ( that would mean we would not need to drill, baby) while at the same time open huge projects of the US investments in restoring Russian infrastructure and Russian economy. Constant flow of energy makes it posssible to open a series of projects in the US on the alternative energies of many kinds, hybrid cars, all innovations- speed trains, etc. Russia, on the other hand will be happy to stop developing wasteful weapons and concentrate on reviving its agriculture among other things ( where we can help too). In perspective Russia could join NAFTA.
At the same time we should unequivocally commit to withdrawal from the vital Russian interests in Eastern Europe, stop NATO expansion, withdraw our support of the nationalistic regimes and stop our provocations on all the Russian borders. We should discuss with Russia the issues of Afghanistan and Iran directly. In the UN we should announce that US had decided unilaterally to develop an alliance with the energy- rich partner, thiss being an alliance of mutual beneift.
Folks, such move would be not only bold but very smart. It would preserve peace and open an era of unprecendented cooperation, the proper one between the countries, cooperation between which was always good for the mankind.
Of course, that will never happen. Mark Twain in our time would most likely choke with anger.
