Speaker Boehner Arrogantly Misunderstands Modern Russia

House Speaker John Boehner, in his anti-Russian rant to the Heritage Foundation this week, puts partisan politics and ideology above the best interests of his own country. He is either too ignorant or unqualified to make sober judgments about U.S.-Russian relations and Russia's future. As President Obama understands, Russia is an indispensible partner in dealing with global challenges that range from the war in Afghanistan and the Arab Spring to nuclear nonproliferation and the financial crisis. What Mr. Boehner fails to understand is that the "reset" policy of the Obama administration with Russia is positive and necessary and will allow partners to have a real and constructive dialogue. Considering all the problems the US is embroiled in, it should not alienate yet another country, especially one as important as Russia, but should focus on building and improving its existing relationships. In addition, no one from the United States should be lecturing Russia at a time when it needs to get its own house in order. Mr. Boehner might want to take a look at his own country before he starts criticizing others.