Presidential hopeful Donald Trump's incessant support for the Russian neo-czar Vladimir Putin has received flak from the Democrats, as well as some Republicans. This didn't deter him from going on to sing praises of Putin on his propaganda mouthpiece, the Russia Today. Using the same platform, Trump also lambasted the US media for its allegedly partisan approach. These antics, which have become a hallmark of Trump, didn't surprise many. What's worrying is the Democrats, including President Barack Obama, also secretly agree to his assessments. US is becoming a Russian acolyte of sorts in the global arena. It is no longer a secret either.
The process started years ago when the Obama administration was at a loss for words -- and actions -- on how to confront the Russians fast advancing towards Ukraine. They annexed Crimea and since have practically controlled the eastern border regions. Except for a brief period post-annexation, when tensions ran high between the two states, the Americans have largely accommodated the Russians in advancing their interests in the region. Obama even called the Crimean annexation by Russia as the machinations of a "regional power," which didn't warrant a stern response. American reticence fractured the European brotherhood with key states like Germany adopting a cozier approach towards the Russians.
Emboldened by American reticence, Putin went on to hijack the Syrian civil war and inflict terrible miseries on the already battered civilians. Russia is no longer keeping the facade of attacking the ISIS, as its fighter jets regularly bomb civilians, decimating entire neighborhoods. The barrel-bombing brigades of Bashar al-Assad and his Iranian and Hezbollah allies plug the carnage gaps, if any are left to fill.
Despite the death toll climbing to 470,000, the Obama administration has advanced from its earlier dithering to clandestinely support the Russian operations. Foreign secretary John Kerry has met several times with his Russian counterpart as well as with Putin and has discussed ways to up the ante. The European Union, on the other hand, has been left to its own devices to address the refugee crisis, the biggest since the Second World War. European troubles advance Russian agenda and the Brexit may ultimately spell doom for the once-promising union of states, cobbled together under American tutelage.
Putin is even asking for a seat on the negotiation table between Israel and the Palestinians. Russia has thus regained its status as a power broker in the Middle East, a region that had long been forgotten after the fall of the Soviet Union.
The perception that Russia is replacing the Americans in Europe and the Middle East should have been a cause for concern in DC. The notion is feeding the personality cult of Putin as a global leader at the expense of Obama. Trump fell into the same trap owing to his lackadaisical understanding of global politics. Obama should worry less about Putin using the Trump card in the elections and more about salvaging the Russian policy. Trump has fewer chances of getting elected anyway but Hillary's adherence to Obama's Russia doctrine on Russia will not augur well for American interests.
The question is thus not about Trump's admiration for Putin. The real question is: Who is not supporting Putin in the US? Obama is supporting him through his actions. Hillary is supporting him by voicing support for Obama's foreign policy decisions. Is there any key contender or top official who is actually eager to stop Putin?