Russian Leader Says His Country Wants to Help U.S. in Afghanistan

Afghanistan was once a thorn in the side of the former Soviet Union prior to its dissolution. That was, of course, thanks in no small part to the U.S. CIA’s training of operatives to fight the Soviets in the region. Now, as is evident from the U.S.-led "war on terror" in Afghanistan, the tables have turned dramatically and the U.S. is, alas, reaping what they have sown. And, in a move that would on the surface indicate solidarity between Russia, the former "mother country" of the Soviet Union, and the United States, recent Russian indications that they would like to help the U.S. stabilize Afghanistan may involve ulterior motives.

Russia, trying to re-establish itself on the world stage of late, has flexed its muscles on the issue of missile defense in former Soviet bloc countries, and is toying around in Cuba and the Panama Canal just to show that they’re "still here." Now, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has noted that his country wishes to cooperate with the U.S. on the issue of Afghanistan. Medvedev’s offer of cooperation, however, comes with some conditions - namely, a halt to NATO enlargement in Europe and cancellation of the aforementioned U.S. missile-defense systems on Russia’s western borders.

Medvedev has noted that "Russia and other CSTO members are ready for full-fledged, comprehensive cooperation with the United States and other coalition members in fighting terrorism in the region. This fight must be comprehensive and include both military and political components. Only in this case will there be a chance to succeed." Despite that, Russia is thought to be largely behind the recent move by nearby Kyrgyzstan to introduce a bill in parliament that would close the U.S. Manas military base in that country. That bill was announced by Kyrgyz leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev several hours after Russia announced a $2.15 billion aid package for Kyrgyzstan, though Russia has indicated that there is no connection between the Kyrgyz bill and the aid package.