Let's buy Europe!

Brussels has put everything in its place. Now, after a week, we can already talk about this seriously, since the overall picture is visible, if not entirely, then at least in general terms. Before Brussels, the European and American press presented Russia’s position in a general context, most often alongside China’s position: they say that even such “enemies of the West” as Russia and China support (to one degree or another) America’s efforts...

As the Brussels meeting approached, Russia increasingly moved to Europe (we are, of course, talking about the media perception of the situation). The American press unanimously positioned Putin as almost the best friend of the Americans. The British press, loyal to Blair (primarily the Times), picked up the American theme, while the less loyal press tried to appear neutral. The French, for whom the “Fifth Point” of the NATO Charter is like a bone in their throat, set to work on the Chechen topic (in general, the Chechen topic, along with “Putin’s KGB past”, is a constant “filler” of media materials negative towards Russia). The Germans kept quiet, apparently guessing how it would all end, but not wanting to get in the way of the old man.

But, finally, “dad” Schröder publicly confessed his love for Putin - after the German speeches of our President. And the German press joined in the chorus. True, maintaining a neutral informational tone (generally characteristic of DPA materials).

French and British media also became more active. Chechnya was mentioned quite often, but Russia was no longer equated with China. Just before Brussels, the Chechen topic was present in almost every European publication and - apparently because of this European attention to the topic - it also appeared in some American publications, but only as an issue that could presumably arise at a meeting in Brussels.

And finally, the meeting took place. Robertson and Solana are Russia's best friends, NATO can expand to the East (provided that it turns from a military organization into a political one and accepts Russia into its fold). In the final resolution there is practically not a word about Chechnya. The American media are ready, following Putin, to call the Chechens “terrorists” (everyone is already calling them “separatists”, and the word “rebels” has disappeared even from the European lexicon).

It should be noted that the topic of NATO expansion is discussed in the American press more emotionally (and enthusiastically) than in the European press. Europe is obviously aware that this is an American game. Russia's position on the NATO issue is more important for America than for Europe... More correctly, it is more important for the Bush administration than for European leaders. Bush is supposed to be ready to sacrifice anything to successfully develop (and continue until the next elections) his war against the shadow of bin Laden. Note: the real US military actions against Afghanistan began precisely after Brussels!

European leaders, on the contrary, do not want to fight - well, except that it is difficult to speak with confidence about Germany. But European leaders also do not need a split on the military issue. This duality makes them weak. And Bush's weakness stems from the rigid framework into which the September terrorist attacks forced him.

As a result, Putin's proposals to change the NATO paradigm and Russia's desire to join European organizations (WTO, for example) should meet with a positive response... from Bush. After all, speaking about the “ duality ” of Europe (the Holy Grail vs the IMF), we should not forget that the half corresponding to the Holy Grail exists in the romantic consciousness of Russian Anglomaniacs and European political fringes, but the half corresponding to the IMF belongs to America.

Is Bush really ready to share his soul mate with us?

I can imagine what an “invisible battle” is going on now - at the level of the special services - for bin Laden’s head (which, according to one of our conspiracy theorists , has long been separated from the body and is waiting in the wings in the refrigerator). Prize - Europe.

Kirill Yakimets