Ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Moscow has been a part player on the international stage — something that has irritated President Vladimir Putin to no small degree. He has made it clear, time and again, that Russia ought to be accorded superpower status again, its views not only heard but also accepted. But all to no avail; the Kremlin’s credibility has remained in the doldrums thanks mainly to economic turmoil, its counter-liberalization moves and in particular its policy in Chechnya. Until now, that is.
Putin thinks he has found the way back to international superstardom — as the world’s mediator. Last month saw his attempt to resolve the Iranian nuclear crisis with an offer to reprocess Iranian uranium in Russia, an offer that may end up being accepted now that it has been backed by China. Coming fast on the heels of that now comes a second effort to sort out the world’s problems: Putin has invited Hamas to Moscow for talks.
It’s a shrewd move. It has all the hallmarks of a win-win situation — for everyone involved: Palestinians, Israelis, Americans and Europeans — and, of course, the Russians themselves who although officially involved in efforts to bring about Middle East peace through their membership of the Middle East Quartet have had to watch the other three, the US, the EU and the UN, make all the running.
Hamas’ election changed all the dynamics.
The problem for the other three — and this includes the UN — is that they have disbarred themselves from the process with their insistence they will not talk to Hamas until it recognizes Israel’s right to exist and renounces violence. The trouble is that for Hamas to do anything resembling such a U-turn requires negotiations with it — precisely what the EU and the US, not to mention the Israelis, have so categorically ruled out. The Americans and Europeans are in a Catch-22 situation of their own making.
Enter Putin with the means to get them and everyone else off the hook. As he says, Russia does not regard Hamas as terrorists; it can talk and negotiate.
For that we must be thankful. The Palestinian issue has been stalled over the past few months, but that is nothing compared to what could be with a Hamas government rigidly boycotted by the West. It would be total gridlock — plus unimaginable chaos and violence.
Putin’s offer enables continued movement. Not that Russia is going to be an easy negotiating partner; it has made it clear that for it, too, Hamas’ recognition of Israel is a must. However, faced with the enticing prospect of legitimate power, Hamas is already busy dropping hints that it will do the unthinkable and make concessions.
If Russia can successfully negotiate a course through the opposing intransigent tides then Putin will have earned what he wants, the world’s admiration. Even the continuing problem of Chechnya will not get in the way.
