The increase in the traffic of Russian, Ukrainian and American warships, in the Bosphorus strait indicates that yet another conflict in the world is all set to begin. Turkey in general and Istanbul in particular watched the ships passing through the strait — a major sea access route to Russia and Ukraine — with concern. This concern is deeply rooted in the past, as Crimea that is currently embroiled in the dispute was once Turkish.
The Crimean peninsula has been a “Turkish homeland” for centuries, starting with the Hazars and the Kipchaks up to the Golden Horde and the Crimean Khanate. Soon after its foundation, the Crimean Khanate accepted Ottoman protection and became affiliated to Istanbul. Shortly after, however, the expanding principality of Muscovy occupied Turkish lands. With the weakening of the Ottoman Empire, Crimea became Russian. That was just a little information on Crimea’s historical links with Turkey.
The current tensions over Crimea and the presence of Russian troops are being regarded as the first great standoff since the end of the Cold War. The opposition to Russian action or should one say reaction is seen as initial signs of the formation of an alliance against the shadow of the former USSR trying to regain its past glory. Politicians such as Sen. John McCain are even speaking openly of restoring the eastern European missile shield project canceled by Obama. Is all this really necessary?
Unbiased analysis of the situation leads one to believe that the West and the European Union (EU) could have averted the crisis. It is difficult to stomach their portrayal of Russia as the sole culprit in this entire episode. The West showed total disregard for Russia’s legitimate interests in its backyard i.e. Ukraine.
It is also applicable to the case of Syria. The West continuously blames Russia for creating hurdles in the resolution of the Syrian crisis and wriggles out of its responsibility. The West has never once tried to give Russia guarantees to safeguard its interests in Syria.
Most of the countries considered as Russian allies or friends have strong trade and cultural ties with the EU. Truth be told, Russia never so blatantly opposed that arrangement as long as its equation with its allies does not get disturbed.
What most analysts are ignoring are the logical factors prompting Russia to take such extreme positions on Ukraine and Syria. Russia is once again on its way to becoming a superpower. Russian President Vladimir Putin clearly does not want to put an end to trade and military relations with Russia’s former allies or to lose Russia’s military position in the Mediterranean through Syria or in the Black Sea through Ukraine and thus end up with the Black Sea Fleet being isolated. It seems that whatever happened in Ukraine or whatever will take place in Crimea is nothing but an attempt to contain the influence of Russia.
It would be pertinent to quote Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who visited Kiev last week.
“Such days are difficult for all states. You have to unite the spirit of revolution blowing in the streets with rational strategies based on ground realities, but you cannot get that across to everyone…”
Indeed, you can support the demand for freedom of the people on the streets, but you cannot explain to everyone the host of strategic difficulties facing the state. You cannot get the strategic and political balances facing Ukraine, Crimea, Russia through to everyone.
The rational thing is to go to the root of events that seem eerily reminiscent of the Cold War. The rational and moral thing is to be able to explain why matters have come to such a pass. It is necessary to find a rational, peaceful and political solution that will not alarm Russia and that will not deprive Russia of its friends. There has to be a doable solution that can help Russia and the West emerge victorious on this issue.
Independence and prosperity can never be achieved through violence. Whenever a movement for independence or justice got violent, it ended in tragedy.
Russia, undoubtedly, has made a mistake by involving the military in Ukraine, and particularly in Crimea. However, the response of the US and its European allies is not at all befitting and will only add fuel to fire. It seems that fearing the emergence of Russia as a superpower once again, the West is trying to nip the perceived “evil” in the bud. This approach will only push the world into anarchy.
They need to bear in mind Putin’s words about “having no intention of annexing Crimea to Russia” and that he regards “the use of force as the last option” and thus the US and its EU allies need to stress the importance of Ukraine’s territorial integrity at every opportunity and try to understand the problems of Russia.
The West must abandon the Cold War era’s mentality and try to forge an alliance with Russia. Instead of attempting to bring former Soviet states into the European fold to alienate Russia, the western powers should first try to extend an olive branch to Russia. They must not force Russia’s old friends to abandon it.
Instead of polarization, the West must aim for a broad-based strategic union that should include Russia.
• The writer is a commentator on Turkish TV & a columnist.
