Russia Policy Under Review
WASHINGTON — The Bush administration is beginning a broad review of its Russia policy that could lead to a more confrontational approach toward Moscow over its treatment of neighboring countries and its own citizens, U.S. officials said.
For the past four years, the administration muted its criticism of Russia's approach to democratic values as Washington tried to build a "strategic partnership" with Moscow to fight terrorism and weapons proliferation.
But the Bush team's approach has faced growing doubts, including from some within the administration.
Now in his second term, Russian President Vladimir V. Putin has reduced press freedom and cracked down on political opponents at home while working against pro-Western forces in neighboring countries such as Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.
Questions about U.S. policy have gained a new urgency in the past three weeks, as the United States and Russia have sparred over the presidential election in Ukraine. Washington and the European Union rejected the results as rigged, and after public protests, the matter went to the country's Supreme Court, which overturned the victory of the candidate favored by Moscow.
The outcome appears to suggest that a more aggressive U.S. policy may aid democratic forces throughout the region.
"It is fair to say we are reassessing this relationship as we go into the new term," said a U.S. official who asked to remain unidentified.
He said a key question was whether Moscow, with its deep involvement in the Ukrainian election, had pushed the issue to a "tipping point," leading the administration to consider a more assertive approach.
Last week, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell sharpened his rhetoric, expressing concern about "developments in Russia
The official, however, cautioned against predicting the outcome of the policy review, saying arguments could be made that the most effective way to promote democracy in Russia was through a close partnership that could apply "steady, constant, subtle pressure."
The current U.S. policy on Russia has had support from key officials, including national security advisor Condoleezza Rice, who is expected to take over as secretary of State in January.
Rice, who trained as a Russia specialist, is considered the original advocate of the "realist" approach toward Moscow, which values national interests more than long-standing alliances. She was instrumental in persuading President Bush to adopt that stance early in his first term.
