U.S. must offer Putin a worthwhile alternative

LETTERS

Russia is the largest country in the world — twice the size of mainland U.S.A. Internet sources list 55 harbours. Those on the Arctic and Pacific oceans (north and east coasts) are frozen in for long periods of the year. Even those in the Baltic Sea (west coast) and Black Sea (south coast) have problems with pack ice at certain times every year. Warships in the Black Sea can easily be cut off by blocking the Bosporus Strait. These factors limit the mobility of the Russian fleet.

Syria’s Tartus harbour, leased by Russia in exchange for Syria’s bad debts, is the only Russian harbour that is not restricted by ice. Although Russian officials downplay the strategic value of Tartus, the mentioned geographical factors make it obvious that Russia needs Tartus.

The military hardware Russia sold on credit to Syria is maintained by Russian technicians, who Syria cannot pay either. Why this bad investment in a country with which Russia has no cultural or historical ties? It is not about the doggie but about its fancy collar — there is an ulterior motive behind Putin’s love for Syria: Tartus.

So, to get Putin on board to get rid of Assad, the U.S. and its allies must offer Putin a worthwhile alternative. Any reliable Mediterranean harbour, without billions of bad debts attached, will serve Putin’s interests well. African countries may be eager to strike a lucrative deal with Russia.

Mister Trump and Tillerson can now demonstrate their persuasive negotiating skills by talking Putin out of Tartus and out of Syria. It will be far better than starting another cold war.

Churchill believed that countries don’t have friends, only interests. Putin has a specific interest in Syria. Maybe, he can be persuaded to give it up for something better. Then Russia doesn’t have to associate itself further with a toxic regime.

Jacob Van Zyl

Lethbridge