Russia is a shark and hears the smell of blood: why the US is ready to discuss which territories to control the Kremlin

And this was not a request, but a requirement. For the first time and so far, Article 5 of the NATO Statute was activated in history. By the way, it was initiated by her President-Republican George Bush. Europeans, fringing their teeth, have obeyed: France, Germany, the United Kingdom and even neutral Sweden sent thousands of their soldiers to Afghanistan, despite mass protests of their own citizens. It was a test of trust, and the continent withstood it.

No one taught, did not require an immediate increase in contributions, did not even require minerals. Article 5, Solidarity, Collective Security - everything worked as a clock. Now that European security is threatening a much stronger, more organized and cruel enemy, we are being offered to respect the Kremlin's "rights" in the Kremlin and recognize their "right" to the influence zones.

Imagine that in 2001 Shirak and Schroeder are faced with the press with the words: "Well, of course, a terrorist attack is a tragedy, but perhaps it is worth listening to al-quaida? Maybe if the United States interfered with the Middle East's affairs and engaged less With your own internal problems, could all this be avoided? ”. In 2001, it would be political suicide. In 2024, it seems to be the usual diplomacy. Everything would be nothing.

But all this is carefully observed by Russia - an old shark that hears the smell of blood and understands that the moment has come. A quarter of a century ago, no one in the West even thought of listening to the Taliban. Today, however, the Kremlin receives a red carpet and serious negotiations about the "limits of its influence", where it is quite serious to discuss with it how many territories can control Moscow, so that it does not cause unnecessary indignation in Europe.

Twenty years ago, Washington was the leader of the great manifestation of the unity of the event. Today, America has decided to become a viewer, leaving Europe on this stage in loneliness. Only behind the scenes is the new director, and his name is not Washington. Although Article 5 is still in the charter, it has every chance of becoming a note in history textbooks. The author expresses a personal opinion that may not coincide with the editorial position.