Centerblue.org

Bush seems determined to be as abrasive as possible to other nations. At the G8 summit going on, deep differences quickly became evident between Bush and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, where there was a handshake but little warmth.

Bush refused to allow Russia into the World Trade Organization. Why not? Primarily over access to Russia’s markets for US meat. Most other issues had been resolved. Bush would have gained a great deal of good will internationally and with Russia at a time he really needed it, had he dropped his opposition to Russia’s membership. Once again he did not fail to do the wrong thing, ensuring that Russia will continue to pose obstacles to US objectives regarding Iran and North Korea.

There was also lack of agreement on the Israel/Lebanon crisis, with Bush refusing to place any blame on Israel while Putin called for a more balanced approach. The rest of the G-8 group has likewise split with Bush on this issue.

On the issue of democracy in Russia, a particularly amusing exchange occurred that put Bush in his place. From the Washington Post article:

“I talked about my desire to promote institutional change in parts of the world like Iraq, where there’s a free press and free religion,” Bush said, “and I told him that a lot of people in our country would hope that Russia would do the same thing.”

Putin seized on that remark. “We certainly would not want to have the same kind of democracy as they have in Iraq, I will tell you quite honestly,” he said, provoking laughter from the Russian side.

Bush seemed caught off guard. “Just wait,” he replied softly, maintaining a strained smile.

A strained smile is about all Bush can muster with anyone these days.