Obama and Putin: Friends, Enemies, Frenemies?

Ann Nenoff

October 7, 2015

Obama and Putin: Friends, Enemies, Frenemies?

            Awkward, cringe worthy, forced, robotic, humorous. These descriptions and many others have be used to describe the interaction between President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the UN where they engaged in a reluctant-looking handshake. The thirty-second encounter is surely based off their previous dealings with each other, but may also give insight into how their relationship will continue to develop. It is very apparent how different these two leaders are from each other.

The two have always had an interesting relationship, but it has never been a “good” one. That being said, Obama needs to be tough on Putin. While Obama was confident about forging a new partnership with Russia, and therefore Putin, at the beginning of his presidency, that hope quickly faded. Since Putin reclaimed the presidency in 2012, their relationship has been rocky. It seemed to be a competition of who could get in more sly digs and make a mockery of the other. Putin seems to enjoy doing this, as is evidenced by the Op-Ed he had published in the New York Times. Their relationship has gone through its ups and downs; the two have cooperated on some issues, but really disagreed on others. Two of the most recent issues in which Obama and Putin have been at odds are on Ukraine/Crimea and Syria.     

In regards to Syria, Putin has been overtly pushing the boundaries and testing the limits with his actions. While the two may agree that the eradication of ISIS is necessary, that is where their similar standing on the issue ends. Putin is a sympathizer to the Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, where Obama is not. They also disagree on Syria’s use of chemical weapons and on who is considered a terrorist. Russia makes no distinction between ISIS forces in Syria and the rebel forces fighting against Assad. This has been problematic for Obama, and he has made statements condemning the role that Russia is playing. Within the past week, Russia has begun a bombing campaign in Syria, which puts Obama in even more of a difficult position. Putin does something Obama does not like, and Obama says how much he does not like it. That seems to be the pattern emerging.

However, being tough on Putin does not mean forgoing diplomatic relationships. We need to make sure that we continue having diplomatic relations with Russia because if those were to get cut off, then the problem could drastically escalate, which could force more U.S intervention. Fighting Russia’s military action with United States military action is not the answer. Putin is cunning, manipulative, and a diabolical planner. He has a plan to increase his strength in the Middle East, where he can unite, strengthen, and empower anti-west sentiments. Acting more overtly in Syria than he did in Ukraine, Putin pushes the boundaries, waits to see how others react, and then seizes the moment when he realizes that he has the ability and power to do so.

             Recommending for Obama to be tough towards Putin is a simple answer to a very complicated question. Putin himself is a very complicated leader. There is value to continuing diplomatic relations with Russia and not deploying other forms of action to combat its wants. However, powerful rhetoric will not deter Putin from acting the way he wants to. Putin has not been a man ready to compromise with the West. Right now Obama and Putin are doing an awkward dance to see who can push the other further. If concessions can be made that will benefit the Syrian people and democratic ideals, then they should be made. If Putin will continue to play games with the West and test its power, Obama should fire back with political pressure. He doesn’t have another election to worry about, after all. Russia is looking to exert dominance, and that is something we should keep in check. There are many other issues and nations that warrant the United States’ attention, but Russia is taking it all for itself. Putin is playing a game and Obama needs to play it better than him.