Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov says that U.S. plans to set up a missile-defense system in Central Europe amount to building a “new Berlin Wall.” That is turning facts upside down.
The “Berlin Wall” was built to oppress freedom, the missile defense shield is aimed to protect freedom.
But it is not only this comparison that worries me. It is the complete absence of outrage in Germany. Even worse. This remark is not even reported in the German news. I only read about it at the RFE/RL website.
It is amazing to see: The most outrageous remarks coming from Russia are either not even being reported in the German media or they are just very shortly mentioned:
Russia re-arming – unnoticed.
Putin threatening to re-aim missiles at Europe – no big news.
Ivanov comparing the defense shield to the “Berlin Wall” – no news at all.
At the moment it seems as if Russia got away with everything.
And while I am sure that Sochi will be a nice place to host the Winter Olympics, in terms of politics it is a fatal signal. It signals international approval of Putin`s policy. Thus, he has not only won to host the Olympics. He has already won the Gold Medal - in international public relations.
And the U.S. strategy? Seems to consist in turning down the rhetoric. Too bad that silence is often seen as approval.
Russia Says U.S. Building ‘New Berlin Wall’, RFE/RL, July 8, 2007