U.S.-Russia Convergence. (Insider Report).

In the aftermath of the September 11th terror attacks, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP) has assumed increased prominence, with its spokesmen garnering considerable face time on the network news and plenty of ink in the print media. Although it poses as an objective, scholarly think tank, WINEP is really a Mideast "wonk factory" for the internationalist set at the Council on Foreign Relations. Headed by CFR members Robert Satloff and Dennis B. Ross, the Institute reliably retails the CER line that the U.S. must cooperate closely with Russia and "former" Communist satellites in the Commonwealth of Independent States in developing any viable Mideast policies. Thus it treats Moscow's deceptions and manipulations in the Middle East region and Russia's continued military dominance of the Islamic CIS states in the most positive light. According to the WINEP line: We should not view Russia's military presence in Tajikistan as a blatant example of Moscow's continued control and its intention to do minate this strategic oil-producing area; we should instead be thankful that it is providing "stability."

In its September 26th Policy Watch newsletter WINEP's Sheila Heslin writes: "Although Tajikistan has begun a slow economic recovery, its unsettled political situation, grinding poverty, drug-running criminal networks, radical Islamic activists, and close proximity to the war in Afghanistan are major obstacles. As President Emomali Rakhmonov has sought to stabilize the country, he has come to rely on a large contingent of Russian forces. A year ago, the government entered into bilateral security agreements that granted Russian military basing rights and allowed a strengthening of Russian border troops. In return, Russia has appeared willing to help shore up Tajikistan's internal stability, secure its porous border with Afghanistan, and prevent a destabilizing inflow of Afghan refugees." Very nice of Mr. Putin and company to be so "willing," right?

Typical of WINEP wisdom is the following sample dispensed by Visiting Fellow Dr. Eugene Rumer, at a WINEP forum in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2000. "Russia will not be a significant military player in the region in the foreseeable future," proclaimed Dr. Rumer. "There is no need to speculate about the return of Russia to the region as a strategic competitor," he continued, in defiance of overwhelming facts to the contrary. "Russia is becoming a fairly marginal player.... And although Russia's influence is also translated into the ability to sell weapons, Moscow is unlikely to return to the Middle East as a deliberate and aggressive country that proliferates conventional or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) technology." That's right, don't worry, be happy. And ignore all that missile technology and WMD technology and scientific help Russia has been pouring into Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Libya.