The World's Red Line: Obama-Putin Dialogue on Syria is Critical

Coming to the G-20 Summit in St. Petersburg, Russian President Putin seemed to be  saying he would consider blessing a U.S. military strike against Syria if the U.N. proved Assad did the dirty WMD deed.  We won´t hold our breath.   Massacres are an Assad family tradition and Mr. Putin can  pin the blame on the rebels only through a willing suspension of disbelief.    

Alas, he´s not the only one earning a Pinocchio.   After a string of scandals, Obama´s nose is not only longer, but out of joint even with his own party.  The tragedy is that he´s right this time.   It will be a disaster if Congress turns down a military strike. If America doesn´t act, all the rogue regimes – Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba–  will be emboldened.  So will terrorist groups Al Qaeda and affiliates, Hamas, Hezbollah and Chechen Islamists.   Russia will also be affected since we share  many of the same terrorist foes.

In Washington, Obama was ironically rescued by his defeated, presidential rival, GOP Senator John McCain. A former POW and war hero with tremendous military knowledge, McCain  has impeccable integrity. He does what he thinks is right and damns the devil.  He, and Secretary of State John Kerry, clarified that  the  potential action is not about Obama´s reckless Red Line statement.  It is about the absolute necessity of preventing the  outlawed use of WMD in future wars.  But just as importantly, it is  about acting now to shut a Pandora´s box in the Middle East before the last wings of human hope fly out. It is essential that Obama and Putin get together for a one to one in St. Petersburg when they wake up, or else engage in a private telephone dialogue.   In this dialogue, here´s some advice to  Obama.  Focus!  The middle of a world crisis is not the time to address gay rights in Russia or Snowden.    Do not liken Putin to a ¨bored schoolboy.¨   Sit near him.  Body language is important.   Do not argue the merits of breaking international law to uphold international law.  That´s a dead end.  Ask him without ire, why he thinks an unstable leader can bring stability? 

Stick to realpolitik and avoid  Carter-esque, emotional zig zaggings.   Try to comprehend Putin´s national interests.  Syria is the prime destination of Russia´s defense industry exports.  He wants to maintain the Mediterranean naval base of Tartus.  He´s concerned about Chechen rebels in Syria whose next stop is the Russian south and who may pose a threat to the winter Olympics.  Address the Saudi offer for a better Russian oil deal with OPEC. Remember Winston Churchill´s comment about Stalin, Ï would make a pact with the devil himself to fight Hitler. Also remember Putin is not Stalin.

Advice to Mr. Putin.   Stop holding a grudge because of Obama´s bored schoolboy¨ comment and stop calling John Kerry a liar.  A straight arrow may miss the mark but it´s still straight.  Consider the possibility that Obama may be right about the dangers of doing nothing. What you would do in his place?  Think about how helping him might help your country.   As Churchill´s dialogue with Stalin led the way to the creation of an anti-Hitler alliance, your breakfast meeting or telephone dialogue could pave the way for crafting an international partnership fighting terrorism.