US and NATO in face of Russia and new missile arms race

Dr. Kattar Abo Diab starts off his latest article by stating: “From the Baltic to the South China Sea and from the eastern Mediterranean to the Red Sea, the current strategic landscape reveals the permanent validity of the old principle of “who controls the seas has the power,” adding that the US, Russia and China’s battle for power could pave the way for further conflict in the absence strategic balance.

The writer refutes Fukuyama’s prediction that the end of the Cold War will be the end of history as we know it, but rather he agrees with Karl Marx’s words: “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce,” the writer argues.

The writer then states that despite the seriousness of what is happening in the South China Sea and around North Korea, it appears that the main test force being shaped is regarding Russia and its aspirations and apprehensions.

There is no doubt that what complicates the situation even further is US’ clinging to its position as the sole superpower and the insistence of the new Tsar to return Russia to its former great power status by enhancing its military force in the absence of other elements, the writer explains.

The writer then states that the Russian penetration in Syria and the eastern Mediterranean – which was accepted by Washington to drain Russia’s capabilities and because it does not contradict fundamentally with US’ policies and interests – and Russia’s rejection – with the threat of a veto – of any UN Security Council resolution punishing North Korea and Iran because of ballistic missile developments demonstrates Russia’s adherence to the deployment of strategic missiles in Moscow and its allies, while Washington develops missile defense systems in South Korea, Eastern Europe, Turkey and the Gulf.

Further, Putin is working to deploy missiles systems, compared to US systems, operating Russian factories to develop a strategic missile nuclear nondestructive under the name of the “devil,” the writer explains.

The writer then argues that it is appearing clearly that Kremlin’s obsession is haunted by the loss of war against Ronald Reagan, but he does not learn from these lessons and insists on continuing in this new arms race. In addition, American institutions do not seem convinced that any shift would allow Russia and China military superiority, and the biggest absentee from this field is the EU, which does not have a military decision and strategic independence.

The writer then argues that a new arms race can lead to a change in the nature of future wars and cane make the current weapons of deterrence and missile defense worthless.

The writer concludes by stating: “We are witnessing coups in the strategic concepts but in a world that lacks great leaders and respect for ethical standards, which makes us fear the worst.”

Dr. Khattar Abo Diab in al-Arab.