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Russia Shifts on Iran, But Why Remains Unclear

Did Obama convince Medvedev, or is it quid pro quo, Ambinder wonders

By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 23, 2009 8:43 PM CDT

(Newser) – Has the US finally convinced Russia that reining in Iran is in both countries’ common interest? Or are indications today that Russia could support sanctions on the rogue nuclear program part of a quid-pro-quo arrangement that President Obama launched last week by shelving the Eastern European missile shield? Marc Ambinder says he isn’t sure, either, and is waiting to see how Moscow spins it.

After meeting with President Obama today, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev allowed that “in some cases sanctions are inevitable”—a stance a White House briefer says Obama has talked Medvedev around to after years in which “the United States has played Charlie Brown to Russia’s Sally,” Ambinder chides.

President Barack Obama meets with Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev today.
President Barack Obama meets with Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev today.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama finishes his meeting with Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev today.
President Barack Obama finishes his meeting with Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev today.   (AP Photo)
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev addresses the United Nations General Assembly today.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev addresses the United Nations General Assembly today.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
proud_prude
Sep 24, 2009 3:05 AM CDT
Russia played Charlie Brown to the U.S.'s Lucy more like it. Yeltsin was so sure he was gonna have the opportunity to kick that ball.
Reader1398
Sep 24, 2009 2:58 AM CDT
Unclear? Or Nuclear?
dax
Sep 24, 2009 1:59 AM CDT
"United States has played Charlie Brown to Russia's Sally." ---- Putin's Russia. Now there's a mercurial partner. What's plan B ?

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