THE most alarming aspect of the growing tensions between the West and Russia is the speed with which the diplomatic exchanges assumed a highly confrontational tone. Russia has been roundly and repeatedly condemned on the basis that anything less will be interpreted as appeasement on the part of Gordon Brown and others.
For its part, the Russian government has been happy to play up to its portrayal as belligerent aggressor with its thinly-veiled threats of further action. Moscow is also bemused about lectures on the use of force by countries who recently used milita
ry means to achieve their ends contrary to international opinion.
Events in Georgia have prompted calls for Russia to be marginalised. If anything, they underline the need for it to be more fully engaged with the international community. Russia cannot be allowed to have a veto over countries gaining membership of the European Union or Nato, but it is equally arrogant for those bodies to march eastwards without considering Moscow's perspective.
The rest of the world needs Russian energy supplies and its co-operation in dealings with Iran over its nuclear ambitions. Russia needs customers for its oil and gas as well as inward investment. Neither side should forget this as they trade blows over Georgia.
If a new Cold War is to be avoided, then the first step must be to avoid using the language of that era. It is time for the reckless rhetoric to be toned down and the serious diplomacy to begin.
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