Russia yesterday said it would allow the transport of lethal cargo, destined for Afghanistan, through its territory. The announcement comes a week before President Obama will travel to Moscow to discuss a range of issues, such as a planned missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic and an agreement to replace the expiring Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. The move comes as a goodwill gesture from the Kremlin, signifying its willingness to "reset" relations with Washington.
Moscow also has an interest in a stable Afghanistan. Russia is struggling with a heroin epidemic that is being fueled by the cultivation of poppy in Afghanistan (90% of the world's heroin is produced in Afghanistan each year). The U.S. recently announced a new drug policy in Afghanistan that will focus on alternative crops over eradication. This new transit agreement stands as Moscow's contribution to the effort in Afghanistan.
The agreement comes after the U.S. and Kyrgyzstan negotiated a new deal to allow transports to Afghanistan from Manas Air Base. With a new agreement in place in Kyrgyzstan, it is unclear how pressing the need for a new transport route through Russia is. Nevertheless, the primary line of transport through Pakistan has seen spectacular attacks from Taliban forces in the past couple months. Also, limiting U.S. presence in Pakistan is a good idea since it will reduce resentment from the public, which we desperately need on our side if we are to convince Islamabad to continue its offensive against the Taliban.
Overall, Russia's agreement to allow the transport of lethal materials through its territory to Afghanistan is a simple move to gain leverage over the U.S. and NATO. If Obama refuses to abandon the planned missile defense system or acknowledge Russia's sphere of influence, you can bet this agreement will get canceled quickly.
Stay tuned for further information; the future of U.S.-Russia relations is being decided this coming week. We will know based on the reports out of Moscow if the Kremlin's move to allow the transport of materials to Afghanistan is paying dividen
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