Spy case strains US- Russian relations

On May 14, Russian media widely reported that a CIA agent, posing as a diplomat with the US Embassy in Moscow, had been arrested. Ryan Fogle was accused of attempting to recruit a Russian intelligence officer. Immediately, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the US Ambassador in Moscow Michael McFaul and expelled Fogle from Russia.

This comes at a time when Moscow and Washington are taking cautious steps to improve their bilateral ties after a long period of coldness. Though both sides have announced their determination to revive their relationship, disputes keep obstructing that effort.

Ryan C. Fogle at Russian security agency (Photo: internet)

Their major disputes relate to the US strategy of developing a National Missile Defense System in Europe, Iran’s nuclear program, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s missile program and the “Arab Spring Movement”.

2012 was a challenging year for US-Russian relations due to a series of retaliations. After Moscow ended the operation of the US Agency For International Development, US Congress passed the Magnitsky bill, named after Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in a Russian jail after being convicted of tax evasion.

In retaliation, the Russian Parliament passed a bill banning American people from adopting children in Russia.

Most recently, the Obama administration banned 18 Russian officials from entering the US and froze their assets in the US for allegedly human rights violations.

In return, Moscow released a list of 18 US officials who are not allowed to enter Russia. Differing views on how to resolve the political crisis in Syria have eroded US-Russian ties.

The US spy case is not new in US-Russian relations. More serious cases have occurred. But observers wonder how much it will set back recent advances. So far, the two countries are showing cautious restraint.

Though US State Department spokesperson Patrick Ventrell described the Russian move as provocative, undermining efforts to strengthen mutual trust, he said the move will not impact bilateral ties.

Instead of immediately expelling a Russian diplomat in retaliation, the White House made cautious moves signaling a desire to continue cooperation with the Kremlin.

The Boston marathon bombing might be a lesson for Washington.  Poor relation between Russian and US military forces creates opportunities for terrorism, with the bombing attack by the Tamerlan brothers furnishing one example.

The Boston case provided an incentive for the two countries to strengthen their security cooperation for mutual benefit. With the Winter Olympics 2014 opening in Sochi soon, Russia needs to eliminate any terrorist threat, especially from Caucasus, where activities of Islamic extremism are increasing. The US needs to stand shoulder to shoulder with Russia in the fight against terrorism.

Though many believe that the US spy case will not impact US-Russian relations, it is certainly a step backward in the effort to build mutual trust.