by Rick Sterling,
Associate Member VFP East Bay Chapter
On Saturday March 11, over 125 people came out to hear a blockbuster lineup of speakers addressing the question “US-Russia Relations: Where Are We Headed?”
Veteran for Peace member Ray McGovern gave the keynote address. He talked about the decline in US-Russia relations over the past three years. McGovern described how upset neoconservatives were when Obama worked with Russians to avoid launching war on Syria. Since that time, there has been a steady drumbeat of anti-Russia news and accusations leading to the current new cold war.
Bernard Casey was in Ukraine working as President of the US Chamber of Commerce in Kiev in 2014. He described what he saw and experienced there as fascists and ultra-nationalists provoked violence leading to the coup.
Professor and author Andrei Tsygankov of San Francisco State University gave an overview of Russian foreign policy. He said that media accusations about Russian “aggression” are exaggerated or false. Since NATO has expanded up to the Russian borders and violated other agreements, Russian foreign policy is now assertive and against more concessions. However Russia fundamentally seeks negotiation, compromise and a multipolar world.
Sharon Tennison spoke about her work and experience leading delegations to the Soviet Union and now Russia. She spoke about her positive experience with Vladimir Putin going back to 1990 and her admiration for the Russian people. Her personal experience is a sharp contrast with media allegations.
Marjorie Cohn, former president of the National Lawyers Guild, spoke about the importance and history of international law. She concisely analyzed the situation in Syria and said it is the US not Russia which is violating international law. She spoke about the history of McCarthyism in the US.
Norman Solomon gave the closing address. He talked about the dangerous direction of the Democratic Party establishment which has reverted to blaming Russia for their election loss instead of analyzing the real reasons. Solomon spoke of the need to deepen the resistance to the Trump agenda but necessity to separate from the militaristic and anti-Russia theme promoted by neoconservatives.
The event was organized by the Mt Diablo Peace and Justice Center and Center for Citizen Initiatives. It was co-sponsored by VFP East Bay chapter.