So Britain’s Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Foreign Minister David Miliband have decided that since Russia won’t do what they want that they are going to throw a hissy fit and threaten the Kremlin with a bunch of expulsions and threats about non-cooperation on visas. Whatever.
I hope the Kremlin simply says to 10 Downing Street, “OK gentlemen, it appears we have a difference of opinion. You guys do what you have to do. We’re fine with our position on the matter. But thanks for letting us know how you feel. If you guys would like to cooperate of the Litvinenko case we are ready when you are. Send us the evidence and we will evaluate whether or not to initiate criminal proceedings.”
That’s it. No tit for tat. No counter threats. Do not lower yourselves to their level.
The fact that Britain is throwing a hissy fit shows how little real leverage they have over Russia. Russia is no longer a beggar nation in need of international handouts from the boys at the IMF and World Bank.
Mr Putin, call Mr Brown’s bluff by doing exactly nothing. It will drive “Brownie” to chew his finger nails down to his knuckles. Sometimes the best answer is no answer at all.
