Americans surprised with Russia's strategy, media reports
Nicaragua is developing relations with Russia: last week, its President Daniel Ortega allowed the temporary presence of foreign military personnel in the country for humanitarian purposes – including of Russians. Stephen Blank, from The Hill, asserts this has become a surprise to Washington, RIA Novosti reports.
Along with Russia, ground troops, warships and aircraft could be stationed in Nicaragua by Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, El Salvador and the United States. According to Mr. Blank, this decision may lead to the first significant appearance of Russian troops in Central America, “It has the potential to serve as the basis for a more enduring Russian military presence in Nicaragua and beyond.”
In this context, the question arises whether Russia will use such an opportunity. The publication author believes it will – on a par with Cuba and Venezuela. At the same time, the United States is unlikely to take such a step. The Hill says that the interaction between Russia and Nicaragua can continue to develop beyond the existing permit. If Russian ships come to Nicaragua, then an agreement may follow to host Russian fleet on an ongoing basis. This, in turn, may result in Moscow’s access to naval bases in Central America.
According to Mr. Blank, Russia is changing its tactics: the country is establishing economic and military ties with developing countries and, as a result, gaining influence abroad. This has become a surprise to the United States. "Russia has been able to forge this strategy despite its economic constraints, because America has not paid sufficient attention to developments in these countries," he believes.
The Hill reporter sees a way out for Washington in rethinking its approach to Latin American countries. In this regard, the Summit of the Americas – held last week – comes to mind: delegations of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela were not invited to the meeting of the heads of state and governments of the Americas. As a result, the leaders of a number of countries refused to participate in the event.
