U.S. President Bill Clinton has just concluded his fifth and probably last visit to Moscow. There he held a summit with his Russian counterpart, Mr. Vladimir Putin. As in all such recent meetings, the disparities between the two countries hung over the summit. Leadership dynamics have been added to the mix, however. The result was a summit that was more memorable for its atmosphere than for its accomplishments. That is how the bilateral relationship will work until a new U.S. president takes office next year. Let us hope the world cooperates.
This meeting was the first between the two men since Mr. Putin became president. That could explain the businesslike demeanor. The images were in stark contrast to the warmth and camaraderie that characterized meetings between Mr. Clinton and Mr. Putin's predecessor, Mr. Boris Yeltsin. The difference was attributed to Mr. Putin's style: He is not a backslapper like Mr. Yeltsin. By all accounts, the sessions were cool and efficient without being hostile.
There was much for the two men to disagree on. The United States has been critical of Russia's war against Chechen rebels. Moscow was angered by Washington's disregard for its views during the war in Kosovo. NATO's eastward expansion looks like a way to isolate Russia, while U.S. plans to build a ballistic missile defense system seem to be an attempt to neutralize Russia's nuclear arsenal. Moscow complains that the U.S. interferes in its internal affairs, but it needs U.S. economic support and assistance. It is a recipe for conflict. The power of Russia's organized crime groups, the stumbling efforts toward economic reform and questions about the new administration's commitment to the rule of law only add to the brew.