Joyce Karam points out in her latest article in Al-Arabiya English that “Russian President Vladimir Putin has effectively emerged as a manipulator in US politics, helping to elect his like-minded right wing populist Republican nominee Donald Trump to the White House.”
The writer then mentions how Trump also showered Putin with praises, explaining that Trump even prefers him to US President Barack Obama. The writer then quotes Trump as saying last September that Putin “in terms of leadership, he’s getting an ‘A’ and our president is not doing so well.”
“Trump is an ideal candidate for the Russian government whose priority is weakening Europe and dismantling NATO,” the writer argues.
Further, the writer explains that Trump is an opportunist and that he flip flops on policy positions to sway the polls, and shifts attacks and alliances against his rivals to score victories to win at any cost.
“The Russian scheme to prop up Trump also involves the media where a deliberate positive coverage of Trump is prevalent on Russia’s global network RT,” the writer explains, adding that “pro-Russia lobbyists in Washington are seen more active in the Trump campaign with interests aligned in weakening NATO and bringing forth a more anti-immigration agenda.”
The writer explains that Putin’s meddling in the US elections serves two purposes: “One as a payback time against Clinton and the Obama administration that rallied Europe to put sanctions against Russia after it annexed Crimea. And the second is to display a more defiant Russia on the global stage, while helping a right wing pro-Kremlin persona in reaching the White House.”
The writer concludes by stating that “it’s a win-win situation for Moscow to meddle in Washington’s politics and prop up the rise of its new anti-NATO right-wing ally.”
