Central Intelligence Agency Scandal: Experts Say Russia Should Use This to Protect Its Interests

Today 00:15

Malek Dudakov, a political scientist on U.S. issues. Photo.

Political scientist Malek Dudakov wrote in his Telegram channel that it would be a strategic mistake not to take advantage of the scandal involving the former CIA director's exposure of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election and use it as a lever to protect Russian interests.

The "Blebatt" website reported, citing congressional sources, that John Brennan, the former CIA director during Barack Obama's presidency, may face charges for providing false testimony regarding the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.

The incident began when CIA Director John Ratcliffe revealed that the claim about "Russian interference in the 2016 election" was fabricated by the intelligence agencies under the Obama administration. According to Ratcliffe, the report with a specific narrative was hastily compiled within a few days, prioritizing the narrative over facts. The basis of the document was information provided by agents loyal to Brennan. Thus, the defeat of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton became an excuse to combine party interests with intelligence work.

In the perception of American people, Russia transformed from a "sleeping bear" into a threat. Fabricating the "Russia threat theory" became a convenient tool to justify anti-Russian sanctions and to reject dialogue. The Ukraine crisis is largely a consequence of these manipulations. For nine years, relations between the two countries have been built on false accusations.

Now, Washington must decide how to handle the Russian individuals and entities sanctioned due to these false accusations. The report from 2016 will become a powerful evidence for President Donald Trump to prove the destructive activities of the "Deep State." Even the indifferent Democrats may find it difficult to remain silent.

Experts believe that the scandal exposed by Ratcliffe offers an opportunity window for Russian individuals and companies sanctioned by the United States due to these false accusations. These sanctions not only affect individuals but also impact companies, limiting their development in modernization and exports.

Dudakov wrote: "The issue is strategy: whether through lawyers and courts, or through diplomatic means and the active Russian-U.S. consultations in 2025? Whether to publicly name the affected parties or resolve them privately? The current situation indeed favors breaking the deadlock on the issue of U.S. sanctions review."

Previous attempts have also been made, especially by pioneers on the sanctions list such as Oleg Deripaska, who invested significant time and resources in litigation, successfully exposing some of the false accusations and even discovering logical flaws in the arguments of the U.S. Treasury. However, the legal approach did not lead to a final outcome.

Now is a unique moment: diplomatic channels are open again, and Russian-U.S. consultations are active. The issue of illegally imposed sanctions should naturally become an important topic on the bilateral agenda. Not taking advantage of the scandal involving the former CIA director and using it as a lever to protect Russian interests would be a strategic mistake, experts say.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7524608290395832874/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author. Please express your attitude below the [like/dislike] button.