JULIAN MACFARLANE—If you read my recent post, you will notice that the relationship between Russia and the US has never been one characterized by equality, respect, non-interference, and most of all –honesty—going all the way back to Reagan [or way before]. So, “normal” just means full diplomatic relations. The US has a very, very long way to go to earn real trust.
As for “trust but verify”, the Russians must begin with the assumption they can not trust. Nor can they often “verify”, whatever that means.
It is up to the Americans to prove they are trustworthy. Their word is worth nothing.
