New U.S. envoy: ‘This is going to be fun’; Russian TV: Maybe not

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

REPORTING FROM WASHINGTON -- America’s new ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, assumed his post in Moscow this week and declared on his Twitter account: “This is going to be fun.”

At the same time, he came under a scorching attack from state-run Channel One television, which Tuesday questioned his past efforts to promote democracy in the country and said he was “not an expert on Russia.”

McFaul is a well-known Russia scholar from Stanford University and, as a senior White House official, helped design the Obama administration’s efforts to “reset” U.S.-Russian relations. He said before leaving from Washington for his new post that he would work hard to strengthen the relationship.

But U.S.-Russian ties have been under increasing pressure, in part because approaching elections in both countries have sharpened nationalist rhetoric. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov lambasted the Obama administration for its foreign policy on issues including Syria, Iran and foreign adoptions.

Victoria Nuland, the chief State Department spokeswoman, said that “as the Russian Federation knows very well … he is one of the government’s top experts on Russia.” She said McFaul will work to increase cooperation with the Russian government, but would also “speak out clearly” and continue to meet with Russians who want to make the country more democratic.

ALSO:

Turkey slams Rick Perry’s terrorism comment

Tensions rise between Iran, Arab states over possible oil embargo

A figure in Egypt religious party says focus must be economy

-- Paul Richter