Daniel Kimmage writes in Foreign Policy today about the myth of mutual interests between Russia and the United States.  We’ve held some of these arguments in the past, such as the idea that Russia has completely opposite intentions with Iran.  Kimmage is also skeptical about those who tip the scale too far, describing the Russian business environment as “selective kleptocracy” – which falls short of the “loony larceny” of Mobutu’s Zaire.  The fact that Russia has created a strong stabilization fund, successful hard currency, and gold reserves is not consistent with its portrayal of a complete mafia state.  Like any good Russophile/Russophobe, Kimmage kicks off the discussion with complaints of frustration over the traditional myopia of Western media on Russia, and all the flawed assumptions it creates.  Below he explains how Obama should play hardball when the realist plan falls through.