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Russian troops deploy in Crimea as Obama warns Kremlin

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Pot meet kettle. Kettle, pot.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

BREAKING NEWS

This is old.

The Russian troops are moving INSIDE and INTO Cremia about an few hrs ago.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

The Russians have their Black Sea fleet based there on a lease agreement with the Ukraine so Russia is worried about a pro-Western, pro- EU Ukraine government taking hold of that strategic area. The US and NATO would have strong influence in the Black Sea region if the Ukraine joined EU and NATO. We have to realise though that the Ukraine is dirt-poor with the national income only $3,800 and the Ukrainians would welcome any move that would better their economic lot.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

The rubber has hit the road, will the Americans defend the Ukraine? If they do nothing it would give the Peoples Republics the impression they will do nothing in case of attack. Will NATO do anything? My take is this first part is a test, if the Americans do nothing they will invade the entire Ukraine.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Interesting. I am also wondering if we will support this nearly forgotten treaty that was signed in 1994:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2570335/Former-British-Ambassador-Moscow-warns-Russia-invaded-Ukraine-difficult-avoid-going-war.html

This would be a litmus test of how America would respond to our Asian allies if they were ever in need.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

There are reported about 2000 troops in Crimea, the Russian dept. of defense doesn't see a problem with securing and safeguarding their national interests. The White House also eluded to that, there are No plans in the works for intervention, so my question is, why then would Obama comment on something he knows he won't be doing anything about the situation. The guy is just the saddest embarrassment. 3 more years until the madness ends.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

Hope JT right wingers have something positive constructive things to say this time rather than ranting on this subject. The ranting has no meaning in the posts and they are pathetic and disrespectful. Hopefully, their heads are in the right place on this subject this time. No ranting, and do not waste your breath, please. This is a potentially dangerous situation in the East Europe. Thanks.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Hope this Russia versus Ukraine thing doesn't spread to other countries.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances is an international treaty signed on February, 5, 1994, in Budapest between Ukraine, USA, Russia, and the United Kingdom concerning nuclear disarmament of Ukraine and security assurances of her independence. According to the treaty Ukraine has abandoned her nuclear arsenal to Russia, while Russia, USA, and the UK have promised (1) to respect Ukrainian independence and sovereignty within her borders; (2) to protect Ukraine from outer aggression and not to conduct aggression toward Ukraine; (3) not to put economic pressure on Ukraine in order to influence her politics; (4) not to use nuclear arms against Ukraine.

Just so everyone knows where this is going

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The concerned free world nations can tell Putin to kiss off! The Soviet empire collapsed, the communist system crumbled. Newfound wealth and technology may help Russia but its not enough! Russia is still a corrupted mess.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@Bass, speaking of translation, work on this line: "you don't want any decent"

I think most readers here would like a lot more decent from you, and a lot less repetitive dissent. Hearing you say "anointed one" over and over gets old, given that the practice of anointing people with sacred oil has no relation to American politics. To accurately explain how Mr. Obama happened to become the president, try "the elected one."

4 ( +8 / -4 )

The Ukraine does not belong to NATO. We have the Monroe doctrine. Let the EU and Russia figure this out.

To embolden the Ukraine protesters without teeth is foolish. Find compromise, allow trade between all parties, and let everyone get back to work. It is still cold there and the Ukrainians need fuel oil/natural gas from Russia. One hand washes the other. Nothing worst then false hope and then to be left standing in the cold. Think of the children.

Then again, US response may help in getting Russia to show some restraint.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Torasan, I am no fan of the term "anointed one" coined by a certain radio host whom I am no fan. The term "the elected one" is astounding. Why was he elected? His accomplishments? His experience? That goes for both terms.

I to am counting down!

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

What do the Chinese have to say about all of this?

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

MarkGMar. 01, 2014 - 11:15AM JST

@Torasan, I am no fan of the term "anointed one" coined by a certain radio host whom I am no fan. The term "the elected one" is astounding. Why was he elected? His accomplishments? His experience? That goes for both terms.

I to am counting down!

SerranoMar. 01, 2014 - 11:21AM JST

What do the Chinese have to say about all of this?

Totally Irrelevant. What are you going to eat tomorrow for dinner?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@tora

I think most readers here would like a lot more decent from you, and a lot less repetitive dissent. Hearing you say "anointed one" over and over gets old, given that the practice of anointing people with sacred oil has no relation to American politics. To accurately explain how Mr. Obama happened to become the president, try "the elected one."

That's your interpretation of what and feel as to how I should address the man, I personally do not see it like that. If Obama weren't so overly cocky, more responsive, more willing to listen and work with the opposition, less confrontational listen more to what the american people want. I would probably give him a lot more respect, but in order to get respect, you need to give respect and this man has NOT done that over the last 5 years. And yes, he does have an arrogance about him as if he were saintly anointed. He was elected, that is true, but he needs to act more like a true leader and less like a Hollywood pop star. So that is why I am happy when the 3 years are up on this guy.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Putin has taken the measure of America's president and has found that he can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants to do it. Feckless and weak leadership (from behind) leads to more war and instability. No foreign leader fears Obama and the US military. Not even a two bit dictator like Assad or the modern day Napoleon - Vladimir Putin.

Reagan pursued peace through strength and put an end to the Cold War. Obama exudes weakness and invites conflict.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

The rubber has hit the road, will the Americans defend the Ukraine? If they do nothing it would give the Peoples Republics the impression they will do nothing in case of attack. Will NATO do anything? My take is this first part is a test, if the Americans do nothing they will invade the entire Ukraine.

Will they "defend" Ukraine against the will of the population of Crimea to have more closed ties with Russia? Will they wait for the referendum about future of Crimea? Will they take its results?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Putin has taken the measure of America's president and has found that he can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants to do it. Feckless and weak leadership (from behind) leads to more war and instability. No foreign leader fears Obama and the US military.

George Bush Jnr has taken the measure of UN security council and has found that he can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants to do it. Feckless and weak leadership of former Russia (from behind) leads to more wars and instability. No foreign leader fears UN security council and the Russian Arm Forces.

Unlike Irag, Ukraine was a former federation of USSR. There are many Russian ethnic people heavily populated in Ukraine as Latinos residing in Florida. Russia will not tolerate US puppets are located in Georgia and Ukraine and making threat to Russia.

As George Bush said "The course of that nation is not depending on other". Vladimir Putin will say Russia will say NO to the President Barack Hussein Obama.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

For starters, come out and say what we know to be true LOUDLY. Russian forces are in the Ukraine illegally and without warning AND in direct violation of the assertions of the Russian govt. (thus proving my point that Putin is a liar and a thug.). The world is watching and it needs a long telegram from Moscow moment.

Next, tell Putin that he can kiss interaction w the world goodbye. Nobody attends the G-8. In fact reschedule the meeting to somewhere else (Kiev? Chicago?) and don't invite the Russians. (Why are they in the "G-7+Putin" anyway? What besides oil, Kalashnikovs and vodka do they contribute to the world economy?). Then start talking about trade restrictions. The Russians love to use trade as a weapon of political punishment. Two can play that game.

Next, shame the Russian govt worldwide. What do Saddam, Quadaffy, Kim, and Assad (not to mention Chavez and Castro) all have in common? If you guessed that Russian money, advisors and equipment allows or allowed these dictators to stomp on their own citizens, you go to the bonus round!

Bonus Round Lightning Question: What do Georgia, Lithuania, East Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Chechnya (after independence) and now Ukraine all have in common? That's right! A willingness to use it's military against unarmed members of a neighboring sovereign state.

The Russians are not a force for world stability. They are for nothing beyond being a pain in the ass. They are not going to work constructively on Syria, North Korea, or anything else. So stop letting them hold it over the heads of the West. Screw them.

Finally, I fear that Obama's reluctance to confront Putin has emboldened "mini me". The shitless one confuses a reluctance for confrontation with a refusal to confront. The West needs to show him that we too have rather large sticks. We too can mobilize (I'm betting even better that he can as we've sadly had a lot of practice at it.). It would be a bad idea to get our hackles raised.

This is what the West should do before things get out of hand.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

UKraine is very far from America and NOT alliance. Why does the US stick its nose into UKraine? It used to be a part of Soviet Union. Shoud let UKraine decide whether it should belong to Russia or not, otherwise the US and Russia would fight finally. I thought the US does not want to get involved with war.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

@wolfpack

Exactly. Obama is certainly NO Reagan! I don't have a problem if Obama doesn't want to get involved, fair enough. But I do have a huge problem when Obama thinks that waving his fist in the air will get Putin to quake in his boots when he knows Obama is not serious and would not follow up on any threat. He knows that Obama is ALL talk and NO action.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Next, tell Putin that he can kiss interaction w the world goodbye. Nobody attends the G-8. In fact reschedule the meeting to somewhere else (Kiev? Chicago?) and don't invite the Russians. (Why are they in the "G-7+Putin" anyway? What besides oil, Kalashnikovs and vodka do they contribute to the world economy?). Then start talking about trade restrictions. The Russians love to use trade as a weapon of political punishment. Two can play that game.

You are right on. Russia is violating an universal law of sovereignty defined by UN and the treaty signed on Feb 5 1994 . Russia needs to get hell out! If not willing, then we should go to punish Russia even further. We need to request a removal of Russia from the Security Council Seat. Russia does not deserve that seat, Russia is actually a epi center of destabilizer among the Middle East conflicts including Syria, Iran,

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Reagan was not such a good president. He took social security away from 16-22 years survivor benefits. He ended the GI Bill. He cut and ran from Lebanon. As for the Ukraine, there is more of an internal conflict here. The Eastern part of the country is pro-Russian and speaks Russian, the Western part of the country speaks Ukraine and is pro-European Union. Just a bit of history but the "Charge of the Light Brigade", immortalized by Tennyson, happen during the Crimean War in 1854 (French and British against Russia). In almost 200 years, not much seem to have changed.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Sad thing is, Obama doesn't have either the juice or the will, not to mention he's now cutting the military budget, nice move. This is great news for Putin. He already knows he doesn't have to worry about NATO or the US.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Ukraine is a sovereign nation and has the right to be free from Russia. Putin knows so well of Obama's foreign policy (!). Another red line crossed or sending Hillary Clinton to reset the reset button with Russia again? Putin presses ahead with his agenda to gain concession from future Ukraine leaders. Well, if America is weak and wavering, all these events are bound to happen. Talking without credibility creates the appearance of calm before the big storm approaching.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

@MarkG, thanks for tracing the origin of "anointed one" to the unnamed radio host--Limbaugh?

Bass uses it as his trademark put down so I thought he coined it himself, but it appears he's just parroting it.

I still don't get what Obama has to do with Catholic saints (the president is protestant) or the ancient Jewish religious practice of anointing with oil. Must have been a lazy one liner from the radio host that caught on with his equally lazy listeners.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It's amazing that people still use nonsense phrases like "the anointed one" in the 21st century. At least activate a few brain cells to make up your own insults rather than just copying your talk radio heroes without attribution: "Obama, the Limbaugh-appointed anointed one." See, no footnotes necessary.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Not sure what all the fuss is about to be honest. This isn't a full blown invasion. Russia is protecting her interests in the Ukraine, as it did in Georgia. What Yanukovych did to kick this off was inexcusable of course and he should face justice for that but a portion of the Ukraine, Crimea, is pro-Russian, along with the naval base that Russia has they feel it is their right to protect that.

Even though the US would dispute this they can't do anything about it.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

That didn't take long. I suppose Brother Putin is over any positive vibes resulting from the Olympics. Now it is back to the business at hand, dictatorship for life and threatening your neighbors. Will be interesting to see if Obama actually does anything other than express his displeasure. Will also be interesting to see how other major world powers react (or not).

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Oh yes, Wolfpack and Bass, we really want Obama to threaten Russia with war over Ukraine. Come on. Diplomacy is the only way. When will the US ever learn this? All these bases around the world that actually end up causing a lot of the conflicts.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Let me pass over the American hypocrisy of warning Russia after its history of overthrowing democratically elected governments and recently invading Afghanistan and Iraq on stupid or false (and stupid) pretexts. Whatever you think of Putin (I dislike him) there are good reasons for Russian troops to be on guard around Crimea at this time (the occupation of Crimea's airports and public buildings by Crimean ethnic Russians is another mater). One is the Russian Black Sea fleet and the other is that 58% of Crimea's population is comprised of Russians (with Ukrainians composing 24% and Tartars 12%.).

Crimea is a part of Ukraine but it is also an autonomous republic. This is to say it has a great deal of independence from Ukraine proper. After the end of the Soviet confederacy and transformation to a capitalist economy in Russia and its former republics, Russia and Ukraine established a number of agreements and compromises that were predicated on the autonomy of Crimea. Among the most important concerned the former Soviet Black Sea fleet. The deal reach was that Ukraine would get half the fleet but Russia would be allowed to keep its remaining fleet in Crimea.

The ousted President Yanukovych was a Russian puppet and as such supported by the majority of Crimea's ethnic Russians. Unfortunately , he was not a kind puppet but a tyrant. He was also corrupt. No doubt there is a strong fear among Crimean Russians that the new anti-Russian government will retaliate against them.

Clearly Russia fears losing Ukraine to the EU, rationally or not. I believe Putin shot himself in the foot by giving sanctuary to Yanukovych. The man should be sent back to Ukraine to stand trial for murder and corruption.

At this moment Crimean Russians are in danger of ethnic cleansing, given Ukrainian animosity toward Russians. The Crimean Russians I not helping matters right now by closing airports and whatnot.

The situation is tense around Crimea but can be defused through negotiation and compromise, not through threats. Above all, Crimean autonomy must remain.

A side note: Ukraine joint the EU would be a disaster. A poor country, and a badly run one, it could easily wind up like Greece.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Well in Crimea, there's already a Russian naval base, not to mention an ethnic-Russian and Russian-speaking native population living there. When the new Ukrainian government "downgraded" the Russian language, and possibly the ethnic Russians to the bottom of society, they've pretty much had this coming to them.

Now I wonder if the West would show support for Crimean's self-determination like they did with the pro-West Ukrainians protesters...

2 ( +3 / -1 )

It's to be expected now that the Olympics is over.

But why even hide the uniform insignia? Everybody knows who they are. Militaries should proudly wear their insignia. They should identify themselves properly instead of being cowards about it.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Japan, being a member of the G8, has yet to express any issue on the matter. Funny how everyone is commenting on the US. What is Japans' stance?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Viktor Yanukovych was democratically elected in elections that were deemed to be free and fair by the EU. Just as Yulia Tymoshenko was voted elected in the election prior to the last.

Both Viktor Yanukovych and Yulia Tymoshenko along with their associates are terribly corrupt.

Yulia Tymoshenko stole hundreds of millions of dollars through a dodgy gas deal with RUSSIA along with many other under the table transactions. She was booed by the "protesters" when she appeared. They know she is no better than Yanukovych. Yanukovych's family and associates have also made millions from corrupt deals.

This "situation" is NOT about "freedom" or "democracy". And any one who believes it is simply does not understand what is happening here.

For Russia it is about security and the security of Russians in the Crimea peninsula. Gas reserves are secondary.

For the EU it is about access to the regions vast gas reserves and ensuring that an EU friendly government is running the country.

For the US it is about "containment" of Putin's Russia. Just as they are doing with China, the US does not want Russia's influence to expand. The US is certainly NOT concerned about "freedom" or Democracy" in the Ukraine.

The people of Ukraine it is very different. The country is split east / west and then again into various factions. For the youth, (a large part of the protests) they want to be part of the EU, basically because after 5 years, they will receive EU visa's and are free to leave the Ukraine and live in other parts of the EU.

BOTTOM LINE" The protesters and the government came to a brokered (With the assistance of the EU and Russia) agreement for a working structure to settle and stop the protesting and violence with outline of a road map forward.

Unfortunately before they could be implemented certain sections of the protest movement took matters into their own hands. Russia is rightly calling for the brokered agreement to be implemented.

Obama and John Kerry in particular are sounding like hypocrites. Calling for Russia to respect "democracy" and "freedom". Good or bad (there are very few "good politicians in the Ukraine) Yanukovych was DEMOCRACY ELECTED.

I wonder what would happen if the TEA PARTY staged violent protests in Washington calling for the ousting of the democratically elected government because they didn't like Obama's policies. If they forcibly took over Washington and Obama had to leave for his own safety, would that make the TEA PARTY the new government?

US style "democracy" (which is certainly not perfect at all) cannot be simply "transplanted" onto other countries and cultures. Obama should not be "threatening" Russia. Obama should be seen to be leading the charge for the implementation of the brokered agreement where all parties sit down and work through the problems.

By John Kerry saying "I placed a call to Yanukovych and could not reach him so I guess we will have to deal with the new people in charge" is ridiculous. Putin has real security concerns on his back door step. As he has shown in the past, he is not afraid to use Russia's military when he has to. This would be detrimental for all concerned.

Obama / Kerry / US are playing all the wrong cards here and are again being seen to support "democratically" elected leaders that suit them. Putin talks to talk and will walk the walk. The US will talk the talk and will NOT do anything militarily. It would be completely foolish for him to do so. IE: a conflict with Russia on Russia's doorstep. History has shown what happens to people who have tried this. THEY LOSE.

So in the end Obama's loud threatening talk will only "inflame" the situation meaning that as per usual it will be the poor people in the region (Ukraine in this instance) that will suffer.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

As far I could understand, Russia is still living the time of cold war. Am wrong?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

M M : Yes, you are wrong.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Graham DeShazo For starters, come out and say what we know to be true LOUDLY. Russian forces are in the Ukraine illegally and without warning AND in direct violation of the assertions of the Russian govt.

Ukrainian government was displaced as a result of nationalist coup supported by the U.S.

SO today we have NO Ukrainiane gov - only well organaised bandits who attacked and rob as they like

Russia only protect civilians against nationalistic (pro-fascist ) bands

They rob and kill people every day

(thus proving my point that Putin is a liar and a thug.).

The Foreign Ministers of Poland, Germany and France signed an agreement between Ukrainian President Yanukovych and opposition

It was immediately broken up opposition - without ANY reaction from West So ...

The world is watching and it needs a long telegram from Moscow moment. Next, tell Putin that he can kiss interaction w the world goodbye.

Sorry US & Allies - is not WHOLE world

Surprise?

Obama did not come in Sochi for Olimpic games

But Russian didn't care about it

Nobody attends the G-8. In fact reschedule the meeting to somewhere else (Kiev? Chicago?) and don't invite the Russians.

Kiev - how intresting !!

do you know - that at this moment gangs hunting for police officers in Kiev ?

seriously wounded police officers in hospitals was refused in treatment and food.... Why ?

Nationalistic gangs take power in Kiev

(Why are they in the "G-7+Putin" anyway? What besides oil, Kalashnikovs and vodka do they contribute to the world economy?). Then start talking about trade restrictions. The Russians love to use trade as a weapon of political punishment. Two can play that game.

Start talking -really good idea - What Barack really could start - start talking.....

Next, shame the Russian govt worldwide. What do Saddam, Quadaffy, Kim, and Assad (not to mention Chavez and Castro) all have in common? If you guessed that Russian money, advisors and equipment allows or allowed these dictators to stomp on their own citizens, you go to the bonus round!

US have done all that was possible against Russia

The U.S. has always hated Russia and conducted anti-Russian policy

So nothing new US can do

Korea, Iraq, Libya, Syria - sovereign states

there are no good and bad countries - is a fiction of American propaganda

The Russians are not a force for world stability.

What about US ?

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Seems a few of the more "politically independent" posters on this site are all gung-ho to go all Dr. Strangelove on Putin's Δss because - well, in their minds, "ramifications" equals violence. Perhaps it is their parents' fault, but whatever. A few key points:

military conflict with Russia over Ukraine is unthinkable; the West has economic or diplomatic few choke points over Russia; allowing Russia to unilaterally redraw diplomatic borders is a bad idea.

GHW Bush arguably encouraged Hussein to invade Kuwait by not clarifying limits, and that was an easy case. Corralling Putin is vastly more complicated but still not impossible. One suggestion: the Keystone pipeline. If it is not allowed to run through the US, it will be built to the Canadian Northwest, thus directing the oil and gas to Asia and probably destroying Russia's dream of building a natural gas terminal on their Pacific coast.

Just one suggestion, but there are many ways that the US could make life far more difficult for Russia than the Crimea is worth.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@ Graham DeShazo

Russian forces are in the Ukraine illegally...the Russians are not a force for world stability.

You should tell it directly to population of Crimea peninsula. Betcha, they will laugh a lot at you.

@Olegek

...only well-organized bandits...

Seems, he is an American, so you should use terms as mobsters or gangsters for better understanding. I doubt he could locate Crimea, Ukraine or Russia on a geographic map.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

"SerranoMar. 01, 2014 - 11:21AM JST

What do the Chinese have to say about all of this?

Totally Irrelevant. What are you going to eat tomorrow for dinner?"

I beg to differ. The Chinese, as the world's biggest population, and soon-to-be the world's biggest economy, should have something to say about this, and make some kind of contribution to a solution.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Obama doesn't have the guts to help kick the Russians out.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

@laguna

GHW Bush arguably encouraged Hussein to invade Kuwait by not clarifying limits, and that was an easy case. Corralling Putin is vastly more complicated but still not impossible.

So it's Bush's fault that Saddam invaded Kuwait now? Astounding! You libs are too funny.

One suggestion: the Keystone pipeline. If it is not allowed to run through the US, it will be built to the Canadian Northwest, thus directing the oil and gas to Asia and probably destroying Russia's dream of building a natural gas terminal on their Pacific coast.

Your president is against the pipeline being built into the US. It should've been built a long time ago. With the wave of his pen and a phone call, he could overturn this, but as usual, nothing.

Just one suggestion, but there are many ways that the US could make life far more difficult for Russia than the Crimea is worth.

Well, so far, still nothing from the anointed one. I'm not going to hold my breath.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

last news from Russia:

1 Upper Chamber of Russian Parliament (Duma)

took decision about using Russian Army in Ukrain

to protect 18 millions of Russian civilians there

2 to ask Russian President to call back Russian ambassador

from USA

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The other ex-Soviet states are now calling on NATO for Level 4 meeting.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

BREAKING NEWS

Obama has just spent over 90 minutes with Putin over the phone.

Obama proposed that if Russia does not pull troops out of Crimea, US will not join G8 summit in June hosted by Putin Russia. Obama proposed that there will be a full economic sanction against Russia coordinated with EU. We can economically choke Russia to a total collapse. I would like to see the world will go further to remove Russia from UN Security Council Seat permanently.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Obama has just spent over 90 minutes with Putin over the phone.

Obama proposed that if Russia does not pull troops out of Crimea, US will not join G8 summit in June hosted by Putin Russia. Obama proposed that there will be a full economic sanction against Russia coordinated with EU. We can economically choke Russia to a total collapse. I would like to see the world will go further to remove Russia from UN Security Council Seat permanently.

Lol. As if Putin is quacking in his boots. Of you think sanctions will cripple Russia a country that in many parts are already in a deplorable state, it's going to do Jack! The US under this president is so weakened, I wouldn't be surprised at this point if Russia tried to invade the US. Wouldn't have happened under Bush, that's for sure. No one is going to do anything and with Europe getting a lot of much needed gas from the Russians, they will tread lightly to not rock that boat, unless they want to freeze. The Russians respect a nation with strength and that is something Obama is not projecting, diplomacy is all and good, but in the end, that's all it is. Just nothing more than garrulous talk. Pathetic!

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

@seredip

Oh yes, Wolfpack and Bass, we really want Obama to threaten Russia with war over Ukraine. Come on. Diplomacy is the only way. When will the US ever learn this? All these bases around the world that actually end up causing a lot of the conflicts

You miss the point entirely. What does Putin care about US diplomacy when it isn't backed up by some sort of consequence? It was just a few months ago that President Obama based his Syrian diplomacy on a 'red line' backed by the threat of military force. When diplomacy failed and the red line was crossed what did Obama do then? Well, absolutely nothing. Diplomacy at this point only serves to legitimize the wrongdoing by Assad. Putin isn't blind to Obama's performance with respect to Syria and America's new foreign policy disposition under his administration.

Without the US that leaves only the UN and NATO. These two organizations are paralyzed and for all intents and purposes are a non-factor for the Ukraine. The world should start getting used to these kind of aggressive actions by regional powers. There is no longer any will on the part of the US to counter them in any substantial way. The US has withdrawn from the world and I predict the results will not be pretty. Already more people have died in the Middle East during Obama's presidency than under two full terms of W's.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Wolfpack: It was just a few months ago that President Obama based his Syrian diplomacy on a 'red line' backed by the threat of military force. When diplomacy failed and the red line was crossed what did Obama do then? Well, absolutely nothing.

Reality: Obama, despite something like 90% of Americans saying they were against the use of force, convinced Assad that the US was ready to strike. Assad, despite being right in the middle of the civil war, stopped what he was doing and started sending his chemical weapons out of the country. Since then there have been zero chemical weapons used and not a single American asset was lost.

The Republican bubble: Obama did absolutely nothing.

Surely you can tell us what Obama should have done, right? Invasion? Missile strikes? Involvement in a civil war? Oh I'm sure you are just full of bright ideas to "solve" the crisis in Syria that Obama just didn't have the guts to do....

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Obama, despite something like 90% of Americans saying they were against the use of force, convinced Assad that the US was ready to strike. Assad, despite being right in the middle of the civil war, stopped what he was doing and started sending his chemical weapons out of the country. Since then there have been zero chemical weapons used and not a single American asset was lost.

Reality: Putin takes all the credit for handling and softening Assad"s position on the war. Being the peace broker that he was.

The Liberal bubble: Obama has been a power of positive influence in the Russian/Kiev conflict.

Obama should have never said or committed to anything he wasn't going to follow up on, pure and simple.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I still think the Chinese should take the lead to resolve this dispute.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Obama should have never said or committed to anything he wasn't going to follow up on, pure and simple.

Obama simply said that there would be costs to a Russian invasion. He was stating a very stark reality, not making a threat that is to be "follow up on."

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

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