Signed Sealed & Delivered
Unfazed by Threats, Putin Celebrates Crimea's Return
Brushing off sanctions, Russia has formally claimed Crimea as the legitimate spoils of an unindented conflict. In an effort to defuse heightened tensions, Vladimir Putin indicated the Russian Federation has no desire for, nor any designs on Eastern Ukraine. Whether Western powers are smart enough to accept this new reality remains to be seen.
In defense of his actions, the Russian President gave his Western counterparts a sizable piece of his mind, as he rattled off a litany of charges, from blatant hypocrisy to conduct unbecoming an exceptional nation. Blaming Western meddling in Russian affairs for the crisis, he told his parliament and the Russian people he did what any leader would do to protect vital national interest at risk.
Immediately taking control of all major communications, transportation and military installations with well trained, restrained and professional units, one must agree, the man had a plan and it worked. Some of his units were so cool, they actually intimidated seasoned journalist with nothing but disciplined silence.
Moving quickly and methodically, Putin flawlessly executed the operation while the West stood by clueless and confounded. By the time the White House could catch its breath, Crimea was already signed sealed and delivered.
The Obama administration might have to simply admit it was out maneuvered on this one and learn from its mistakes. The administration can start by stop shooting off its mouth, telegraphing its strategy and above all, start minding its own business until better national security advisors can be recruited.
It might also be helpful if the administration upgraded its intelligence gathering operatives, as the White House seemed two, maybe three moves behind Russia throughout the entire engagement. Wondering aloud as to why Putin chose his course of action, as well as what his intentions and motives were, left the West appearing discombobulated and reactive.
Having an NSA capable of counting the hairs on a bums ass from 6 miles aloft, but can't tap Putin's mind to give the President a heads up should be unacceptable.
When President Obama meets with the G-7 next week to discuss a response to Russia's actions, wisdom would dictate setting pride aside, to weigh "the real" cost of ratcheting up sanctions. He must take into account, Ukraine has a lot of nervous newbies preparing to confront an experienced war machine out of national pride. A pragmatic leader would talk them down.
Now is a pivotal moment in history that's calling for cooler heads to lead. Unfortunately, Ukraine's interim Prime Minister Yatsenyuk is telling his militias to lock and load. Without the US, or EU backing him up militarily, Yatsenyuk's irrational bravado could trigger avoidable violence.
Bottom line: Sure, the White House will have to endure some serious heat for barking like a pit bull and biting like a poodle, but being laughed at is a dumb reason to take this conflict to the next level.
If Barack Obama is man enough to takes his lumps and chill, the world could enjoy a beautiful and well deserved spring. If not, Ukraine could be on the brink of all hell breaking loose.