I just came across this editorial in Aljazeera, dated yesterday, which presents by far the best high-level analysis I've seen yet of what Russia might 'want' out of the current Ukraine mess (and/or what will likely be the geopolitical consequences regardless of what Putin's 'intentions' may or may not have been). This analysis is certainly written from a place far outside the US and 'Western' media bubble and, as far as I can see, doesn't really take a position on the question--much contended in Kosland lately--of the relative blame or nefariousness of Putin vs the West in the Ukraine crisis itself. The writer is more interested in Central Asia and I think they make a good case for that interest. Since the whole thing is worth reading, I won't bother to excerpt but just urge you to follow the link. Apologies, therefore, for the short diary but I thought this was worth some eyeballs:
http://america.aljazeera.com/...