Taking power by baseball bats and molotov cocktails is not Democracy. Russia, grabbing and securing the moral high ground, has the U.S. fighting uphill defending lawlessness and hooliganism as an acceptable option to the Democratic process. Without even taking the time to vet the opposition, the United State has found itself backing a makeshift, fight-by-night element, only masquerading as a legitimate government.
Unfortunately, U.S. and it's Western partners have clearly adopted the philosophy of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". Simply jumping on the side of anybody that would pose a threat to Russia for pay back was dumb and inconsistent with stated American values. That concept failed in Syria, Libya and it will fail in Ukraine.
The correct response was the one the Russians took, which was to convince the combatting parties to commit to early elections if need be and let the ballot box determine the faith of the nation. Adhering to a consistent and coherent foreign policy, the Russians have developed a reputation for urging and encouraging diplomacy and democracy while remaining detached and dispassionate no matter how bloody a conflict gets.
While the Unites States' foreign policy is just as consistent, its anything but coherent as it appears more piece meal, patchwork and on the fly. Claiming there's no one size fits all approach, the United States relies on old favorites like sanctions, delegitimizing the current government by fomenting an insurrection and arming that opposition when peaceful demonstrations don't do the trick. When all else fails, U.S. and Western partners will tag the "rogue regime of the day" with war crimes accusations in order to justify no fly zones and drone strikes. Amazing, but true!
If you think this through, what message does Ukraine's lawless climb to power send to the rest of the world? If the United States would support violent overthrows in one country, why not do it for anybody who's too impatient to follow civilized political protocols. If this action is allowed to stand, it opens the door to political lawlessness world wide.
There are serious questions still left to be answered.
For instance: What is the make up of the Ukrainian opposition anyway? What are their credentials? Who do they really represent? These people can't possibly have been properly scrutinized, because things are moving far too fast.
Think about it, it wouldn't be the first time John McCain found himself cheesing for cameras with suspected terrorist standing behind him. For those who might not recall, dumb ass McCain was photographed with two alleged terrorists, responsible for the kidnapping of 11 Lebanese Shiite pilgrims right in the midst of Syria's civil war. Again, amazing, but true!
Some of the so-called Ukrainian opposition could be criminals. During the height of the violence, quite a few Ukrainian police were killed and kidnapped. That had to take some real bad asses to pull that off and get away with it. Who if anybody will be held accountable for that? Is the United States so eager to install a Western friendly stooge, they'd be willing to reward thuggery with a presidency and a billion bucks to boot?
It must be standard operating procedure, because the United States pulled that same crap in Syria and Libya. Turning a blind eye to almost any crazed islamist jihadist just to bring down Bashar al-Assad and Muammar Gaddafi, it was only when the reality on the ground finally caught the eye of the media and the ire of the world did the United States start backing away from maniacs joning the ranks of the so-called rebels.
To this day, many in Washington rue the day they ever heard of Benghazi. After nobel efforts to save Benghazi residents from a madman's wrath went horrible awry the West was hardly greeted with thanks, as those waiting in the wings turn on America like rabid dogs. BTW, Russia didn't take that campaign lightly and has been playing hardball ever since. As a result, the likely outcome of this Ukraine crisis will be Putin gaining full care, custody and control of Crimea and doing it without firing a shot. Again, amazing, but very possible.
Bottom line: President Obama accused Vladimir Putin of being on the wrong side of history, but somehow, I can't help thinking its the other way around. The idea that the United States would be a party to another shortsighted alliance with dubious elements for no discernible gains, is nothing short of astounding!