[allendale]

It would be an absolute disaster for the United States to involve itself in the Ukrainian crisis. A consensus must be achieved within the Ukraine however difficult the process. The economic reality is that eventually the German-Russian economic axis, which between 1870-1914 was one of the world’s most dynamic, is destined to revive. The Germans tired of their free spending, chronically indebted, non productive Western and Southern European partners will once again shift its economic focus toward the boundless resources and potential of Russia. Ukraine, Poland and Belarus lie on that axis and will inevitably be a part of it. The US has little or no real vested interest, need not be hostile or feel threatened.

[wideawake]

We don't need to get involved.

Our cowardly President's response was not: "We support freedom in Ukraine and we wish the reformers well."

Nor was it: "Let them settle matters themselves. We have no opinion."

It was: "Russia, can we hold your coat if you decide to intervene against these freedom-loving troublemakers?"

[wolf78]

The Germans tired of their free spending, chronically indebted, non productive Western and Southern European partners will once again shift its economic focus toward the boundless resources and potential of Russia.

Doubtful. Right now it's the exact opposite. Ten years ago Germany was optimistic about the economic potential of Russia, and it turned out to be a huge disappointment. Sure, Mercedes sells some 6-wheel drive G-Wagens to the oligarchs. But there is no democratic reform, no true middle class, lousy productivity, no potential for investment. Just crony capitalism and paralizing corruption. Russia squanders the money it earns by selling its natural resources on an ineffective system instead of investing it in its future (technology etc.).