Posted on 03/04/2014 5:39:21 PM PST by Jim Robinson
The United States took another punitive measure against Russia Tuesday, announcing it would not participate in a G8 Summit scheduled for Sochi in June unless Moscow reversed course on Ukraine, Reuters reported.
The move followed an hour-long phone conversation between President Obama and West German Chancellor Angela Merkel that senior administration officials told Fox News focused on trying to construct a diplomatic off-ramp to get Russian President Vladimir Putin to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine.
The White House released a statement saying the two leaders “agreed on the importance of de-escalating the situation, including through the deployment international observers and human rights monitors, and of initiating direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.”
The U.S. will boycott the Sochi G8 summit unless Moscow reverses its position on Ukraine, Reuters quoted a senior administration official as saying.
Officials acknowledged to Fox News that Europeans are skeptical of sanctions against Russia that may harm European economies, but these allies are also concerned that without sanctions, the situation in Ukraine could escalate.
Pressed on any potential military action if Putin takes more territory, the officials said they still see no scenario involving military action of any kind
Earlier Tuesday, at a press conference, Putin insisted that none of his troops had moved into Crimea -- a statement that stunned U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
When informed by a reporter of Putin's claim, Kerry -- who arrived in Kiev on Tuesday -- smiled and said, "He really denied there were troops in Crimea?"
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Not a problem. For awhile I've been of the mind that the US should pull all troops out of "Old" Europe. Our presence skews local government's decision making processes and masks the real costs of decisions such as using Russia as an energy supplier. Such a policy is foolish and short sighted.
I also believe we need to rethink NATO. We should be in alliance with like minded democracies such as Poland, and adios to the rest.
Then we can cheerfully wish you well with your new BFF, Putin.
“The US only can loose in this game. In the end they will stand alone.”
Your points are logical and valid, as is your conclusion.
Accordingly you will be resolutely ignored.
Excellent. It would actually be stronger without the chat balloon.
You said:”...Not a problem. For awhile I’ve been of the mind that the US should pull all troops out of “Old” Europe....”
Simply do it.
Regards from old Europe
Andreas
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