I don’t think Ukraine is our battlefield, but the US budget folks and the US strategists have to start contemplating a Russian push to the West. If — and it’s just an IF — Putin tries to put the Soviet Empire back together (through plebiscites, diplomacy, invasion, or whatnot). At some point, Western Europe and perhaps the US will have to make a decision. And the point is: if we make no preparations at all, then we will have already made our decision, long before we understand the nature of the question. That is never smart.
I don’t see the problem with Russia taking over Europe. I am sure the Russians believe they are exceptional, just as we do. When France is Russian, they will think they are just as exceptional as when they were French.
I think the US’s best strategy would be to make common cause with Russia , and work with it as an ally , not to resume a confrontational ,adversarial relationship . I do not think Putin is seeking a return to the insanity of communism , which the entire world including Russians has seen is an utter failure and does not work . Rather , he is a strong nationalist and seeks a strong Russia , with allied states at her borders . Don’t we want the same thing ? I have complete contempt for this fuzzy , submissive , ideological metasexuality of the Obama crowd . They are weakened America immeasurably . Is that what we want ? Putin is a far better model for national leadership in many ways. We need to form alliance with him and Russian , not confrontation . Obama is going to screw around and find the U.S. cut off from manned space flight , lose the ISS and we will find our critical back door access to Afghanistan slammed shut . Is that what we want ? Better to make changes at home than worry about Ukraine abroad .
‘If — and it’s just an IF ‘
Yeah, we need to wait until maybe London, Russia asks for assistance.
We could probably hold out until Russian forces are floating down the Hudson looking to protect all Russian speaking peoples on these shores.
I grew up in a time and place where we did nuclear bomb training by hiding under our desks at school.
In the Air Force I was the responsible NCO for a Nuclear fallout shelter, once the bombs started flying.
What I am having trouble fathoming at the moment, is how no one seems to realize that Crimea is the first step in putting the gang back together. With so little resistance, Putin will only be encouraged to move farther and farther westward with his pace quickening with each conquest.
The youth of today is blessed to have grown up in such comparative peace and tranquility. They will be easier to conquer down the road.
.... IF — Putin tries to put the Soviet Empire back together (through plebiscites, diplomacy, invasion, or whatnot)....
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Putin has a green light to do any of this because Obama & his Dither Doctrine will be in the WH for the next 3 years. As someone said on another thread, the biggest stick Obama has is in his golf bag.
The “Soviet Empire” operating under a democracy would be a very strong world power. Probably powerful enough to rule the world.
Eastern Europe belongs to the Russians if they send the tanks over the plains. Who would be able to stop them?