[Leaning Right]

I think we should have an alliance rather than a response.

That will go down in history as a significant lost opportunity: A U.S.-Russian alliance against radical islam (and maybe against China, as well).

And that alliance probably could have been done when Yeltsin was the Russian president. But the U.S. decided to embark upon a program of petty bullying and lecturing instead.

But Putin as an ally? What do you do when your "ally" decides he wants to occupy Estonia (something Yeltsin had no interest in)?

As of now, I say just leave Putin alone. Don't get in his way, and maybe even give him a little help, in regards to Syria.

[jpsb]

"And that alliance probably could have been done when Yeltsin was the Russian president. But the U.S. decided to embark upon a program of petty bullying and lecturing instead."

Exactly correct and Bush 1 is to blame for that. Clinton made things even worse by siding with the Muslims in Kosovo. Recovering from those two huge mistakes will not be easy to do.

[caww]

...."I say just leave Putin alone. Don't get in his way, and maybe even give him a little help, in regards to Syria.".....

Yes indeed....