What effective measures would you have us take? The only reason Crimea is a part of Ukraine is because Kruschev gave it to them. I don’t want to go to war defending Kruschev’s decision. If you do, I’m sure there are plenty who will join you. Unfortunately, some wouldn’t have a choice if the war-hungry here on FR have their way.
I don’t like Putin, but I’m not stupid either. If the only effective response is the use of force, I don’t want it to be in defense of a bad decision by a Soviet bureaucrat.
Well stated.
You know we don’t have to go to war with Russia, right? We can make Putin’s decision to annex the Ukraine hurt quite a bit without sending armored divisions across the plains of Russia.
I recognize your point about how the Crimea became part of Ukraine. It’s a valid point too. But there is lots of territory that could change hands if we start down that road. All sorts of justifications for why country A should have this part of country B. You know the Ukranians gave up a lot of nuke warheads with a general understanding that this would not happen, right. And partly thanks to Obama, they also destroyed a large portion of their conventional weapons that they’d need to arm the real military they will now have to build.
How do you think our allies in Taipei, Tokyo, etc, etc are feeling watching America embarrassed repeatedly on the world stage. Think maybe they are hedging their bets thinking maybe America can’t be relied on? I know if I’m running a country in Russia or China’s sphere of influence I’m thinking real hard about building my own nuke program.
This type of weakness and isolationism effects everything. Think countries in Asia can sign deals with us China doesn’t like if they feel China is the greater power in the region? Same thing applies in Europe and elsewhere.
No, I don’t think many are arguing for war. But we sure as heck should be making this significantly painful for Russia economically. As is, they are giggling at our impotent President and gleeful at the isolationism creeping through the Republican party that for years stood strong against those who threaten our interests.
Name one person on FR who has suggested war over Ukraine, other than you and people like you.
And Crimea had the choice whether to stay in Ukraine and the USSR. They had two referendums in 1991 to exercise that choice.