FYI.......EC Summit in Brussels this week asked to spot vote what should be the response if Russia goes into Eastern ukraine.........here's the result which speaks volumes....they also stated they will Not go to war over Ukraine and the PM of Ukraine has announced this to the people there as well
It was never a matter of skill. Past presidents have coasted on the basis of an open checkbook backed by the resources of the largest economy in the world. In past crises, the US strategy has been to ask "What number do you want on this check?" Obama has slammed the checkbook shut. His reasons probably have to do with (1) staying away from foreign entanglements that don't benefit him with the Democratic base, but could hurt him with both the base and with independents if things go badly and (2) avoiding expensive operations abroad that make it more difficult for him to bulk up the domestic welfare state. Either way, this cloud has a silver lining - it has put countries that do not have a formal alliance with the US on notice that they should look mainly to themselves if they are invaded. Defense budgets will go up, and a burden will be lifted off Uncle Sam's shoulders. It would be even better if Obama stood aside as the Baltic states (which spend 1.2% of their GDP on defense) were invaded and annexed. It would remind NATO countries that they are ultimately responsible for their own defense, and that the pact is only a piece of paper that cannot automatically command the material and manpower resources of the US.
FYI.......EC Summit in Brussels this week asked to spot vote what should be the response if Russia goes into Eastern ukraine.........here's the result which speaks volumes....they also stated they will Not go to war over Ukraine and the PM of Ukraine has announced this to the people there as well
There's a lot they can do to hurt Russia beyond going to war. Afghanistan was a disaster for Russia without anyone other than Afghans fighting Russian troops.