Posted on 08/27/2008 11:54:57 AM PDT by MoreGovLess
Further escalating the crisis in the Caucasus, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia yesterday; their annexation by Russia is likely to follow shortly. Russian promises to withdraw troops to pre-conflict positions ring increasingly hollow. Russian officials have threatened to use nuclear weapons against Poland and Ukraine. All signs point to the Kremlin's decision to launch a new Cold War.
The free world's response has been feeble. Western spokesmen have warned that Russia's aggression will hurt its international "standing." NATO has suspended formal dialogue, and Russia may be blocked from entering the World Trade Organization. Moscow is clearly unworried by this talk. Europe's dependence on Russian energy, and claims that the West needs Russia's cooperation on many international issues, reinforce its confidence.
Yet the West is in a stronger position than it or Vladimir Putin may realize. A properly managed "soft power" response -- such as a law enforcement campaign targeting Russia's ruling elites -- could be extremely effective in punishing aggression against Georgia and in deterring future misconduct. Indeed, Russia's governing elites place their personal interests ahead of Moscow's raison d'etat. If enough pain is inflicted on them, they will demand foreign policy changes or even seek to replace Putin as the power behind the throne.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
“Soft power” like using the courts to go after Muslim terrorists...
But no it won't be enough.
The “legal” approach was Jon F’n Cary’s approach.
Kerry and Clinton both.
Freeze all Russian State accounts in Western banks.
Freeze all Russian kleptocrats accounts in Western banks.
Those two steps will see that Putin is removed from power in less than 30 days.
L
“may be blocked from entering the World Trade Organization”
On their best days russia doesn’t belong in the W.T.O.
Third world bully with nukes. About what ya have to expect Iran to become in the mid-east if russia helps them.
Or at worst, cut their purse strings, they may have less arms to terrorize their neighbors or shoot at us/NATO/etc.
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