So if we had a different leader, we would go to war with Russia, or Russia wouldn’t do this? Why would they not do this, no matter who was in charge here, as it is obvious we wouldn’t go to war over it. I am as unimpressed with Obama as anyone, but this is all about Putin.
You don’t have to go to war. You just have to respond in a robust way to terroristic acts like invading the neighbor of a NATO country with a fifth column. Significant economic sanctions and NATO redeployment for an opening move would have given Putin pause. It must be made clear to Putin that if he wants to be a terrorist it is going to be painful and costly. That hasn’t happened so he will continue escalating. His adventures won’t end until we have shooting in a NATO country. Then what?
Good points. One problem is Europe would not be helpful in this, as Russia is key to their energy needs now.