Additionally, I am sure sanctions and international distancing have done much to make the likes of Iran and North Korea behave, right? Worked wonders for those countries, thus I am sure the same magic will work for Russia. /sarc
Or threatening to put local hoodlums in jail (a sanction on their freedom). Quite successful in stopping crime, right?
So far all that these sanctions have done is bump up Putin's approval ratings in Russia, and done nothing to stop his nefarious intent for Ukraine. If the Russians are going to lose anyway, why not get a chunk of land in the process?
Well, what is needed is for strong leadership by the US and Europe. With that, even sanctions can work when there's veritable leadership. Unfortunately the US falls short on that, and Europe is dithering (with the Germans appearing to be under Russia's thumb). This enables Putin to continue his monstrous acts, and the only response from the West are sanctions that will either not have enough effect, or may have such an effect that it will make no sense.for Russia not to finish their ugly play.
Excellent post. Spot on.
“Additionally, I am sure sanctions and international distancing have done much to make the likes of Iran and North Korea behave, right? Worked wonders for those countries”
Yeah. They are shyt holes. Without sanctions, Iran would dominate the whole gulf area.