The Russian invasion of Ukraine drags on, the courageous Ukrainians and their brave President dangle on, and it appears that evidently Joe Biden is prepared to show up the strain on Vladimir Putin simply sufficient that he gained’t contemplate the strikes a “provocation” for widening the battle. Who do we expect we’re kidding–we’re already deeply right into a proxy battle with our fingerprints everywhere in the anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons which can be wreaking havoc with the Russians; the swap take care of Poland for the Mig29 planes would simply be another step and one that will really save Ukrainian lives, and former Senator Joe Lieberman makes the case that even a no-fly zone can be justified as an act of protection–the Russians are the invaders. In the meantime, within the case of the extra financial sanctions, the White Home has admitted that we’ve got supplied for a “part in” interval of 4 months for a few of them within the curiosity of “multilateralism” as a precedence and on the behest of energy-dependent European allies. What message does this ship about U. S. and NATO management and resolve?
I’m reminded of quotes by two former American presidents, every of which in their very own method are related to the present disaster. The primary is by John F. Kennedy from his inaugural handle in January 1961: “Let each nation know, whether or not it needs us effectively or in poor health, that we will pay any worth, bear any burden, meet any hardship, help any pal, oppose any foe to guarantee the survival and the success of liberty. This a lot we pledge–and extra.” Stirring phrases, and I’ve usually questioned if he might even get the nomination of his occasion at this time with this type of rhetoric. And I additionally marvel what sort of burden we’re prepared to bear.
The opposite quote is from Ronald Reagan in an interview a number of years earlier than his election as President: “I’d wish to inform you of my concept of the Chilly Struggle. Some folks assume that I’m simplistic, however there’s a basic distinction between being simplistic and having easy solutions to advanced questions. So my concept of the Chilly Struggle is that we win and so they lose.” And win we did, and so they misplaced. I’ll wager he would have the identical concept in regards to the pending Chilly Struggle II.
What’s Biden’s concept and endgame? Is he naive sufficient to consider that Putin is in any method on the lookout for an “off-ramp” or partial settlement? Don’t assume so–that is life or dying for him. Nor do I feel we needs to be on the lookout for one–this invasion shouldn’t stand. Keep tuned.
