John Bolton: With Ukraine’s Fate Still In Play, U.S. Must Act

[Purveyor]

Saturday, August 23, 2014
By: John Bolton

American and European stock markets have been jumpy for weeks as they contemplate possible armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Inside Ukraine, certainly, Kiev’s forces have been pushing back separatists supported by Moscow, and they’ve been surprisingly successful in the eyes of many, perhaps including Moscow, and have thus increased fears of a more direct Russian intervention. But while rumors of clashes last week contributed to the latest burst of market volatility, evidence of actual hostilities between national armies is scarce.

Ironically, while Western capital markets remain attentive to Ukraine’s future, President Obama seems detached and uninterested. Indeed, the president appears removed not only from Ukraine, but from the chaos across the Middle East. But lazy summer days on Martha’s Vineyard cannot obscure the reality of Russia’s continuing efforts to dominate the independent countries that were formerly part of the Soviet Union.

The stakes remain extraordinarily high for the United States, Russia and Europe. Ukraine’s size, potential economic strength and strategic location make it a big prize for Russian President Vladimir Putin, determined as he is to reassert Russia’s “rightful” role on the world stage. Though Putin is hardly prevailing in Ukraine today, his position will significantly improve if the West loses its focus, its willpower or both. And that is exactly what’s now happening.

Despite the attention received by Putin’s apparent propaganda gambit of an “aid convoy” for Ukraine, and the speculation about whether the trucks were actually ferrying weapons to the separatists, Russia’s Plan A is not to acquire more Ukrainian territory by force. Instead, Putin wants Kiev’s government to be compliant with Russian interests and demands, to not drift too far from Moscow economically or politically.

MORE...

http://bostonherald.com/unknown/2014/08/with_ukraine_s_fate_still_in_play_us_must_act

Well John, you will find some friends on this forum...who knew?

[Moliere]

1. Why does anyone still acknowledge this blowhard?

Lazy days of summer? What an ass. What his good buddy that was removing brush in August 2001 and ignoring intelligence memos

[LloydS of New London]

2. John Bolton, Bill Kristol

I honestly don't know which one is worse!

[marmar]

3. Another chickenhawk who can't wait to send other people's children off to die ...........

[SidDithers]

4. Other than the OP, who gives a fuck what John Bolton thinks?...nt

Sid

[KoKo]

5. Bolton still lives in a bubble....

He doesn't realize the access to Global Media the intelligent, inquisitive Information Seekers have today. He may be aware but feels the "message" can still be controlled even as the revelations of groups being paid to post Disinfo on Twitter, Facebook and Media Comment Sections are now gaining international attention.

The success of the "Project for the New American Century" has gone to his and his fellow ideologue's heads. But, the world is changing around them...and nothing lasts forever when death, destruction, dislocation and wealth distribution to the Global top 2% is the only success that is achieved.

We shall see...John Bolton...we shall see.

[Wounded Bear]

6. Do Republicans have any non-losers to go to any more?

I can't think of any.