“The quotes in Woodward’s book ring true, because they mirror exactly what happened in reality,” says Brian Bonner, former editor of the Kyiv Post, "Obama didn’t care about Ukraine."
The majority of the West never took Putin seriously or if they did just probably hoped he would pivot over to them in time but the obvious warning signs were there - Georgia , murdering journalists and turning Russia into a Police State . Over here in the UK buying luxury homes , grooming politicians and coining the name Londongrad .
Had Ukraine had the full support of the West when Crimea was occupied by Russia, things would have unfolded much differently. Many Ukrainians would be alive and healthy who are not today. Perhaps Crimea and the Donbass would be free.
Obama often failed to take strong action when it was required. He was too cautious, and, rather than his caution leading to careful, measured, results, it has led to an international crisis marked by the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Two excellent books that cover Russia and it’s dealings with Ukraine (and more of Stalin era cruelty) include “Bloodlands” by Timothy Snyder and for modern times Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin” by Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy.
Russian leaders seem to operate as 16-17th century European monarchs. They are brutal and extractive.
_Man Without a Face_ by Masha Geeson, and _Putin’s Kleptocracy_ by Karen Dawisha. The latter has such powerful content, the author’s usual publisher declined to touch it. It’s worth the reading to see what one is dealing with in him.
Of course, the Obama administration provided millions of dollars of military assistance to Ukraine. So there’s that. More importantly, it’s clear trump is a Putin puppet. God help Ukraine, and the rest of the world, if trump wins next month.
History has been kind to Truman, because it was the eminent Acheson, who first acted decisively when Russia and North Korea invaded democratic South Korea. Truman signed on to Acheson’s lead. I thought Obama’s team was incredibly weak, and missed an historic opportunity to confront Russia when it annexed Crimea.
That is certainly a sober and uncomfortable interview. I was very frustrated with Obama at the time, not just for lack of immediacy over the russian invasion into Crimea, but his failure in Syria. I understood then that he was ultimately an isolationist at heart.
I’m not sure when the “cool Obama” hagiography is going to end. His signature legislation was copied from a Republican and he is among the top three leaders most responsible for the death of the middle class because of his decision to bail out banks and foreclose on citizens.
One of the traits of Joe Biden is his tendency to blurt out things, that would be best un-blurted. Like this quote about Obama mid-judging Putin. I like Biden but these “blurts” are a feature, not bug. That is how we now that the Affordable Care Act, is certainly, “A Big F—king Deal!”. He is salty too, another trait that I appreciate.
Interesting. Been following this story along with current events in Ukraine. After Netanyahu's speech in the UN, now shifting political analyst from the US and NATO being the best bet for Ukraine's independence, to Israel as the real partner Ukraine needs for national defense.
I’m thinking, Iran feeds the russian invasion into Ukraine, so defeating Iran helps both nations directly or indirectly. Ironically trump goes easy on putin’s russia, but wants to nuke Iran.
It's what keeps this conflict from being good vs. evil. Russia's definitely playing both sides with Israel and Iran, yet they're not the only nation hedging its bets.
The majority of the West never took Putin seriously or if they did just probably hoped he would pivot over to them in time but the obvious warning signs were there - Georgia , murdering journalists and turning Russia into a Police State . Over here in the UK buying luxury homes , grooming politicians and coining the name Londongrad .
Fair and accurate comment (sadly).
Unfortunately this sounds true.
Had Ukraine had the full support of the West when Crimea was occupied by Russia, things would have unfolded much differently. Many Ukrainians would be alive and healthy who are not today. Perhaps Crimea and the Donbass would be free.
Obama often failed to take strong action when it was required. He was too cautious, and, rather than his caution leading to careful, measured, results, it has led to an international crisis marked by the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Your comment really brings home the consequences of inaction. Thanks.
Two excellent books that cover Russia and it’s dealings with Ukraine (and more of Stalin era cruelty) include “Bloodlands” by Timothy Snyder and for modern times Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin” by Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy.
Russian leaders seem to operate as 16-17th century European monarchs. They are brutal and extractive.
Even better:
_Man Without a Face_ by Masha Geeson, and _Putin’s Kleptocracy_ by Karen Dawisha. The latter has such powerful content, the author’s usual publisher declined to touch it. It’s worth the reading to see what one is dealing with in him.
Karen's book is magnificent. Analysis of the highest calibre.
Thanks. Just a small point…it’s Gessen.
Oops! Thanks for the correction!
…it’s like pulling the teeth and never on time, while Ukrainians are DYING !!!
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/west-keeps-sending-ukraine-weapons-154019139.html
Yes. Looks like that book is going to kick up a lot of dust. It has been mentioned a lot in recent days....Greetings from Croatia.
Of course, the Obama administration provided millions of dollars of military assistance to Ukraine. So there’s that. More importantly, it’s clear trump is a Putin puppet. God help Ukraine, and the rest of the world, if trump wins next month.
History has been kind to Truman, because it was the eminent Acheson, who first acted decisively when Russia and North Korea invaded democratic South Korea. Truman signed on to Acheson’s lead. I thought Obama’s team was incredibly weak, and missed an historic opportunity to confront Russia when it annexed Crimea.
…absolutely !!! …but how exactly Biden is different ?!
https://time.com/6548816/ukraine-biden-administration-military-aid/
Listen to our piece.... 😉
That is certainly a sober and uncomfortable interview. I was very frustrated with Obama at the time, not just for lack of immediacy over the russian invasion into Crimea, but his failure in Syria. I understood then that he was ultimately an isolationist at heart.
And yes, here we are.
I’m not sure when the “cool Obama” hagiography is going to end. His signature legislation was copied from a Republican and he is among the top three leaders most responsible for the death of the middle class because of his decision to bail out banks and foreclose on citizens.
He was so cool, but he was a bad president.
One of the traits of Joe Biden is his tendency to blurt out things, that would be best un-blurted. Like this quote about Obama mid-judging Putin. I like Biden but these “blurts” are a feature, not bug. That is how we now that the Affordable Care Act, is certainly, “A Big F—king Deal!”. He is salty too, another trait that I appreciate.
Interesting. Been following this story along with current events in Ukraine. After Netanyahu's speech in the UN, now shifting political analyst from the US and NATO being the best bet for Ukraine's independence, to Israel as the real partner Ukraine needs for national defense.
Why would Israel partner with Ukraine?
My post this week explains it a little more. In essence, Israel is fighting against the same enemies for the same reasons. Two are better than one.
I’m thinking, Iran feeds the russian invasion into Ukraine, so defeating Iran helps both nations directly or indirectly. Ironically trump goes easy on putin’s russia, but wants to nuke Iran.
It's what keeps this conflict from being good vs. evil. Russia's definitely playing both sides with Israel and Iran, yet they're not the only nation hedging its bets.
It’s fair to say that Obama failed Ukraine but Joe Biden has been only slightly better.
This latest news on US double standards just underscores how much better he could have been.
U.S. to Deploy Missile Defense System and About 100 Troops to Israel
Hi Folks. Just wrote up a quick article on the back of the US decision to send a THAAD battery to Israel.
I fully support this move for what that’s worth.
I do ask however why did Joe Biden not make a similar strongly deterrent manner for its other ally: Ukraine.
If Ukraine, like Israel possessed nuclear weapons, would the US have been a better ally to Ukraine. You can bet your bottom dollar they would have.
https://open.substack.com/pub/gmanschronicle/p/us-to-deploy-missile-defense-system?r=lyl1g&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web