"forge warmer ties" Seriously? That's a novel way to say that he's committing treason.
3
Suddenly acting , let alone not having addressed this when it happened nearly 5 months ago...5 MONTHS AGO!!!
Boy, this Administration surely knows how to tackle issues esp when things aren't going their way.
For everyone distracted by this, just as expected another deflection from the corner Trump's squeezing in with the Manafort Trial heating up, Mueller interview coming to a head, his first endorse arrested for insider trading. Let's not forget his mishap that's sped up likely consequences for his greasy ignoble son, Don Jr and more importantly, the now dwindling spotlight on biggest stain Trump has given this country, Family Separation with a large number still NOT reunited!
What a mess!
4
I am awaiting the day when the Congress, the Security agencies and the whole of the Trump Administration are on the same page regarding Russia.
That page would be to collectively condemn
Russia's known election interference, to have Trump release his Tax returns to see if he had loans or other money favors from Russia, and to condemn Trump for having one-on-one meetings with our sworn enemies, Putin and Kim un Jung.
This might restore some faith in our Government and its Agencies, not to mention the Administration.
3
The takeaway is Vlad sells more to buddy don
a win win
Same drivel different day. Cue the fanfare: Official pronouncements- Sanctions! Oh my... "Space force all the way!" - for Cadet bone spurs...
Smoke and mirrors, deflect, blame, shiny object, switch and bait, vomit and repeat.
What are we NOT supposed to be paying attention to....oh today, (don't draw any parallels!) disgraced Nixon left office on this day, Trumps' Chris Collins, newest in this admin line-up of corrupted Trump associates... Trumps Mara Lago cronies claws in the VA!..oh yeah don't forget Manafort and Gates...Rudy says no sit down with Mueller(somebody get Rudy an exorcist)...Nunnes caught on tape talking of breaking the law to save Trumps neck and the GOP! And yes Nunnes said they will impeach Rosenstein....timing is everything.
Birds of a feather flock together
till the cat comes.
Godspeed Sir Knight Mueller.
8
In one of my conversations with my Russian friends, some of whom are Putin supporters, I asked them one question: What good did it do to Russia to intervene in U.S elections?
Since then, Russia has been slammed with sanctions. Sanctions that will cause enormous damages to Russia in a long run.
If a Democrat wins in 2020 , stronger sanctions will be taken against Russia on top of those already in place.
Putin in my opinion totally miscalculated. Putin like most dictators made a mistake of thinking that a President in the US has the same type of absolute power He has in Russia. Most of the sanctions taken against Russia will not be waived any time soon.
So my question is Why did Putin do it? what does he expect from his aggressive policies. They might make Putin look good and strong but what about Russia?
3
He hates democracy here, there, and everywhere and want to see failures around the world...He and Trump have their kryptonite- Trumps is truth. Putin is democracy.
Well, you can not blame them for trying. And considering that Hillary bombed Libya, sanctions are not so bad.
Does Trump know about it?
Kremlin must be anachronistic agressive and with IQ of dinosaur to poison an old second - hand spy and his daughter, russian citizen, right before presidential elections and Football World Cup 2018. It was desirable for Theresa May, for US - rivals of D. Trump, for Ukrainian nazis, for russian oligarchs, who escape the prosecution abroad and could take revenge, for anyone in the world but us, Russians. And now it can be desirable even for D. Trump, as weapon in economic opposition to China and other members of BRICS. We, Russians, do not believe a word from all the stuff which "justifies" such sanctions. Secret services and WH got this things from their own imagination or even planned and created them in diligent team work, together with british allies. Excuse me for the sharp tone and possible errors
2
@Eugene Litke. First, your written English is quite acceptable. Also, I appreciate your comments and the (presumed) honest listing of your location in Russia. I also understand your reluctance to accept at face value the US and British explanations for new sanctions limiting the export of products with potential military use to your country.
But there's a lot of reporting out there that substantiates Putin's involvement in these chemical weapons attacks and many other political killings. I suspect we'll have to agree to disagree.
I would like to ask if you feel you have free and fair elections in Russia where anyone can run. And whether you feel you have a free press that includes dissident viewpoints.
I also wonder if you're aware that dozens of Russian journalists and dissidents have been killed or died mysteriously. And if you know about the large amounts of Russian money and resources acquired by Putin and those in his inner circle. Look up the Panama papers and other stories for info on rich Russians hiding money offshore. There are also many credible reports of Russian money laundered through Trump properties.
Anyway, got to go. Cheers.
1
When do we think this will actually be implemented?
1
I make no comment concerning Mr Trump.
However the BBC has reported issues between China and Taiwan.
Mr Trump has personal and private issues to deal with .
The issues concerning the" South China Sea" and Russian chemical attacks on the UK are obviously not a priority.
At the age of early seventies I defer to his wisdom reluctantly.
Many of my schoolmates who went to Viet Nam can't vote for obvious reasons.
Vote!
Trump is criticized if he applies sanctions, is also criticized if he does not. I guess libs know only one thing: criticize.
1
@Sri
These sanctions kicked in automatically due to earlier sanctions. Trump had no say in this. Might help if you read the article, which I quote:
"Trump administration officials said the decision to impose the sanctions was a legal procedure and did not arouse significant internal debate. The National Security Council was involved in the process, the officials said, but the State Department, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, were in the lead. *No statement was forthcoming from the White House.*" (emphasis mine.)
Trump is nowhere to be seen on this, and that is why we are critical.
1
@Sri
Trump did not do it of his own free will I can assure you. These sanctions were technically required by U.S. law Under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act. Trump was just reminded of what he was supposed to do months ago. The Administration had missed the deadline to do so, and was called out on it.
1
Do we need to put up billboards to announce that America is deep into a new McCarthyism era?
2
Trump acts only in his own self interest , he's more interested in doing business with Putin and the rest of the oligarchs , not necessarily Russia . These sanctions are a nothing burger as he'll reverse the decision at some point . Nothing new under Trump , it's not the governing side that interests him , more the gain from it .
1
Why so late? This is clearly an attempt to deflect attention from the Mueller investigation and influence the November elections.
Vote Democratic in November.
2
I think trump should focus on newer events then stuff that happened 5 months ago.
@Unown, Trump 101- this is a deflection/shiny object for the masses, there is no focus, it's a part of his pattern. Five months after the fact not to mention will they sit on the shelf like others....
The article intrigued me in the way that 60 years ago, nuclear warfare was a huge threat to most nations, but now, in my opinion, it is way lesser of a threat than chemical warfare. Maybe in 60 more years, chemical warfare will be diminished. However, that leaves room for the next threat to society and humanity as a whole.
This article is littered with Russian trolls impersonating Americans who are repeating the Russian regime of Vladimir Putin’s blatant Lie that “There is no Proof” or “There is no evidence” that Russia under Putin’s direct orders is responsible for the attempted murders of Sergei and Yulia Skiripal in Salisbury England and by extension the death of Dawn Sturgess. The British woman who inadvertently came into contact with the Novichuk Nerve agent used by the Russian killers sent by Putin to England to kill the Skiripals.
This should show you the lengths to which the Putin regime is prepared to go to Lie to the world using Russian trolls from the ‘Internet Research Agency’ at 55 Savushkina Street in St Petersburg Russia.
These Russian trolls work in 12 hour shifts 24/7 pushing Russian propaganda and disinformation on western media web sites and social media so when you see a poster repeat the Russian lie that “There’s no Evidence” of this atrocity by Russia you’ll know where it came from
7
@Anthony
Is this the best you can come up with, accusing others without any evidence?
2
You don't need such a long comment to prove the trolls wrong. Just show the evidence, and everybody could decide for themselves who are right: you or trolls.
2
"The sanctions...are part of anti-Russian efforts by the U.S., even as President Trump works to forge warmer ties."
Please tell me that the New York Times is aware and does realize that President Trump *is* the U.S. as far as all the other nations on the planet are concerned, very much including Russia. Yes?
Trump is so tuff slapping tariffs and sanctions on everybody. He should change his name to Donald Steel.
But Putin has Really Strongly Denied that Russia poisoned their former spy.
If that's good enough for Trump to withhold consequences for Putin's controlling of America's 2016 election, why respond to this more recent act with consequences?
Apparently Putin has issued a particular list of rules that his puppet is obligated to obey.
5
@Rebel in Disguise
Think, just for one second. Please!
What on Earth would be gained by the Russians by poisoning the Skripals? The guy was caught, convicted, spent some time in jail and pardoned/swapped, moved to the UK and has lived UNDER HIS OWN name, without security for 8 years undisturbed?
IMHO, if they wanted to create a 'don't do' list, this would be on the top.
Seriously.
2
Vlad made it clear in interview last year with Megyn Kelly he holds grudges to those who are disloyal...not to mention all the journalist flying off balconies who reported the truth about him and his regime.
2
Keep in MIND at all times how Trump has sought to BLOCK Sanctions. There is now before us an attempt to delete sanctions on Deripaska, Manaford's friend and accomplice. Tell your reps to stop flirting with Treason.
3
It's about time the U.S. boycotts EVERYTHING Russian: completely shut them out.
3
Maybe they should impose the first, second and third round of sanctions first. The administration thinks the entire country has the same IQ and brain capacity as people who were devoted to the "Apprentice".
10
... no new information... relying on old accusations to implement new sanctions... says it all...
6
@xzr56 Please share with us the TS(SCI) briefings that you've received in the last several months on this topic. Surely you know as much as the President of the United States...?
1
@xzr56
Why don't we just boycott Trump and the rest of his cronies, especially his and their businesses. Hit them in the pocket book. It worked on Ivanka.
1
another trump ddiversion from his real problem, corruption raised to the n'th power.
6
mid terms approaching, trump wants to look tough.
4
You may notice that though Trump claims to be the hardest on Russia he never talks about sanctions. Trump never takes credit for Russian sanctions. Trump never recommends Russian sanctions. Trump never Trump never verbally approves of Russian sanctions etc. It is always the "Administration" or a "Department" that recommends, implements, and takes credit for all sanctions. The closest that Trump comes to attaching his name to any Russian sanctions is to claim to his critics that he has been "the hardest person" on Russia. Odd that as president you can be "the hardest person on Russia" but never address what they did, why sanctions are necessary, what behavior you want modified, and that you want congress and the American people to support your actions.
5
yep, spot on!
Announcing sanctions is not the same as enacting them. =The trump administration will drag its heels because they're contrary to Putin's wishes.
8
@mariamsaunders Will you be stopping by to apologize later on when you're statement-of-fact turns out -- in fact -- to be false...?
3
If nothing else I suspect Trump is really scared of Putin knowing this could happen to him after he leaves office.
1
What did Trump know about this and when did he know it?
Surely, it didn't take 5 months for the news the penetrate his cadre of fact-deniers and protective helmet-hair dome!
3
@NYer
"In response to the attempted poisoning, the Trump administration joined more than two dozen Western countries in expelling more than 150 Russian diplomats, including 60 from the United States. "
Apparently, you didn't read the article. Thought I'd help you out.
1
Ed Royce, R-CA, another Republican "profile in courage", chided Trump for missing a sanctions' deadline.
Royce is retiring after many years in the House. Hard to tell if he's disingenuous or spineless or both.
We know Trump is both.
4
---We can take a small measure of comfort knowing the trump administration is following up the harsh words that trump had for Putin in Helsinki regarding this incident with the imposition of actual sanctions....Hey, wait a minute...
2
Trump has had harsher words for LeBron James than for the Russians who attempted to assassinate our allies.
15
New sanctions from the Trump administration. This looks more like a ploy to protect trump from his witch hunt theory.
10
Of course, nowhere in this whole thing is Trump himself actually mentioned, only his Administration. I wonder how big his personal apology to Putin was?
Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin's #1 Toady.
18
For some reason, trolling goes ballistic on certain subjects: this is one of them. People should be very wary of forming their opinions based on internet social groups that confirm their bias. For a good treatment of this subject, here:
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/what-you-found-in-3-million-russian...
Russia wants to undermine their reputation for murdering their opponents, but perhaps those three words say it all. You don't need to stick with the Skripals.
Recently, Putin tried to get Trump to send Ambassador McFaul and Browder exported, dangerous stuff!
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/ny-news-russia-mcfaul-07182018-sto...
"Browder has used the arrest and jail death of his employee Magnitsky, who was investigating government corruption in Russia, as the basis for a series of “Magnitsky Acts” in the U.S. and elsewhere imposing punishment on Moscow officials.
"Russian authorities have blamed the same alleged crimes Magnitsky found on Magnitsky himself and Browder, who was convicted in absentia in 2013.
"Putin said in his press conference with Trump that Browder had illegally moved $1.5 billion out of Russia and donated $400 million to the campaign of Hillary Clinton.
"The prosecutor’s office said Tuesday that the amount was $400,000, though Browder denies giving any money to the campaign."
"Browder’s alleged donations to Clinton were also part of the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower"
7
Too cute. Has anybody read the article? The 'sanctions' are so minimal that they barely amount to a symbolic gesture. It'd be like punishing your teenager's transgression by telling them they would no longer be permitted to use the 8-track tape player or VCR...for a while. Get real.
10
Why do I keep thinking this is all, "eye wash"?
1
What the article fails to mention, abysmally, is that in July this year just a few months after the attempted poisoning of the two Russian (spys) in England, another couple was poisoned in England and one actually DIED ! And this poisoning has been linked back to Russia and is being heartily protested by the British.
Where's the complete and thorough reporting we've come to expect of the NYT ? Half the news is sadly, falling into the realm of what your enemy Trump claims is fake news. Do better !
5
Actually, this poisoning was linked to Russia not more than previous one, meaning it was linked because once Soviet Union developed this poison. Or course, since that the formula was published and the Americans cleaned up the facilities in Uzbekistan where the poison was stored. But who cares, most important thing is to blame Russia
2
@yulia
I tend to think you're right. Blame is constantly being aimed at Russia. Rightly or wrongly, we may never know.
My point is that the article left out half of the justification for the latest US sanctions against Russia. That is just sloppy reporting by the NYT.
@Russell Eff
Not sloppy. Intentional.
The sad part about all this Russia news, is that Trump almost certainly colluded with Russia.
Even worse, reading the comments about blue waves in both houses of Congress, shows a total lack of understanding of the continuing Russia Hacking and violation of our votes, tallies and even polls.
The democrats WILL NOT WIN BOTH HOUSES, as they should, unless the ballots have paper votes to cross check, and tallies are not merely sent through the computer.
As crazy as it sounds, and I am not wearing a tin foil hat, Russia and Trump never stopped colluding either. The Midterms were always a part of the continuing hacking plan, to keep Trump in power.
14
@ThoughtfulAttorney
I don't want Dems to win both houses, just the HoR or just the Senate. That's called checks and balances. It would be really nice, though, (and probably life-saving) if we don't have many more months of this destructive President.
When do we get to the part where we sanction the Russians for their past and continuing interference in our elections?
Just curious.
Asking for a friend.
(No, it isn't Ron Paul)
Ronald Reagan must be spinning in grave with enough energy to power a small city.
The Republican party isn't just an embarrassment, which they most certainly are, they've become a danger to our Republic.
REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!
10
Seems that there are some trolls here asking where the proof is thet Russia was behind the nerve gas attacks in Britain.
There was a thorough investigation and evidence was found linking the attack to the Russian government. Also, Putin has poisioned people before on British soil, so it's not as if he wouldn't try to do so again.
6
They must be RUSSIAN trolls. It is obvious. No American would give two hoots about Russia.
3
We just want to know what evidence? So, far we saw only assumption based on the fact that the poison was synthesized in the USSR. But it was 40 years ago, and since then anybody could synthesize the poison, considering that formula is well-known. Any other evidence?
3
yulia,
The British government has one of the most sophisticated intelligence agencies in the world. I trust their findings.
What proof do you have that they're wrong? The word of Vladimir Putin's murderous government and his program of "plausible deniability"?
3
You wouldn’t think it would take Putin five months to move his money around so these sanctions wouldn’t affect him personally. Apparently it did and he finally gave the green light to trump.
12
Is it just me or does anyone else think it's odd that after news broke that Russia was the culprit in this illegal nerve gas attack on our NATO allies' shore, Trump not only goes to the Summit to meet with Putin and speaks nothing of it, and even before that Summit he sent a delegation of GOP reps from the Appropriations Committee to Russia, and now he sent Rand Paul to Russia to deliver a "letter" to Putin with an invitation to his oligarchs and Putin to visit the WH on THE SAME DAY that sanctions were levied?
What is Rand Paul doing at the behest of Trump in Russia?
11
The Skripals' poisoning is obviously a pretext for new sanctions rather than a rational or reasoned explanation, coming several months after the actual incident when Britain could not prove the provenance of the poison used or who was actually involved. Two other individuals were later poisoned in the same area without them having any obvious link to Russia. For those wanting to keep the cold war alive this is just another round aimed to incite distrust and increase tensions.
3
@Birch
How’s the weather today in St Petersburg Russia?
3
@Birch. Trump has tried to BLOCK all sanctions . The RuSSians are NOT out allies. Maybe the people there are but Putin is trying his best to built a Totalitarian Nightmare and Trump is his Apprentice!!!
"these new rounds of sanctions underscore that the Trump administration has one policy toward Russia, while Trump himself has his own personal policy,”
In other words, the US policy is governed by the rule of law, while President Trumps "policy" is governed by his personal connections to Putin.
6
When will we see the sanctions go into effect?
3
With no evidence made public that Russia did the Skripal poisoning other than Russia is alleged to have developed the poison years ago, our leaders are taking steps that could lead us to war with a nuclear power. Some critical thinking is required here. Why would Russia use a poison that would directly lead back to them being accused as the culprit? And the timing is suspect, around a week before the presidential election in Russia and with the World Cup scheduled on Russia's soil in the near term? Further, in order to say for sure what poison was used wouldn't the examiners have to be familiar with the make-up of the alleged poison? And how secure were the test samples? Russia has nothing to gain by this poisoning. They are already being demonized by the US, UK and allies. This whole affair smells to me like a set-up.
4
@e.s. What evidence did the US have that Syria had used gas on its citizens before it was 'bombs away' from Trump to loud cheers from his blood-thirsty base? All we saw or heard were pictures on TV of children in distress that upset Trump. Granted, they were upsetting, but were not proof of any sort, and certainly not evidence enough to initiate an act of war. There has been very detailed forensic evidence, taking months over the Skripal case, one death in the UK, parts of UK towns still cordoned off for fear of further contamination, and cooperation between intelligence agencies. You, like many other apologists for Russia in the US, are naive if you think the UK, and US, intelligence agencies are going to lay before you detailed evidence because that can reveal sources that may be put in danger, plus I doubt you would believe it anyway.
1
@e.s. Wait a Minute. Russia has nothing to gain by ANY of it's perverted actions and there are a slew of them. The do it anyway because they are greedy totalitarians and do not care one jot for the people that they rip off constantly! Their OWN.
yeah, stupid us - want to see the evidence and not to be duped as many Americans were in the case of WMD. The smart ones also told us then, that the Government has irrefutable proof that it could show to citizens. How right were these smart people?
1
Based on all we've learned about Trump's support for Putin, I suspect that Putin told Trump what industries to sanction that won't hurt him or his cronies much, but will make it appear that Trump is addressing the "Russian" issue.
Note to Trump: We see right through this one.
4
Still waiting for the Trump tweet on this. All we have heard so far is from the State Department. Your chance to look tough, Donald!
2
You want to see results? Shut these criminals out of the international banking system. And make sure Greece, Cyprus, and Monaco comply. When they can no longer leave Russia, or spend their ill-gotten, filthy dirty money outside Russia, when they must deposit their money in Russian banks, only then will you see things change.
6
@matty
Good point. But how about the Yankee money men doing the exact same? After all, the Russians had to learn from someone, no?
An opinion subject to debate .
The world is a serious place and often very nasty.
Your article evidences an attack by Russia on the UK.
Perhaps Mr Trump should invoke Article 5 of the NATO Treaty and deal with an attack on the UK.
I copy the NYT article:
SUZANNE DALEYSEPT. 13, 2001
NATO invoked a mutual defense clause in its founding treaty for the first time today, strongly suggesting that the United States would have the support of the allies if it takes military action against those responsible for attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
A NATO statement issued after a meeting of ambassadors to the 19-member alliance said, ''If it is determined that this attack was directed from abroad against the United States, it shall be regarded as an action covered by Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.''
Article 5, the cornerstone of the alliance, says ''an armed attack'' against any of the allies in Europe or North America ''shall be considered an attack against them all.''
It commits NATO members to take the necessary measures, including the use of force, to restore security.
The statement amounted to a powerful expression of European solidarity with the United States after a period in which trans-Atlantic relations have been strained by tensions over the Bush administration's policies in areas ranging from missile defense to the environment.
Mr Trump may invoke or not the defence of the UK.
1
Give the American people a break. Let’s stop the fiction that everyone in the White House, every Trump-appointed cabinet member, and every Republican on Capitol Hill has a strong policy against murder and mayhem by Putin’s agents, and so does Donald Trump, except that he has a soft place in his heart for Vladimir.
The fact is, as Donald Trump feels the noose tighten, he is announcing moderate sanctions with many escape hatches to satisfy voters, European allies and gullible media that the Mueller investigation should be shutdown very soon.
4
I think we are wrong to sanction Russia. I doubt if we truly have enough evidence as we say.
Our congress is is in the hands of out-of-control Neo cons Like Lindsey Graham and John McCain. I am sorry but I don't think that they truly understand the world. They sill believe in a world where the US is king - I have news for them That world is dead and we stop running around the world trying to manage every government fo conform to our view of government.
The Russian sanctions are WRONG -Some wild hawks in congress our mad that Russia does not obey the US and adopt a US form of government. Congressmen who vote for the sanction have no clue what they are doing.
4
@ judyweller "running around the world trying to manage every government fo conform to our view of government." sounds just like what Russia did to us. Are you going to let them get away with it?? They are totalitarians and so is Trump. Suck up the truth for a change.
1
@Juana
Whatever the Russians (and others) did, or didn't do, counted squat in 2016. Those who voted for Trump did so on their own volition.
To be totalitarian is not a reason for sanctions, after all they are hardly authoritarian than Saudis. So, why. there is no sanctions on them?
2
It’s good to know that these sanctions have nothing to do with foreign assassination attempts, rather the chemical nature of how it was conducted. I was worried about Israel the other day as I read they carbombed an Iranian scientist in Syria and what sanctions might be in store for them as a result. Never mind, car bombs and drones are just fine. Remember that Vladimir.
5
Alternative headline: 'Trump administration slow walking sanctions required under 1991 legislation.'
The reported sanctions were overdue and required under American law. The administration needed to be reminded, and the required sanctions largely overlapped ones previously imposed by Obama.
Additional sanctions are required in three months if the offending nation fails to establish they are no longer violating the chemical and biological weapons ban. Again, it's required by law but apparently the administration has some latitude here.
The real story shows the Trump administration is either incompetent or somehow disinterested in following the law. I suspect the followup sanctions will depend on whether Trump is engaged or bypassed in November when the time comes.
Once the blue wave hits congress in November, he'll likely be more worried about impeachment. But Devin Nunez let slip that the House intends to impeach Rosenstein after the election. Since they'll never get 67 votes to sustain impeachment in the Senate, the real game is to justify his firing by Trump. Rosenstein's replacement will, they hope, be more likely to bend to Trump's will and shut down the Mueller investigation.
That's the game, anyway, and it's all about Trump's survival.
2
More pointless mind numbing unproven accusations. Trump and the Congress have joined in the unrelenting propaganda war against Russia. This is beyond Putin this is a runaway train that seems careening out of control.
5
@c harris - Right, the people poisoned in Britain was done by a 400 lb guy in his mothers basement who on a hotplate whipped up a batch of difficult to synthesize nerve agent which was originally developed by the Soviet Union. Then in a bid to further discredit Mother Russia and Trump, said 400 lb man poisoned the former soviet KGB agent mimicking a well known method of how Russia deals with those who they view as traitors.
6
@c harris Lack of evidence didn't stop Trump ordering bombs away based upon unverified pictures of children in distress after an alleged gas attack by Syrian forces. Where was the proof then? It didn't matter did it because it satisfied sections of the US population who want to see America 'great again' by throwing its weight and weapons about. You presumably trusted the US intelligence agencies then so why not now?
1
Who knows? maybe. We would know for sure if the Brita were not so much focused on demonizing Russia, but rather conducting thorough investigation. Apparently, there is loose chemical weapon in Britain, but seems, it doesn't bother Brita at all.
2
I guess Trump's tete-a-tete with Vlad is now off for a while.
7
"The legislation requires that sanctions be put in place within 60 days, and Representative Ed Royce, Republican of California and the chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to President Trump two weeks ago chiding the administration for missing it."
Trump says he's so tough on Russia, but that's just another one of his lies. He's been dragging his feet on imposing any sanctions and has to be forced to do so. Why?
18
@L We know why. He is Putin's Fool.
As far as I know no final proof has been given by the British government that Russia, or better the Russian government, is behind the poisoning of former Russian spy Skripal. And final evidence that Russia intervened in the 2016 election has also not come forth despite the accusations of Mueller against 12 Russian agents. In this respect it is a good idea, suggested by the US, to question Assange about this, who had said that he did not receive the hacked emails of the DNC from a Russian source. And as to the Scipal case, the NYT states that in a call with reporters on Wednesday, a senior official refused to say whether the United States had any new information on Russia’s involvement. If the basis for the accusations against Russia is on the whole so weak or has not been proven beyond any doubt it is in my opinion a bad sign of the legal, ethical and political position of the West.
10
@C.O.
As far as you know. YOU.
What you're squawking about has no basis in reality. The police / security forces generally don't like about things like nerve agents.
3
@C.O.
Please, the Soviet Union and now Russia under Putin has a long and proven track record of interfering in the west ranging from poisoning people, shooting down civilian airliners and cyberwarfare. I suppose it was the Turkish or Iranian government that initiated the poisoning of the UK national of Russian decent and his daughter. Of course I understand it is tough for many Germans to accept this since you would prefer to be able to expand your trade and commercial links with Russia quietly...
3
Regarding "final evidence that Russia intervened in the 2016 election has also not come forth despite the accusations of Mueller against 12 Russian agents.", I would suggest that you read the indictments.
Regarding "Assange ..... said that he did not receive the hacked emails of the DNC from a Russian source", I have a bridge for sale to anyone who would believe anything that Assange says. Once again, I would suggest reading the indictments.
Regarding these sanctions discussed in this article, per reporting by TWP this is an attempt by Trump to avoid tougher sanctions being discussed in Congress.
Let me try to understand this, we are wringing our hands over the assasination of a GRU spy in Britain as we continue to wage wars in the Middle East to benefit our “ allies” Israel, The Saudis and maybe oil still, wars that have resulted in 7,000 American soldiers and millions of people in the Middle East dying , Europe tottering on the brink of right wing politics as a direct result of being saddled with millions of refugees from these wars and we are so upset at a spy being assassinated. This is not to mention the degree to which we are attempting to cripple economies in Venezuela and Brazil because they won’t bend to what the international financiers want, one of whom BTW is apparently selling his $100,000,000.00 home in Palm Beach( times must be tough and that is not a typo), the hypocrisy emanating from this article is appalling and worse yet is the reaction from commenters attempting to claim it was their guy( Obama or Trump take your pick) who is getting tough on those dastardly Russians, please. The last thing we need is to start another war although I suspect this is just one more in a long history of diversions to keep the focus away from how badly the middle class has been doing for the last forty years as the one percent of both parties rip us off.
15
Ted,
The former GRU agent and his daughter recovered from the Russian nerve agent attack.
Two British citizens were exposed to the remnants of the nerve agent and one of them died.
This was a terrorist attack on one of our greatest allies and can't be ignored or it'll continue to happen.
5
@L
If the Skripals had been poisoned with a deadly, military grade nerve agent, they would have been dead in under a minute. Both of them.
Start there.
Where is the proof that the Russians were behind the Skripal poisoning? Seems to me lots of other folks like the Georgians and Ukrainians had every incentive to pull off a false flag operation. If the Russians had wanted Skripal dead they could have killed him when he was locked up in Russia. And I would observe the US and the UK do not have the best track record when it comes to chemical weapons accusations.
9
@John Taylor
Didn't you post above as someone else?
Any suggestion that nations such as Ukraine of Georgia is simply blatant dezinformatsiya. Not sure exactly what you mean by "false flag operation" but that's not in the common English lexicon. Indeed, IF someone wanted him killed back then it would have happened, but it didn't. And so sometime tried to kill him now. Why? Why not? It's an easy and target that would still send a message. Putin runs Russia like the KGB.
4
@John Taylor So you're saying that the US and UK go into other countries and launch chemical weapon attacks, which makes it okay for Russia to do it? Links, please.
1
@John Taylor Where's the proof that Assad was behind the alleged gas attack in Syria? All we were ever shown was some footage of children in distress that upset Trump. That initiated 'bombs away' - an act of war, which is rather less than sanctions preventing the export of materials that can be used by Russia in a military capacity.
1
It's interesting on how NY Times readers do not wish to acknowledge reality
From the NY Time, June 27th, 2018
"In Eastern Europe, U.S. Military Girds Against Russian Might and Manipulation "
quote
"The military exercise, which involved 18,000 American and allied troops, offers a window into how Army commanders are countering not just Russian troops and tanks, but also twisted truths."
"American commanders say they are tuning out Mr. Trump’s comments — strengthening ties to allied armies, increasing the number of troops and spies devoted to Russia, and embracing Defense Secretary Jim Mattis’s newest defense strategy that focuses more on potential threats from Russia and China and less on terrorism."
"Over the past year, the United States and its NATO allies completed positioning about 4,500 soldiers in the three Baltic States and Poland, and have stationed several thousand other armored troops mostly in Eastern Europe as a deterrent to Russian aggression."
There is a difference of what the US does relative to Russia, and what Trumps says.
And the facts are more anti-russian than under Obama, where Foreign Secretary Hillary Clinton famously handed her Russian counterpart a reset button
Time to acknowledge reality
3
@Gerhard Time for you to renounce your Fox News/Kremlin talking points!
2
Who brought this up again? The British just want it to go away. With their case in tatters and while we continue to wait for some shred of evidence of Russian involvement to be shown, I think we should refer to it as a ‘Novichok Lite’ incident.
7
@Whoopsiedoo Maybe you've been reading fake news from a Russian source to get a view like this. It was 'brought up' as a result of a US law crafted with the agreement of both parties. And you, and others in the conspiracy camp, are naive to think that US and UK intelligence (and others involved) are going to reveal exactly how they know the Russian state was involved. The only people who thinks the case against Russia is 'in tatters' are gullible people like you who, for reasons unknown, side with Russia like your President.
4
So with this news it seems the USA has two distinct governments. One is the administration, manned by people who seem to know, to some extent, what they are doing. The other government is the President himself who clearly knows neither what he is doing nor what he is saying. (California, why are you allowing your rivers to flow into the Pacific ocean?) It would make everything simpler if the President moved into his hotel just down the block from the White House and rule from there, surrounded by the foreign entities who patronize the hotel in order to curry favor with the President and line his pockets. The free trade in emoluments would be so much easier that way.
3
It is so sad that we have entered a new Cold War with Russia -- there is every reason why we should be friends and allies. Our overreaction to their attempted assassination of a (from
their viewpoint) traitor is yet another case in point. Israel has a nearly public policy of targeted assassinations which we tacitly support.
8
@joelibacsi
An attempted assassination over what? This man was already imprisoned in Russia. You see, the KGB is alive and well. They set him free so they could test their stocks in the field, in order to send a message. Putin is a Fascist dictator presiding over an oil-based economy that lurches along and would take barely two months to disintegrate had it not been for high crude prices.
3
joelibacsi,
What's sad is that Trump refuses to stand up to the Russian government after they attacked our 2016 election.
It's also sad that Putin kills his own people routinely and will even put British citizens in harms way to do so.
2
The US should have been the first to respond to this unprovoked attack on a close ally with banned chemical weapons in an act of war that killed innocent civilians. Instead, it is one of the last to respond, and then with sanctions, minus even the weakest personal rebuke from the Putin-owned puppet president. Trump has been outed by his own security officials for what he is.
11
It is time for President Trump to stand up to Russia especially in Syria.
5
"...the actual amount of exports involved is fairly small because the Obama administration already banned exports to Russia that could have military purposes."
So obvious...another pathetic attempt by Trump to appear "tough on Russia" as the Mueller investigation closes in on him.
16
The reason for the "new" sanctions is an attempt by the Russians to poison someone outside of the United States? Not U.S. citizens mind you. Yet the Russians continue to meddle with our election process and without visible response from this administration. Donald Trump is as timid as a rabbit. Maybe he should ask someone how a man should act. Someone like... Robert Muller!
7
As I read this, the sanctions put forth now really are pebbles in the pond. Obama already put the ones in that hurt Russia the most. The only thing further sanctions will do at this point is hurt the Russian people and give Putin political ammunition in his PR that turns the populace against us in "protecting" Mother Russia.
If the GOP and Trump REALLY wanted to hurt Russia where it counts, they will (rather than obstructing) HELP the Mueller investigation so that the power hunger of Putin can be exposed with the facts. Also, they might try to mend the alienation that this administration has perpetrated against our allies. I guess neither Trump nor Congress understand that "United we stand, divided we fall" and we are supposed to be in favor of unity...after all, our nation IS called the United State of America. Trump has divided us...let us not, as a people, be divided further.
5
It is apparent that the policy of regime change for Russia goes one, whoever the voters pick for their leaders. The Pentagon will decide, not the people.
If the odious Mr. Trump is re elected President, it will be entirely due to the historical irony of the Democrats having become the War Party when the American people do not want war with Russia.
Meanwhile, the massive military build up on Russia's borders by NATO forces is matched by the US media offensive--against the Putin elected government.
4
Trump's name may supplant that of Benedict Arnold as the euphemism of choice for "traitor".
It is not commonly known, but Arnold made significant contributions in the war for independence before switching sides. Trump was already a parasite when he cozied up to Russia.
8
But Trump colluded with the Russians!
Wait....he didn't? It was all made up?
Oh. Never mind.
1
Not Trump's idea; and; not effective. Russia will get around these. Trump loves Russia;power and money. Rand Paul in Russia; GOP in Russia on July 4; Trump attacks NATO; Trump stops Korea "war games".Putin and Trump are twins. Vote out GOP to save America. Ray Sipe
6
Good news, talks between Putin and Kushner must have broke down . Putin will not trade Iran for Eastern Europe. This leaves less incentive for a United States regime change invasion of Iran if we have to face Russian firepower. Back to Cold War containment and diplomacy.
1
"Under the terms of the sanctions, any attempt ... to sell anything with a potential national security purpose ... will be automatically denied. "
Will this be interpreted as narrowly as national security claims Trump made when formulating the tariff on Canadian goods?
2
If the Russians refuse to let their rockets be used by America, the US will be cut off from space for years to come.
2
The majority of Americans understand that this action or any real perceived action against Russia regarding sanctions is not trumps idea. Plus if one reads the article completely you will understand that the items that fall under the (not so new) sanctions were already banned from the Obama administration. OMG please tell trump this has Obama's name all over it, so he can sign an executive order removing it. All my life I can't recall one time we have ever considered Russia to be an ally or friend for obvious reasons, they don't believe in any kind of true democracy. Sure we have to respect Russia as we do China, again for obvious reasons, any one of us has the ability to end the world as we know it. I am sure with what's left of my life nothing will really change on how we see Russia/China. I am saddened to think there are Americans who are on board with how trump has spoken, tweeted harsh words to our true allies who have always had our back in battles against the same enemy. Yet trump is determined to cuddle with Russia even though our intelligent agencies have said and continue to say they interfered in our elections. My question is how far down this ugly/denial road are you willing to follow trump?
18
We should not lump Russia and China into the same category. China generally does not interfere in other nations and also has greatly improved the average standard of living for its citizens over the last 10-15 years. While China is not a democracy, and does not pretend to be, it does not function as Russia does as a fake democracy with its institutionalized corruption. And of course Russia's propping up of Syria's murderous regime is also something China does not do.
3
Whether or not they existed since the Obama Administration, this round of (repeating the) sanctions is, I'll bet, at the strong insistence of the intel community. They have something threatening they hold over Trump even if its only their promise to step aside & let him carry the security burden alone.
Instead of a walkout, the intel community (including the military) could tell Trump that they'll sit on their hands, doing nothing, unless & until he gives them the full authority to pursue America's enemies, foes, adversaries & alleged friends (alleged as in Saudi Arabia.)
That may well frighten Trump, his Cabinet, the Republican Party, & possibly his base which contributes members to the military out of proportion to its numbers.
Something/someone has to scare Trump away from his Russian romance & his fling with fascism. Will it be Mueller? If not his investigation, only the intel community & a determined Joint Chiefs can tell Trump to either straighten up or resign. The loss to Trump of the intel heads & Joint Chiefs is probably something he understands in his gut.
It will frighten him no end to lose the Big Guys, esp. the ones in uniform, from supporting him because they are mandated by their oaths to protect & defend only the Constitution, not the actual president. They owe him nothing if they have evidence of his attempt at colluding to conspire with enemies of the US, i.e., Putin & many others. Only Mueller can persuade Big Guys to act. Hope he finds evidence.
5
An obvious and feeble distraction. One positive outcome, maybe Trump's idiocy will finally lead Russia to jettison him. The damage to the U.S. has already been accomplished. And I'm sure there are those in the Kremlin who would really enjoy taking Trump down as a final chapter. They could reveal all (finance, collusion, etc.) and sit back and cheer the subsequent agony and shake-up of our politics as Trump is forced out.
14
@C.L.S. I have often hoped that Russia would reveal what they have done to get Trump elected, but that is not to their advantage. I do not hold that hope any more.
1
The characterization of Mr. Skripal as a "former Russian spy" is somewhat disingenuous. He was an officer in the GRU who betrayed the trust placed in him and became a source for MI6. He is, in terms of the American experience, comparable to someone like Robert Hanssen or Aldrich Ames, though perhaps not of the same caliber. One could argue that, as such, he was a legitimate target for the SVR to try and liquidate... I imagine that if an American were living in, say, Venezuela, after having been found guilty of spying for Russia for several years, the CIA or the DIA would organize something to "deal with the problem". I'll grant you it would not involve nerve agents, but still...
2
Just some thoughts: Imagine Trumps meeting with Putin of which there is no record. - Trump - "Hey Vlad, I am going to have to put a show on as to how tough I am on Russia to help ward off mid-term losses that would better enable foes to be to impeach me If that happens, you would lose a valuable business partner. These will be mostly window dressing and, in fact, many already exist. I can also make exceptions to the ones you really don't like. I just need to get to a second term when i will have a free hand with no concerns about re-election. Hope you will work with me here so we can continue the mutually beneficial relationship" Vlad - "No problem- We can live with this minor inconvenience for awhile but remember, you owe me". Just some fiction but is it?
14
Sanctions are an excellent way to promote United States interests throughout the world. Sanctions, to a great degree, affect and influence the thinking of the elites of foreign countries. These elites are the last group who benefit from cooperating with efforts to project US influence. Sanctions appear to be the admission in Washington that the US lost its appeal at the populace of our planet. In fact the United States may be the most hated nation among typical citizens of foreign countries and Trump apparently knows it and acts accordingly.
3
@Pressburger This is entirely the wrong way to influence foreign elites, aside from being an outright act of war. Foreign elites don't get hurt by sanctions - only ordinary people do. Saddam Hussein had all kinds of sanctions placed on him and his followers, but it didn't change his conduct - only the invasion and his death could do that. Same with Qaddafi. Let's face the fact, our country has become an international bully trying to impose its will on others through sanctions. It can do this because it is large and wealthy and has an enormous military. Can you imagine the out cry in this country if some small country tried to impose sanctions on us or our ally Israel for our crimes and human rights violations. Sanctions are just another form of "might makes right."
1
I’ll believe it when they actually impose the sanctions authorized months ago.
6
@EPMD .
Yes, and before that it took Trump 9 months to enforce the sanctions Congress overwhelming passed in 2017.
Hmmm....knowing how Trump lies, did anyone check to see if they were actually imposed?
This could all be smoke and mirrors.
Imposing sanctions that already exist from Obama administration. Did I read that correctly?
16
This action is perfect for Trump. It sounds like it's a big deal but the actual impact is very small. It sounds like Trump is doing the deed on his own, when he is required to do it by law. You've got to give Trump credit for this but, like a lot of banks know, you know he'll never pay it back in full.
6
More useless sanctions that will have little or no effect so Trump can claim he's Russia's worst nightmare.
Sanctions may be mandatory under a prior congressional agreement or international law, but Obama already took care of this so it will be used by Trump's base to demonstrate what a tough guy he is on Russia. Of course Trump supporters and the complicit Republican Party will make no mention of the indictments, Russian interference in a U.S. election, collusion which certainly does exist and Trump's cozy relationship with Putin. And during all of this Rand Paul, the little snake that he is, is inviting Russian lawmakers to Washington while Trump contemplates doing the same with Putin.
Donald Trump is the only president in U.S. history who provided classified intelligence to the Russian Ambassador right in the White House while laughing about firing Comey who was charged with investigating his ties to Russia.
These events, along with the Trump presidency are the most sickening time this nation has ever lived through and makes Watergate look like picnic on a sunny day.
I have no idea how Republicans sleep at night. As for Trump's care base, they simply don't know better.
What a treasonous sellout.
46
@Robert Westwind
If Obama had 'taken care of it' why was the person poisoned on UK soil? Who was in Office when Putin went into Crimea?
1
@GregP What's trump actually taken care of regarding Russia, nothing most of us can see. He complains that others didn't do enough, but guess what he is the new sheriff in town, and al he wants to do is deputize putin. trump seems to only be capable of trash talking our true allies, but mean while give Russia the benefit of the doubt, because putin told him they didn't interfere, so trump says while standing next to him in Helsinki why would he be lying. Because that's what they both do without conviction.
1
@GregP
Read the article again. Obama banned exports to Russia that could have a Military purpose and sanctioned Putin as best as he was able. In what way would Obama be responsible for the U.K. event that took place after he left office? The Ukraine is not a NATO member, so although Obama was in office at that time the article is not about Russia's aggression in the Ukraine.
Why are you not addressing the complicit Republican Party or Trump's reluctance to apply sanctions on Russia even when the senate voted 98 to zero to do so?
You fit right in with the crowd that ignores Trump's perfidy and always screams "what about" Hillary or Obama. Right now Trump is president and he's the guy getting cozy with Putin. Don't blame anyone else from a previous administration for Trump and those in his orbits' close associations with Russia. Just own the fact that Trump and his minions are treasonous.
1
How much will Senator Paul making off of his inviting Russians to the US? Now the WH says it didn't ask him to deliver a letter. More deflection by Trump and the growing number of GOP members of the House and Senate getting caught for their blatant crimes committed in the name of greed. We're still importing - only from Russia - asbestos from a company that put Trump's likeliness (the SFW version) on the bags of death. Hardly a sanction or a rebuke.
16
Tariffs, Sanctions, Snake Oil peddling
Trump's philosophy on governing.
14
So this merits sanctions, but Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential race doesn't? Excuse me for thinking that this is the new normal...
207
@expat: have you seen any evidence besides some facebook troll accounts. Now we complain about this election meddling but today we the US of A are instigation regime change in both Iran and Venezuela - does that bother you. In addition we currently conduction undeclared 5 wars from Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and Pakistan - does that bother you. Now Russia is in Syria but at the request of the Syrian government - but lets yell at Russia right?.
7
@Larry As far as evidence that has yet to unfold. Watergate took a couple of years you know. But you're right about our regime problem - Iran dates back to the 50's.
As far as Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and Pakistan - they didn't hack our election starting with 21 states that were targeted and the indictments of the last 12 Russians does show evidence of all this.
@Larry. Actually Larry about a dozen US security agencies have documented proof of Russia's illegal activity to disrupt our elections to help insert Donald J Trump into the Whitehouse. Also they have documented proof the Russian hackers have infiltrated our electrical, nuclear and water facilities to the point where they could shut them down. Ever heard of Google? Try using it.
Since Putin will not allow Trump to hurt him, this is all just farce.
6
I know that this is a futile question, but will we ever see proof about the poison used and where it came from?
After all, a number of countries have this poison, including amongst others the US, the UK, The Netherlands, and Germany, and the poison Novichok is supposed to be quite deadly with a lethality rate of some 92% while it turned out to be "only" 25% in real life.
But I assume that mundane questions will never be answered.
20
@Thomas Ask the same question about the alleged gas attack that led to the US attacking a Syrian air base - an act of war, not a non-lethal application of sanctions. The only 'proof' we ever saw were pictures if distressed children on TV that upset Trump. Granted they were upsetting, but proof enough to order bombs away? Come on.
2
American officials said “some exceptions will be allowed: for equipment that the United States relies upon to send goods and people to the International Space Station, as well as for commercial aircraft equipment involved in the safety of passengers.”
Russia has a very robust aircraft industry and seeks to compete with Airbus and Boeing. But not Iran. No wonder its foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif lashed out: “US hypocrisy knows no bounds.”
The sanctions restored on Iran affect – among others – the purchase of 200+ passenger planes. The Trump administration said Iran uses civilian planes to transport “equipment and supplies to militias throughout the region” as a justification for its action.
But there have been scores of plane crashes in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, resulting in some 2.000 deaths. Decades of Western sanctions have limited the country’s access to spare parts or new planes.
Javad Zarif said denying Iran’s right to buy modern aircraft amounts to “endangering ordinary Iranians.”
7
Speaking from personal experience , Cultural sanctions are far more effective than commercial sanctions which merely entrench those in power.
3
smells like a political move from a "non-political" president. the signs are popping up every day, "november matters!." the swamp stinks more and more every day.
18
Trump defies reality! Loves Russia one day, sanctions them next
I sure hope his fellow GOP members in both houses of congress keep lining their pockets and swallowing the cool aide right out of office in November.
I’m so sick of the news cycle being defined by trumantics.
10
How brave. There was less evidence Russian was involved in the poisoning then there is in Russia's meddling in America's democratic process.
33
@Ralph B
How did Russia "meddle" in the election?
Did they give one candidate debate questions in advance?
2
George Orwell,
Either you've been sleeping for the past two years or you get your news from right-wing conservative media.
2
The thing is, whether the Russians did this or not, it looks like these people where poisoned with the “ less lethal” nerve agent / deliriant BZ, a drug once stocked in large quantities by the US military and probably, other NATO members. The fact that they’re still alive is also kind of interesting. In any case, I suspect that close examination will find that Trumpkin will fail to enforce any sanctions against Russia (as usual).
8
There is proof that the airliner MH17 was downed by a Russian rocket, fired by Russian personnel. Hundreds of innocent victims. Dinial of that fact by the Kremlin and until today the Trump administration has not heard about it. The poisoning that resulted in a tragic death of an innocent person in the UK caused the president to act.
This seems to be right and proportional, but I fail to understand it.
4
@Mark
There is also proof, that the plane was hit by a missile no longer in use by the Russians, but standard fare in the Ukrainian army. Furthermore, there is also proof, that the plane was redirected to fly over a heavily fought combat area in Eastern Ukraine, instead of being diverted.
Finally, there is proof, that the entire tragedy was a cynical attempt to manipulate public opinion. 298 innocent people had to die for that.
7
Our country is spinning out of control with a reactionary, narcissistic president who is being perpetually egged on by a coalition mob of political, news media and popular opposition that have seized on this Russian narrative nonsense like a life preserver.
Look at the comments here; grown, educated people are more than willing to believe any variety of conspiracy theory in order to maintain their belief in the popular tenants of the “Russian imvrstigation” in spite of ongoing developments that make those beliefs absurd. The administration has been very tough on Russia; you’ll remember the previous massive expulsion of Russian diplomats. Now the implication comes from this piece that while the administration is tough on Russia, the president himself isn’t, as if he has no say in the matter. Meanwhile the conspiracy theorists can’t decude if Trump is beholden to Putin in light of some compromising video or if a tit for tat deal was made — hey, who cares, you know, because Russia.
This news will cycle for a minute and be replaced by an army of talking heads looking seriously into the camera and raising once again with great gravitas more frightening theories about the “Russia Investigation” and round tables filled with partisans demanding impeachment.
This is what happens when a nation has willingly abandoned even the pretense of mental discipline. Draw a conclusion first, like a child — preferably one that satisfies your most base desire — and just run with it, forever.
10
To me this only highlights Trump's hypocrisy. His administration will support modest sanctions for an attack on England, but he can not bring himself to even verbally criticize, let alone sanction, the architect of that attack, and this despite the long-running, ongoing attack on the foundation of our democratic government: Free and fair elections. In fact, he won't even accept that his benefactor used cyberwarfare to affect the American electoral process.
There are two obvious reasons for this: Clearly Putin has some powerful Komprimat on Trump (I vote for financial rather than sexual), and the Orange Peril can not stomach the thought that he did not win the election fairly and on his own as the greatest politician of all time. What a caricature of a human being.
42
At the end of the day, it is important that we have a consistent policy on Russia. Today, we don't. As Ambassador McFaul said, it is so difficult to understand the administration’s thoughts, actions, and follow throughs.
For example, early in April, as a follow-up to Election meddling, Russian industrial giant Rusal was sanctioned by Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control because of billionaire Oleg Deripaska's stake in the company. After 17 days from the sanctions, the Treasury eased restrictions on Rusal. Instead of barring Rusal from international markets, which is what we originally intended to do, the Treasury suggested it might lift the sanctions altogether. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said "RUSAL has felt the impact of U.S. sanctions because of its entanglement with Oleg Deripaska, but the U.S. government is not targeting the hardworking people who depend on RUSAL and its subsidiaries," If the sanctions aren't supposed to impact the way it did, why did we sanction to begin with? There is lot of reporting on how powerful the impact was on global Aluminum supply chain, and we backed off.
And the congress makes empty noises with no real oversight. It is important to know the monetary impact of these new sanctions, the underlying specifics and exclusions. Otherwise, these theatrics have no meaning, except for Trump's tweets and campaigns.
17
How do you lean on a dictator and his oligarchical cronies in a way that they can't just pass along to their subjects?
What actually might coerce the deranged head alone, in a way that it can't slough off to the body holding it up?
In a democracy, sanctions against a people and its governors are one and the same. Not so in the countries we usually want to sanction.
In those places the rulers usually hold ill-gotten riches that the population doesn't. Has that avenue been exhausted, or is it a non-starter for "other reasons"?
1
The Uk media have a different perspective on this.
They suggest that the American security services talk to and work with the British security services ... but that the American president does not talk to or work with the British Prime Minister.
We know that its not your president ordering this, it is loyal Americans working to support allies despite your president.
25
Thank God, there are some grownups in your underground government trying to do the right thing while ‘The fool on the hill sees the sun going down’. (Paul McCartney)
Things are coming to a head with Russia. Either Trump overrides the law in the interest of "national security" and caves to Putin, or Putin's kompromat footage comes out.
9
@Alex I think Putin can suffer this, the footage will wait for something bigger...
6
If any footage exists, which I would guess is possible but far from certain. Remember, these sanctions are the act of Congress and the professional diplomatic establishment, not Trump. I'm sure Putin would enjoy destroying Trump, but it wouldn't gain him a thing. With Trump, he has a fellow autocrat and wheeler dealer to work with. Look at their relationship as evidence of common interests, and not blackmail, and it all makes sense.
If I were a gambler, at this point I would offer you five to one odds that no kompromat ever comes out. Let's wait and see.
This happened in March. It’s August now. Seems Trump was far more interested in playing golf and whining on Twitter than actually defending America’s oldest ally. Our President is a loser.
59
This is simply a diversionary tactic to head off stronger sanction legislation from the Congress, which, believe it or not, is receiving bipartisan support. Trump thinks he can head that off with something much weaker and yet point to it as proof of his "toughness" on Russia. Just watch that video of him in Helsinki next to Putin to see everything you need to know about Trump's submissiveness to Putin. Vlad owns him.
64
The Trump administration should have one policy on Russia, and it should be made clear to the American people and congress. Right now, we have multiple policies, depending on whom you talk to and on which day. This is not governing. It's incompetence and ignorance.
27
Five long months! Clearing Kremlin red tape must be a killer, but it was worth the wait. This is classic Trump diversion and will dispel any suspicion that he's not tough on crime.
He hasn't said anything about the assassination of the Syrian scientist, all suspicions pointing at Israel's Mossad, nor anything about imposing sanctions against Israel, but the year isn't over yet. He might be able to work something out.
6
Wait! You mean Trump and Vladimir Putin are no longer best pals?
4
The miracle of hurling sanctions against Russia, indispensable under the US law, and flirting with the person responsible for the cyber war against the US could happen only under the Trump administration adept at pursuing the divergent course at the same time,however fatal it could prove at the end.
1
I will take Seymour Hersh’s view, since he has a history of being always right.
“Hersh is also on the record as stating that the official version of the Skripal poisoning does not stand up to scrutiny. He tells me: “The story of novichok poisoning has not held up very well. He [Skripal] was most likely talking to British intelligence services about Russian organised crime.” The unfortunate turn of events with the contamination of other victims is suggestive, according to Hersh, of organised crime elements rather than state-sponsored actions – though this files in the face of the UK government's position.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/long_reads/seymour-hersh-interview-no...
14
What's the difference? If Russian organized crime is capable of emulating a mirror copy of state sanctioned political murder- aren't you splitting hairs? There's either intent, negligence or incompetence. In any event, Democracy must draw a line in the sand. And assign costs.
16
@Dash Dangerfield I agree. If a mobster was able to get hold of this poison then they're an agent of the Russian state.
1
@steve The challenge is for a differentiation between Russian Organised Crime Elements and The Russian State to be found. I would propose there is no difference at all except the State is most likely just a lot more organised.
6
All of a sudden this spy poisoning, not on our soil and not our spy, is our business?
9
Yes it is, because Congress made it a provision of the 1991 Act to support our allies. You may approve of preidents that tear up previous treaties, but it will only make us isolated on the world stage to face hostile governments on our own. After all, NATO countries supported us in 2001 when we became the only country in that organization's history to invoke Article 5 after 9/11.
26
Well said. We supported the US in 1991 and 2003. European troops are still in Afghanistan and many have died after we showed solidarity with the US over 9/11. The way Trump and his administration is behaving over NATO, tariffs and inexcusable insults on our leaders (and walking in front of our queen - how awful. I'm no monarchist but I was horrified by his behaviour), however, may cause Europe to think twice about supporting the US in the future. And a woman died as a consequence of this poisoning, a fact which seems to have been forgotten. She couldn't even have pallbearers at her funeral because of the risk of contamination from her body. But she was a homeless drug addict so I guess she doesn't matter.
3
Pssst-- Now that the "boss" is on vaca, we can finally sanction Russia for poisoning British citizens on British soil. And we wonder why Manafort didn't flip on Putin?
17
I'm redecorating the spare room. I have a pair of red curtains that will go nicely with Pompeo's latest piece of window dressing.
6
On the record, the Trump administration is much more anti-russian than the Obama administration - see e.g. the delivery of lethal weapons to the Ukraine, and the inclusion of cyber warfare in the joint maneuvers with Eastern Europe.
Either Trump has lost control over his administration or he says one thing and does another.
Perhaps the NYT could clarify ?
2
The reason Trump agreed to give Ukraine weapons was as a bribe so they would stop their own investigation of Manafort. It has nothing to do with being strong against Russia and everything about minimizing his campaign manager's legal exposure.
33
To gretab who writes
"The reason Trump agreed to give Ukraine weapons was as a bribe so they would stop their own investigation of Manafort
It's fun to fabricate conspiracy theories, but the time frame doe not support yours.
The US agreed to deliver lethal weapons in Dec 2017
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/12/22/lethal-weapons-u...
Manafort/ Ukraine/weapons connection first appeared in May 2018
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/world/europe/ukraine-mueller-manafort...
2
@Gerhard
The second article undercuts your point. The plans weren't finalized until after Ukraine ceased cooperation with the Mueller probe.
In short, the agreement was dangled as an inducement but, although the Pentagon approved the sale before the cooperation was halted, delivery took place afterwards.
1
New sanctions on Russia would be like Trump's threat to sue someone for libel.
The legal machinery is there, but he will never go through with making it happen.
8
This will be a test for Trump. Will he get along with the Congress or Putin's Russia? Michael McFaul may be right in distinguishing two current Russian policies--one by Trump, and the other by the Intelligence community.
Trump may be more than eager to make the new sanction toothless. What did he tell Putin in his secret letter to Putin?
How will he keep secret promises with Putin and the Russian spy networks?
In brief, Special Counsel Mueller can tell Giuliani that the proposed interrogation is expired.
6
Very transparent timing. Trump and GOP trying to distance from Trumps Russia stuff. Should have been right away in unity with the UK when they knew it was the same origin as the prior Russian assassination there.
16
Sanctions are one thing, freezing assets is another. As we are seeing with the Manafort trial, and as we have seen with the Paradise Papers and the Panama Papers, the uber rich hide their money in nearly untraceable shell companies. No matter what restrictions you throw at them, their vast hidden wealth with always provide them an escape.
10
@Mary M
That's why Putin and his oligarch pals hate the Magnitsky Act more than any other sanctions. (The response, by Putin, to the Magnitsky Act was to ban adoption of Russian babies by Americans, hence the Trump Tower meeting purportedly being about adoption when in was clearly to persuade Trump to repeal Magnitsky.)
7
Don't believe the hype. This is just another smokescreen to divert attention away from the real elephant in the room -- and Donald Trump knows it.
Besides, Steve Mnuchin has already given Carte Blanche to the wealthy U.S. elite, Vladimir Putin and all the Russian oligarchs who can only stand to benefit by said sanctions.
This is not 'winning'.
24
Smith, you’re on point!
2
Could this be why Rand Paul was tasked with delivering a letter to Putin? Sure seems like coincidental timing.
13
@Ober
Trumputin secret one-on-one meeting in Helsinki with no report, ever, released of what "agreements" they reached. But remember, Putin afterward ominously told Trump at the press conference that the "ball was in his court"
And what does a Senator from Kentucky have to do with Russia? But Senator Paul travels all the way to Russia to personally deliver a secret letter from Trump to Putin...coincidentally right before more U.S. sanctions are imposed on Russia.
What was in that letter? ...Vlad, ignore new sanctions, it's just a ruse. Love, your BFF?
This just stinks all around!
4
I thought i was about to find out that this administration will finally do something about the war in Chicago, or they will fix Michigan water problem, help to put down California fires, fix horrible healthcare and unaffordable housing, stop gun violence, increase slavish minimum wage, or fix macabre immigration system, etc
But..its all the same over and over again. Such much agility about policing the world, but never about fixing domestic problems or caring about people. This empire will always be the same.
108
Someone wrote the measure up under someone's supervision, but who is calling the shots - do we know? It is far too elaborate for Trump to follow - that much we do know. Is he using this as another step into chaos and distraction? Will he pull back announcement? There's no sense to the timing, no consistency in policy . . as usual.
12
Meanwhile, the Kremlin Ambassador to the Republican Party, Maria Butina, has been photographed and met with Republican oligarchs throughout 2016 and infiltrated the NRA and the National Prayer Breakfast to Make Russia Great Again through Trump and the GOP.
https://thinkprogress.org/here-are-all-the-republicans-and-conservative-...
Grand Old Putinistas 2018
Russian-Republicans don't even know what country they're from anymore.
At least the Democrats represent America.
November 6 2018
184
@Socrates I call her Maria Putina--considering she gives spongecake to get attention from GOP apparatchiki.
1
The American trade sanctions on Russian merely ensure the hand over the sale of goods and services from Americans to foreign countries. Perhaps the official policy should be called, "Make Rest of the World Sell to Russia Again."
The American trade sanctions against Russia only Hutt American exporters.
11
What took ‘em so long?
12
So Trump gives away U.S. top secrets to Putin but then will hold American companies responsible for selling equipment to Russia. Got it. Makes sense.
7
Don't be shocked if Trump finds a way to stop the sanctions. After all, he did save the Chinese company ZTE from closing down even though it violated US sanctions and it was considered as a national security threat by our intelligence agencies. His excuse back then was "Too many jobs in China lost" so expect a "Too many jobs in Russia lost" tweet from Trump in the future.
51
@Jason - he doesn't have to stop something that will never be put in motion. This is just the usual talk.
"The new sanctions are expected to go into effect on Aug. 22" followed by a tweet that contradicts the very reasons for the sanctions on Aug. 23.
43
We must watch very carefully to see that the Trump administration actually imposes the sanctions. Trump will say anything to take the heat off, but at the end of the day he will do anything Putin wants, if he can get away with it.
106
@Paul Indeed. It will be "look over there, not here" sleight of hand, or twitter, if you prefer.
Before the next news cycle is complete, Fox "News" along with their entertainers and presidential briefers will sing high praise, the Trump supporters will proclaim he is a real leader, and they will soon forget and the sanctions will die a quick death as the ministry of propaganda will claim success in the briefing room.
8
@Paul So Paul you want a nuclear war with Russia?. You don't want to get along with it?. That poisoning saga has never been proved just declarations by some biased British Intel groups. Remember those same Intel groups that guaranteed Iraq had WMDs?.
6
@Larry
Ah yes, that well known British intelligence group, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, with their 193 members, nongovernmental status and their independent investigations. Yes. Biased.
Oh, conspiracy theorists are so sweet. And reliable.
4
Window dressing. The real danger is Russia's subversion of the EU and weakening of NATO. Brexit, which campaign Russia helped finance exemplifies the former. Bought-off Trump's attempt to extort military funds of 4% GDP from EU nations and raising tariffs (contravening conservative free-trade values) typifies the latter. These Trump policies are far more damaging to the historic western alliance than the murder of an ex-spy.
48
@Raaaad Agree. Who can trust Trump not to give away intelligence gathered by Europe tohis best friend Putin? There has always been close cooperation between the various intelligence agencies but surely that is now in jeopardy? Especially when the Donald has one to one meetings with his paymaster with no minders present. I fear Putin in the long term but Trump is currently the most dangerous political leader on the planet. Please please neuter him politically in these upcoming mid-term elections!
5
An innocent woman in England died of Novichok, in addition to the illness of the father and daughter.
Russia was responsible for the downing of Flight MH17 over Ukraine resulted in the deaths of hundreds of innocent victims.
The body of a Russian journalist was just found.
Trump's friendship with Putin is across a gulf of suspicious deaths in addition to the cyberattack on American elections.
Cognitive dissonance about the ruthlessness of the former KGB director Putin is rampant in the Trump White House and many in the GOP these days.
These sanctions acknowledge the grim reality of the Putin regime and its blatant disregard for international laws, including in the United States.
49
Date of the act: March 28; date Trump administration decides to act: August 8; only five months. Wow. Trump's blazing speed is amazing! Seriously... is the guy in slow motion or something?
144
@John Trump was hoping everyone would forget. There's so much he's hoping we'll forget.
13
Yeah, who needs evidence?
4
Why is Trump at odds with his own administration?
34
Just something Trump will use to try to portray himself as responsible and powerful. Everyone knows it’s just a fake ploy.
And no kidding, this is “fake”, Mr. Trump.
48
Of course, if Trump didn't impose such sanctions, you'd turn that into further "proof" he's in Putin's pocket. No matter what he does, you need to apply it to the preordained religious assumption Trump is controlled by Russia, and Hillary lost to no fault of her own. And then you'll accuse Trump supporters of blind fanaticism. Right?
3
The problem is that we are going about punishing almost every other people for every possible or impossible thing. France? Canada? Of course. China? do not even ask:
While this country's president was echoing some adviser or another and intimating that Chinese students in America are spies, the president of MIT in the New York Times has just written:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/08/opinion/china-technology-trade-united...
August 8, 2018
China’s Challenge Is America’s Opportunity
By L. Rafael Reif
China gives tax breaks to its companies to boost their exports, restricts access to its markets, forces foreign companies to transfer their technology to Chinese companies, steals intellectual property and pursues industrial espionage....
1
This may be conspiratorial , but it looks like Putin sent Trump a signal that it’s ok to activate those sanctions so it doesn’t look like the two of them always agree on everything.
I wonder what Putin is getting in return.
137
Coming 5 months after the event?? After an election night showing strong Democrat voting in traditionally Republican strongholds?? After Trump licks Russian boots in Helsinki??
I think the sanctions are a White House Public Relations attempt to say come November “see, red-meat voters, we are tough on Russia and Putin!” As if. While at the same time the White House and Congressional Republicans do nothing about unabated Russian election attacks.
Support the right Red, White and Blue. Vote Democrat Nov 6th 2016. Continue the wave.
257
@Evan
5 months after the event? .. Does anyone of an anti-war, anti-nuke leaning have a suspicion that these actions might be directed to hinder ant talk about rapprochement or detente?
The sanctions will be small but the words about it will be big. Putin has probably approved them, otherwise they's have been imposed when the poisoning happened.
75
Trump supporters will use this information as proof that he is tough on Russia, not making distinction between Trump and Trump Administration. Which begs the question, why is Trump so ridiculously servient to Putin? And there could be only one response. Putin has kompromat on Trump.
Time and Mueller will reveal what kind of kompromat that is.
89
@Nicholas: Trump, I have read, has long been awaiting approval to open Trump hotels in Russia.
Russia's pattern of behavior is clear: endless escalation because they know they can get away with it.
America's pattern of behavior is clear: do as little as possible in response.
A chemical attack on the soil of a NATO ally - a plot which has killed one British citizen to date - should truly merit a more forceful response. We don't need to involve weapons of war, but the true weapons of our economy. Kick Russia out of SWIFT. Seize the Western assets of oligarchs parking the cash they looted from their countrymen.
But we don't do that. We inconvenience a few people. Then, following a new attack worse than the last one, we inconvenience a few more people. Another attack follows.
Russia continues to escalate because it feels it can get away with it. One of these days, it's going to cross a line that we cannot ignore and our response will be proportional. After years of milquetoast sanctions, along with and endless parade of feckless, "troubled" and "concerned" lawmakers, we'll have to finally stand up for ourselves.
How will Russia respond when the response is much bigger than expected? How easier would it be to push back hard much earlier and stop their escalation before it gets out of control and drags us all into an even darker chapter of history?
We're running out of time to find out.
21
The bankruptcy of American foreign policy is on full display here. The U.S. has relied on military force and bullying. Sanctions are an extension of those policies. We have imposed them on Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Cote D'Ivoire, Sudan, Venezuela and against individuals in Russia, Ukraine, South Sudan, Belarus, Central African Republic, Zimbabwe, Yemen, Lebanon, Burundi -- do I have them all? Probably not. Once imposed, they are almost never lifted except in the case of war (Iraq). The other major attempts to lift sanctions -- the Iran Nuclear Non-Proliferation Agreement (sabotaged by Trump, Netanyahu, and Israel hawks in Congress) and Cuba (sabotaged by Trump and Cuban-American rightwingers).
A policy of diplomatic engagement, with clear goals, respect for international order and international agreements would likely be far more effective -- just not as much fun for posturing politicians.
38
If the poisonings happened in March, then why were sanctions not imposed then? Even if you don't believe the "Putin is Trump's puppet master" the President's foreign policy concerning Russia has still been chaotic, unpredictable, and mind boggling in its intent.
65
@Darren. Trump 's policy toward Russia has been fairly consistent. Accentuate the positive and ignore or dismiss the negative until Congress and previous legislation forces you to act. When acting make it known that you don't agree with the sanctions.
I completely agree, the apparent intent of Trump's behavior is kind boggling.
2
The poisonings happened in March. The evidence? We are still waiting for it.
7
I'm pretty sure they have a number of bodies with poison in them. That resembles a particular form of Russian poison. Although, you may be right.
1