It is amazing how many people think they can read Obama's mind. Firstly, John McCain and others interfered in the Ukraine, Russia's next door neighbor, and installed a bunch of fascists. Considering the hysteria some Americans still feel about Fidel Castro, I do not think it unreasonable the Mr Putin was concerned. The Crimea - the law of unintended consequences. Then John McCain and others headed to Syria to arm the "freedom fighters". Another great move. Then I read that Mr McCain headed for India to try to sell them some weapons. Before the Syrian mess started, they were friendly with Russia and provided them with a port. After this mess, they will be friendly with Russia and provide them a port. What I fault officialdom for is not planning for the refugee situation before it became as critical as it is. Based on the Guardian article, we should have been talking with Putin in 2012 and we should now. And when I read these comments psychoanalyzing these people, I just want to gag. It's a job, folks. Get it done.
2
Let is look at the big picture, when I hear a clamor for "US needs to lead the world" in MSM , I am thinking did the countries in the world get together elect US to be their "Leader"? Or is this a self appointed position? Are dictatorships are also self appointed?. Further more , what is with relentless quest for a uni-polar world ? When we know checks and balance is the best for any healthy system. Why not support a multi-polar system? Heresy??
3
How about a grand bargain, Russia stop adding Syria's King Barrel Bomb and the U.S. stop expanding NATO up to Putin's border. Down with Eastern AND Western imperialism
Let's suppose, for a moment, that the President actually talks to Putin. It is imcumbent on the President to remember that he is dealing with a rattlesnake!
Putin does exactly the same things that Ronald Reagan did (bomb Tripoli, invade Panama and Grenada, stir up a war in Central America…) Americans think Putin is a rattlesnake but Reagan was rewarded by having the airport in the Nation's Capital named after him!
1
"Mr. Obama’s own instincts tend toward talking rather than not, as he has shown with both Iran and Cuba, longtime foes of the United States"
Unfortunately that claim from the article is only partially true. In the case of Libya, Syria and Ukraine Obama has refused all talks and compromise. Instead he has relied on an often inflated sense that he would prevail and that no talks were necessary. Doing so he has repeatedly failed to grab opportunities for peaceful solutions.
It looks like Obama only wants to talk when he sees no other solution. He seems incapable of seeing that peaceful mutually agreed on solutions are often a better outcome that crushing victories.
Unfortunately that claim from the article is only partially true. In the case of Libya, Syria and Ukraine Obama has refused all talks and compromise. Instead he has relied on an often inflated sense that he would prevail and that no talks were necessary. Doing so he has repeatedly failed to grab opportunities for peaceful solutions.
It looks like Obama only wants to talk when he sees no other solution. He seems incapable of seeing that peaceful mutually agreed on solutions are often a better outcome that crushing victories.
1
An exercise in futility, Putin's words have no meaning.
Why is Mr. Obama apparently afraid to meet with Mr. Putin. Is it because Mr. Obama has allowed Israel and Saudi Arabia to devastate Syria seemingly with Mr. Obama's blessing? There is no reason why leaders of major nations cannot meet and mutually work out answers to their common problems. Mr. Obama should drop his personal cold war and get busy working with Mr. Putin to stop the destruction of Syria by ISIS with its reported Saudi Arabia backing. Nowhere is peace more vitally required than Syria. So there is no place for petty cold war posturing and Mr. Obama should quit wasting time and welcome constructive talks with Mr. Putin.
At the same time, Mr. Obama would do well to get himself some more effective advisers. The ones he has have allowed Syria to be devastated and made a mess of trying to establish NATO on Russia's front lawn.
At the same time, Mr. Obama would do well to get himself some more effective advisers. The ones he has have allowed Syria to be devastated and made a mess of trying to establish NATO on Russia's front lawn.
4
That Obama and his advisors would even consider a meeting is unbelievable. Putin is working on three fronts and he has Obama two steps behind. Anybody notice that Ukraine combat with Putin's army has gone quiet all of a sudden. It is not coincidental, Putin knows in a few months or even a year he can grab another chunk or maybe it all.
Syria right now is Putin's his priority and he sees the opportunity and is working closely with the Iranians. Good argument Obama being swept right along by Putin - get the sign-off to lift sanctions on Iran, turn down volume on Ukraine, start selling defensive missile systems Revolutionary Guards in Iran and establish a start build-up of formal air base in Syria. Wonder about Israel existence in 7 years.
Where is leader of the free world - hiding under his desk !
Syria right now is Putin's his priority and he sees the opportunity and is working closely with the Iranians. Good argument Obama being swept right along by Putin - get the sign-off to lift sanctions on Iran, turn down volume on Ukraine, start selling defensive missile systems Revolutionary Guards in Iran and establish a start build-up of formal air base in Syria. Wonder about Israel existence in 7 years.
Where is leader of the free world - hiding under his desk !
1
Wonder about Europe existing in 7
Years...
Years...
The best thing for obama's 'minders' is to limit his activity and buffoonish interaction with others as much as reasonably possible. Any and all efforts to mitigate further damage to the US is critical. Perhaps arrangements can be made for an extended trip to Africa to visit (relatives), an extended round of golf, a basketball clinic, etc As always, we remain loyal, but extremely embarrassed Americans..
4
The truth of the matter is that a majority of Syrians like Assad. He is young and has made attempts to reform the country; it's the 'old guard' that people don't like, therefore leaving the regime in tact while forcing Assad to go is not going to change anything.
However clearly human rights and democracy have nothing to do with what's going on in Syria. When the country made reforms and included other political parties in the leadership, the US was not happy because the economy was still in the hands of the government and had not been privatised. There is also an American-Israeli shale gas company, owned by Rupert Murdoch and Dick Cheney, that has been granted drilling rights in the Golan Heights by Israel.
The Guardian published comments by a Nobel prize winning diplomat yesterday who said that the US, UK and France had refused an offer by Russia in 2012 for Assad to step down because they thought they could win militarily.
It is also the case that there are no moderates. The Western-backed Syrian National Coalition - which receives funding from the West and resides in Turkey - have just been accused of providing financial support to ISIS by the YPG. They have ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and Al Qaeda, and have expressed support for Erdogan's war on the Kurds.
However clearly human rights and democracy have nothing to do with what's going on in Syria. When the country made reforms and included other political parties in the leadership, the US was not happy because the economy was still in the hands of the government and had not been privatised. There is also an American-Israeli shale gas company, owned by Rupert Murdoch and Dick Cheney, that has been granted drilling rights in the Golan Heights by Israel.
The Guardian published comments by a Nobel prize winning diplomat yesterday who said that the US, UK and France had refused an offer by Russia in 2012 for Assad to step down because they thought they could win militarily.
It is also the case that there are no moderates. The Western-backed Syrian National Coalition - which receives funding from the West and resides in Turkey - have just been accused of providing financial support to ISIS by the YPG. They have ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and Al Qaeda, and have expressed support for Erdogan's war on the Kurds.
7
Courage is sorely lacking in this world.
Cowardice in the guise of negotiations will go nowhere. Self delusion in the face of clear evidence is ruinous.
Stand up on principles to protect those who can't help themselves. They are now suffering, fleeing, dying while those who have the ability to save them deliberate with indecision.
Don't be a lawyer, be a leader.
Cowardice in the guise of negotiations will go nowhere. Self delusion in the face of clear evidence is ruinous.
Stand up on principles to protect those who can't help themselves. They are now suffering, fleeing, dying while those who have the ability to save them deliberate with indecision.
Don't be a lawyer, be a leader.
So many here talk about "handing Syria over" to Assad or Putin, like somehow we have control over the country to be able to make its fate. You can see the difference between the way people talk about countries as things that move around a strategy game, which is a fiction, and the pragmatic people who understand the there are many sides to the conflict.
The two most important things are saving lives and creating stability. This can only benefit everyone. The world is watching and will can now influence what happens, and the world wants this to end.
The two most important things are saving lives and creating stability. This can only benefit everyone. The world is watching and will can now influence what happens, and the world wants this to end.
5
If Mr. Obama does meet with Putin, it will simply verify that the way to beat the President is to just out wait him, a tactic that I'm sure won't be lost on the Ayatollahs.
1
Mr. Obama has a reputation as a weak negotiator and it's deserved. If you look at his success with the Republican Party, it is abyssmall. As for his dent in international relations, they're rather paltry, unless you consider than when he is accomanied by other countries, he does better. As for Syria, Mr. Obama should not touch the situtation with a 10 foot poll. He will only come up looking like a loser, since Mr. Putin, no doubt has this part of the chess match figured out. It is just better not to play the game. Let Mr. Putin sit there with his buddy, Mr. Assad. Let them exhaust themselves against ISIS. When Mr. Putin decides to let Assad go, and to adjust their role in the Ukraine, then maybe we can talk. Until then it's asta la vista, baby!
1
Yes, it is time to eat some "humble pie" and, frankly, we have no other option. Russia and Iran have won both the Syrian and Iraq wars and it is time to quit fooling ourselves. Is one man, Assad, worth the deaths and dislocation of tens of millions of Syrians? Putin masterfully has used the chaos to funnel this problem into the heart of an already wobbly Europe, probably destroying the EU and pushing Eastern Europe closer to his influence. He has all the advantage in this chess game and we should cut our losses before they become even more grievous. Let Russia have the 'win' and pay for the consequences of 60 million Muslim refugees in their backyard. Let Russia pick up the "Pottery Barn" tab this time.
4
The reader letters are interesting. One theme : Obama is afraid of Putin and shouldn't meet with him out of fear that the USA will be taken advantage of. It's more likely that Obama holds Putin in contempt and that if he meets with Putin, he will hold nose with one hand and reach around Putin to find the knife with the other. But on the theme of which American presidents Putin might have respected, I doubt that W would have been one, after the "I have looked into Putin's heart and I think we can do business together" comment. Maybe we shouldn't care what Putin thinks.
Another theme is that there is no other force in the region to oppose ISIS other than Assad so we should let Russia keep Assad in power. This after Obama's opponents in the USA said we should arm "the good guys" in the Syrian opposition. By now, of course, we know that there were and are no good guys and any armaments we provided would already have been used against us, as the arms we supplied to Iraq have been. So maybe we should let Russia arm Assad so at least when arms flood the region they won't say "made in the USA". Besides, it worked so well for Russia in Afghanistan.
So my vote, being as well informed as the other foreign policy experts in the NYT readership, meet with Putin. Expect the worst. Hope the Russians spend a lot of money and lose some lives but kill a lot of ISIS soldiers before Assad goes down. Pick up the pieces in Syria after someone else's failure.
Another theme is that there is no other force in the region to oppose ISIS other than Assad so we should let Russia keep Assad in power. This after Obama's opponents in the USA said we should arm "the good guys" in the Syrian opposition. By now, of course, we know that there were and are no good guys and any armaments we provided would already have been used against us, as the arms we supplied to Iraq have been. So maybe we should let Russia arm Assad so at least when arms flood the region they won't say "made in the USA". Besides, it worked so well for Russia in Afghanistan.
So my vote, being as well informed as the other foreign policy experts in the NYT readership, meet with Putin. Expect the worst. Hope the Russians spend a lot of money and lose some lives but kill a lot of ISIS soldiers before Assad goes down. Pick up the pieces in Syria after someone else's failure.
1
The characterizations of Russia as nothing but a "thug" or "bully" that is made in this article and is widely adopted is the stance that has long been adopted by the neo conservative movement in the US. Any conversation therefore is sure to raise their ire. As long as that is our position, the hostile confrontation of the super powers will only continue to produce chaos in many areas of the world that are affected by each of our interventions. However, the disaster that the Middle East has become can no longer be held hostage to the political shenanigans of those in our country who wish for nothing but war against the "evil empire". The problem must be solved. The mass exodus of hordes of people seeking safety will sooner rather than later begin to destabilize Europe. There will be no solution without Russia. It is not clear that Russia can produce a solution either but all options must be considered. It is time to change the rhetoric and recognize that Russia has interests that are often contrary to ours . That does not mean that we must utterly reject them on all fronts. Just as with Iran, negotiation offers much better hope for improvement than confrontation that some would prefer to choose.
5
"Mr. Putin views Mr. Obama as weak, and Mr. Obama views Mr. Putin as a thug, according to advisers and analysts."
I think they are both right.
I think they are both right.
3
So what? It's only, what, hundreds of thousands of lives lost and at stake?
So what? It's just a "regional" conflict.
So what? They'll all end up killing each other anyway.
You know what? These things matter. Sit down, talk with who you have to and force the thugs out of government. Be they Assad, ISIS, or whoever you agree should leave. But do it right.
So what? It's just a "regional" conflict.
So what? They'll all end up killing each other anyway.
You know what? These things matter. Sit down, talk with who you have to and force the thugs out of government. Be they Assad, ISIS, or whoever you agree should leave. But do it right.
1
President Obama averted war with Iran through negotiations. This effort is commendable.
Likewise, he must negotiate with President Putin. Sanctions are stupid. The President must make the 3rd wise foreign policy decision by not listening to warmonger.
Likewise, he must negotiate with President Putin. Sanctions are stupid. The President must make the 3rd wise foreign policy decision by not listening to warmonger.
5
Obama averted war for peace in our time, and laid a blueprint for a Mid East nuclear war in the not too distant future. He surrendered to Iran and, by proxy, Assad and Putin.
Just what could he ask of Putin that would get any answer but a resounding -- and public -- "nyet!!"?
Just what could he ask of Putin that would get any answer but a resounding -- and public -- "nyet!!"?
1
Reality check: Obama proposed war as the only option if we did not accept his Obamacare style high pressure sales job on the Iran Deal.
We averted nothing.
Obama is afraid to negotiate with Putin, and Netanyahu because 1) both of them are actually men, not effeminate losers like Obama and 2) both of them have no problem telling Obama exactly what's what.
Obama is allergic to accountability, and Putin will hammer that home.
We averted nothing.
Obama is afraid to negotiate with Putin, and Netanyahu because 1) both of them are actually men, not effeminate losers like Obama and 2) both of them have no problem telling Obama exactly what's what.
Obama is allergic to accountability, and Putin will hammer that home.
2
Why would Putin want to negotiate? He has already changed the facts on the ground while Obama dithers around.
1
The decsion-making process here is pretty opaque too!
2
It's saying a lot when the great performer Elton John makes an attempt to talk to Putin to discuss gay rights and POTUS won't even make an attempt to talk to him about the turmoil in the middle east.
Since 2011 when Syrians rose up against Assad demanding equal rights, Russia has used every trick in the book to protect Assad, prop up the Ba'athists and destroy any trust in Putin or Russia.
In 2012, Russia led multiple vetoes against the UN plan to save Syria to defend Assad and since then, everything the UN predicted would happen without intervention has. Then Russia invaded a sovereign nation and annexed Ukrainian territory, shot down a passenger jet killing over 200 people, lied about running a not very covert war in Ukraine, ushered Islamic extremists from the Caucuses into Syria to fight with ISIS using the FSB and now is working with Iran and Hezbollah, a terrorist group, to keep Assad in power despite not having a Syrian base to support the regime.
After all that, how could anybody want to give Putin the legitimacy of talking to the U.S. President? Or how could anybody trust Putin's intentions after what Putin and Assad have done?
Respect comes with credibility and Putin has none and does not deserve the U.S. Presidents time.
In 2012, Russia led multiple vetoes against the UN plan to save Syria to defend Assad and since then, everything the UN predicted would happen without intervention has. Then Russia invaded a sovereign nation and annexed Ukrainian territory, shot down a passenger jet killing over 200 people, lied about running a not very covert war in Ukraine, ushered Islamic extremists from the Caucuses into Syria to fight with ISIS using the FSB and now is working with Iran and Hezbollah, a terrorist group, to keep Assad in power despite not having a Syrian base to support the regime.
After all that, how could anybody want to give Putin the legitimacy of talking to the U.S. President? Or how could anybody trust Putin's intentions after what Putin and Assad have done?
Respect comes with credibility and Putin has none and does not deserve the U.S. Presidents time.
3
Thank you! I could repeat the same words!
2
If Mr Obama clearly spells out to Mr Putin what he wants from Mr Putin in Syria and Ukraine, there is no reason why they should not meet. If they do not agree, so be it. He should not miss the opportunity. Maybe Mr Putin wants to get out of his predicament.
Sten, there's no "maybe" for Mr.Putin...He'
s desperately looking for temporary friends and support in the current political/economic situation, which is difficult as we remember Crimea and the way he and Lavrov lied to the world community about the fact of Russian military intervention... KGB politics is never based on "maybe"..
s desperately looking for temporary friends and support in the current political/economic situation, which is difficult as we remember Crimea and the way he and Lavrov lied to the world community about the fact of Russian military intervention... KGB politics is never based on "maybe"..
1
Mr. Obama should ask Mr. Clinton for advice about compartmentalization; it worked for Mr. Clinton, so Mr. Obama should give it a try. There's too much a stake now for playing the part of the silent one.
"To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war" said Winston Churchill
"To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war" said Winston Churchill
Without all the details, on the surface it seems like Mr. Putin is right. A couple years ago Mr. Putin/Russia tried to bring the warring parties to the table but the pre-conditions by the U.S. was that Syria's president, Assad, had to go. So the war continued, many people died with so many missed opportunities.
The time is now to settle this serious matter so talk to Mr. Putin.
The time is now to settle this serious matter so talk to Mr. Putin.
1
I'm not sure fighting ISIL justifies propping up Assad. Right?
The strong talk. The weak shun.
1
I wonder whether President Obama has consulted Benyamin Netanyahu and his colleagues at Likud Party about talking to Assad. After all, Israel's political leadership is still simmering with rage about Iran. Unacceptable for Bibi to watch the US making peace with Iran and Syria.
1
Of course he should talk to Putin. It's Obama's responsibilities to talk with our friends as well as his adversaries. Who cares whether his likes Putin? It's his job to talk to anyone who can further US interest, and stopping ISIS is certainly part of that interest.
17
Russia does not care about ISIS. Russia cares about what Russia has cared about since 2011 when Syrians rose up - keeping Assad in power.
That's not in U.S., Syrian or regional interests and playing along with Putin's fairytales is not going to change anything, except make things even worse.
That's not in U.S., Syrian or regional interests and playing along with Putin's fairytales is not going to change anything, except make things even worse.
1
If it's his responsibility to talk to both friends and adversaries alike, how come he rarely speaks with members of Congress? Or to the PM of our closest ally in the region, Israel? As you properly note: who care whether he likes them?
1
The issue isn't whether or not he will talk to Putin. It's whether or not Putin will talk to him.
He can talk AT Putin. Putin will dismiss his overtures as desperate cries for recognition as a political equal.
Can Obama handle yet another international humiliation?
He can talk AT Putin. Putin will dismiss his overtures as desperate cries for recognition as a political equal.
Can Obama handle yet another international humiliation?
1
What could Trump do that Obama hasn't that would put the fear of God into Putin? Not a thing. Iraq sheep herders cost taxpayers trilions, what would any type of war with Russia or even Iran cost? Trump would only be too happy with playing fast and loose with superpowers with the blessing of the cheering mob yelling him on. Oligarchs can't be socialists anyway, can they? Give enough tax breaks to big business and buy stadiums and arenas for multi millionaire athletes and we're the socialists. Its complicated.
3
If Obama thinks that working with Putin will help them he should do so. The progressive narrative has been that conservatives will object to anything so why worry about them? The progressive narrative is that Obama can heal the earth so dealing with Putin should be a breeze. If Obama thinks that he should deal with Putin perhaps he should not worry what either side of the aisle thinks and just do the right thing.
Further, progressives have consistantly claimed that we need to down size the military because Russians are no longer a threat, so what is the concern over Russia?
Finally, progressives insist that words such as "target" and "thug" are not appropriate, it would be great if the Times would stop using them.
Further, progressives have consistantly claimed that we need to down size the military because Russians are no longer a threat, so what is the concern over Russia?
Finally, progressives insist that words such as "target" and "thug" are not appropriate, it would be great if the Times would stop using them.
2
Personally, I won't be surprised if John Boehner invites Vlad to address Congress this coming year.
6
On several levels, POTUS is out of touch with reality.
Seems that there are no contingency plans, no pre-planning for various scenarios including Russia playing games in the mideast ! Who'd have thought they would do something ?!
China has been creating islands and airfields on them in the South China Sea for years and what is Obama's response? "The Obama administration has called on China to stop .. " Essentially: "Nada !"
"Cyberthreat Posed by China and Iran Confounds White House"
What is Obama's response? "prompted President Obama to voice his frustration.. " Essentially: Nada!
I don't know what will get this Administration and Congress to actually do something useful but US lethargy and inability are ridiculous already.
Seems that there are no contingency plans, no pre-planning for various scenarios including Russia playing games in the mideast ! Who'd have thought they would do something ?!
China has been creating islands and airfields on them in the South China Sea for years and what is Obama's response? "The Obama administration has called on China to stop .. " Essentially: "Nada !"
"Cyberthreat Posed by China and Iran Confounds White House"
What is Obama's response? "prompted President Obama to voice his frustration.. " Essentially: Nada!
I don't know what will get this Administration and Congress to actually do something useful but US lethargy and inability are ridiculous already.
2
To me it's plain that Obama and Putin should meet and talk. Russia is a major power, and, whether we like to admit it or not, it plays a major role on the world stage. We do not seem to be doing a very good job in containing ISIS. Maybe we need to rethink our strategy in that regard and maybe we should at least hear what the Russians have to say. Even thugs have brains and can think strategically.
3
Again, I am going to make some politically incorrect statements, but nevertheless true. All those young men from Syria should be fighting for their homelands and not demanding refugee status in the West. Our troops (and Europeans) should not be fighting for a land that is not valuable enough for the natives to fight for. We have to get over the civilian deaths fear when engaging in military actions. Yes, we should not go out of way to kill civilians, but civilians are going to die when a war is being fought. We will NEVER defeat ISIS unless we are willing to incur civilian casualties. They fight dirty and will only understand we are serious when they see that we are willing to accept the consequences of our military actions. if Americans want Obama to show bluster like Trump says we should than we have to get ready to make all the sacrifices necessary. if people are not willing to do the sacrifices than SHUT UP about criticizing Obama.
4
President Obama has better instincts he should follow
to meet with Putin. May be Putin wants to be helpful in
resolving Syrian crisis as he was on Iran and destruction
of the chemicals. If he has nothing concrete to offer
an hour of Obama's time is lost. Conferring prestige
on Puting by such meeting is nonsense. Obama will
be better off to ignore nonsensical advice.
to meet with Putin. May be Putin wants to be helpful in
resolving Syrian crisis as he was on Iran and destruction
of the chemicals. If he has nothing concrete to offer
an hour of Obama's time is lost. Conferring prestige
on Puting by such meeting is nonsense. Obama will
be better off to ignore nonsensical advice.
1
Putin has nothing but contempt for Obama -- contempt for his weakness on the international stage. To Putin, Kerry's acceptance of terms dictated by Iraq, as ordered by Obama, is just further evidence of Obama's readiness to fold under pressure, his desperation to leave some kind of legacy of achievement when his legacy will anything but.
Obama will continue to avoid talks with Putin for one reason. He is afraid of him. He knows what Putin thinks of him -- and, as a result, of the US as an opponent of Putin's quest for empire -- and does not know how to come out of such a meeting with his tattered international image not further diminished.
When Putin thinks of Obama -- he smirks. Obama knows that. He knows that -- unless he is willing to rattle the saber and mean it -- Putin would use a meeting to further humiliate him.
There will be no meeting. At most, a perfunctory grouping for the cameras, and the photo will show Obama beaming. And Putin smirking.
Obama will continue to avoid talks with Putin for one reason. He is afraid of him. He knows what Putin thinks of him -- and, as a result, of the US as an opponent of Putin's quest for empire -- and does not know how to come out of such a meeting with his tattered international image not further diminished.
When Putin thinks of Obama -- he smirks. Obama knows that. He knows that -- unless he is willing to rattle the saber and mean it -- Putin would use a meeting to further humiliate him.
There will be no meeting. At most, a perfunctory grouping for the cameras, and the photo will show Obama beaming. And Putin smirking.
2
So the USA does a turn around regarding Assad, who the Obama administration has been asking to step down for some years? Putin supports Assad. This situation is a lot more complicated than Obama "not liking" Putin.
Typo: "dictated by Iran", obviously, not "Iraq".
Should Barack talk with Putin? Absolutely!! Didn't he (Barack) criticize GWB for having poor relations with Russia, and wasn't he going to "Reset" that relationship? How did that work out?
Putin has been more right about Syria all through this tragic set of poor options. Deposing dictators in Iraq & Syria left those countries in chaos. Now do we want to regime change Asaad out of Syria? in favor of what or whom? How can we pretend to tell who are the "good" rebels to support?
Russia is uncomfortable with NATO encirclement. They've been invaded twice from the West in the past century. What is the Cold War North Atlantic alliance doing in Latvia and Estonia except to encircle Russia? and in the Ukraine! The Crimea has historically been Russian almost forever, and the U.S. wants to give military support to a coup-installed pro-Western government in Kiev.
If we can negotiate with Iran, we can certainly negotiate with Russia, and possibly ease up on what they see as expansionist plans of the U.S.
Putin has been more right about Syria all through this tragic set of poor options. Deposing dictators in Iraq & Syria left those countries in chaos. Now do we want to regime change Asaad out of Syria? in favor of what or whom? How can we pretend to tell who are the "good" rebels to support?
Russia is uncomfortable with NATO encirclement. They've been invaded twice from the West in the past century. What is the Cold War North Atlantic alliance doing in Latvia and Estonia except to encircle Russia? and in the Ukraine! The Crimea has historically been Russian almost forever, and the U.S. wants to give military support to a coup-installed pro-Western government in Kiev.
If we can negotiate with Iran, we can certainly negotiate with Russia, and possibly ease up on what they see as expansionist plans of the U.S.
9
It is very strange to see how US first invaded Iraq on false pretense, established basis for ISIS and are supporting countries, like Saudis and other gulf states, who are fueling civil war in Syria. Instead of learning from mistakes of deposing song-man and dictators, regime changes as well as supporting the most despotic Gulf regime, cased current mess in Middle East. Instead taking the blame for killing hundreds of thousands of innocent people, US should stop shameful collaboration with Gulf regimes and Turkish government - they are real monsters in the region who helped to to arm ISSI with $6B of weapons - of cause made i USA and NATO countries.
It make all sense to collaborate with all civilized forces and to defeat ISIS. It must include Syrian government, Iran, Russia.
It make all sense to collaborate with all civilized forces and to defeat ISIS. It must include Syrian government, Iran, Russia.
8
Except Russia, Assad, Iran and Hezbollah are not civilized and Syria is a victim of the Assad family dictatorship, hence why Syrians rose up en mass to protest for equal rights which Assad responded to by having his security forces open fire on peaceful protesters. After that, Syrians fought back and that is why there is a conflict in Syria.
The central question is, who holds a viable alternative to fight ISIS in Syria other than President Bashar al-Assad's regime?
As Ahmad Samih Khalidi pointed out in the opinion pages (NYT 9/15/2014), there is no "moderate" Syrian opposition for the West to support. Further, Mr. Khalidi views the west as "appeasing Arab Gulf Persian Gulf allies that have turned the overthrow of Mr. Assad into a policy fetish that runs against any rational calculation to defeat Islamic terrorism."
For those reasons I support President Putin's goals. I hope President Obama will cooperate with the Russian leader to fight ISIS and its threats to
the world.
As Ahmad Samih Khalidi pointed out in the opinion pages (NYT 9/15/2014), there is no "moderate" Syrian opposition for the West to support. Further, Mr. Khalidi views the west as "appeasing Arab Gulf Persian Gulf allies that have turned the overthrow of Mr. Assad into a policy fetish that runs against any rational calculation to defeat Islamic terrorism."
For those reasons I support President Putin's goals. I hope President Obama will cooperate with the Russian leader to fight ISIS and its threats to
the world.
13
That there should be any debate at all about talking to the Russians about the fate of one of their long term client states typifies the incompetence of the Obama administration.
5
It's always better to talk with your adversaries than not, but if the President agrees to a meeting with Putin, it should be on his terms, not those of the Russian leader. It is obvious that Putin wants to use his UN foray to legitimize himself once again with the civilized world, and to try and talk with the big boys about Syria while giving Ukraine short shrift. Obama shouldn't let him. The topics of the discussion should be agreed beforehand, as well as the report (known as a communique) on whatever results were achieved, just as in the Soviet era. By the way, since we are agreeing to take Syrian refugees, why not ask Russia to do the same? Also, why not ask Putin to agree to re-admit OSCE election observers to future Russian elections? That ought to spice up the conversation.
I'm confused are you insinuating that Russia is somehow uncivilized?
And why exactly Russia should take any Syrian refugees? Russia didn't start any of the wars in the ME that created ISIS, Russia didn't support "moderate opposition" with weapons and advisors. And for your information, 12000 Syrian refugees were accepted and settled in Russia since the war, engineered by the US in Syria begun.
As for OSCE elections observers, does the US have them? No, because US is a sovereign nation so is Russia, though it might be a surprise to you.
Nothing constructive will happen, unless US political elites abandon their arrogance and start talking with other nations as independent states with their own interests, policies, traditions and voice.
As for OSCE elections observers, does the US have them? No, because US is a sovereign nation so is Russia, though it might be a surprise to you.
Nothing constructive will happen, unless US political elites abandon their arrogance and start talking with other nations as independent states with their own interests, policies, traditions and voice.
1
Perfect opportunity for Obama to shake hands with Putin, get out of Syria, and focus on ISIS in Iraq. The Syrian crisis belongs to Assad and the Russians. Let the Russians and Iranians handle ISIS there. If Putin hadnt sandbagged all attempts to do something about Syria in the beginning of the conflict, it wouldn't have gone out of hand.
Sounds like a neo con convention. Of course Obama should meet Putin. The red herring of Putin's being the villain of the Ukraine mess and the constant haranguing of the NYT of Putin over this is tiresome. In Syria the NYT now states that Putin is involved in some new gambit. Of course it is way off base. As is well known the Russia has been allies with Syria for years. Negotiations between Obama and Putin are essential.
12
I agree. I visited the Moscow Bar Show a couple days ago in Russia and it's essential in my very limited understanding of these events to sit down over a meal (preferably) and possibly a vodka (or two) and have a civilized conversation between adults. It's too important not to!
1
Mr. Putin's government is destroying food from America and other countries to supposedly retaliate against sanctions because of Ukraine. Any leader who does that has no social conscience and President Obama would just be wasting his breath and power. Mass murderer Assad and his regime must be arrested and tried for war crimes against their own citizens NOW. Mr. Putin and the Iran "supreme religious leader" should be called out by the international community for supporting the mass murderer.
2
If I heard that someone, anyone, was debating whether or not to talk to me I would short circuit their debate. How condescending can one get.
Tell obama to shove it, President Putin.
Tell obama to shove it, President Putin.
8
It will definitely help us here in Moscow if Pres. Obama won't meet him and won't cooperate on Syria.
Mr. Putin fiercely defends Syrian President Bashar Assad - almost irrationally. He saw the fate of Ghaddafi in Libyan uprising, he sees the same development in Syria and it fears him. And he is making crazy bets - hoping it will buy him time as his policies bring our country deeper in isolation and closer to full-blown crisis in the economy.
Mr. Putin fiercely defends Syrian President Bashar Assad - almost irrationally. He saw the fate of Ghaddafi in Libyan uprising, he sees the same development in Syria and it fears him. And he is making crazy bets - hoping it will buy him time as his policies bring our country deeper in isolation and closer to full-blown crisis in the economy.
2
Who are exactly "Us here in Moscow"? And how prolonging pointless Syrian war with thousands killed will help you and why?
What will help you in Moscow and us in the US is diplomatic solution, rational approach and cooperation!
What will help you in Moscow and us in the US is diplomatic solution, rational approach and cooperation!
Putin is a world leader. He bailed us out re chemical weapons and the "red line" failure. Obama should work with him.
16
Obama's has the same problem in meeting with Putin as he does with Bibi Netanyahu. They both make him look weak and incompetent and bring more attention to his foreign policy failures.
8
The next president of the US (assuming it is a moderate republican) should talk to Putin and tell him what's what with no ifs or buts. Putin has Obama in his pocket already.
2
You assume wrong. There is no such thing as a moderate republican, at least in the last couple of decades.
I love the idea that meeting with Putin would make Obama "look weak." What about the current approach of setting out red lines that Washington has neither the political will nor (crucially) the popular support to credibly enforce?
The point here is that this is not some macho showdown in a project playground -- it's diplomacy, which means advancing a policy that calibrates interests with limitations in a realistic way.
The reality is that the United States public will not support the kind of intervention that would be required to really drive Russia out of Ukraine, nor will it support another ground war in the Middle East, even to fight the repugnant degenerates of ISIS. Let's understand this, soberly, as the limitation, and determine our objectives/policy from there, instead of carrying on inanely about who "looks weak", as though that is a basis for effective policy.
The point here is that this is not some macho showdown in a project playground -- it's diplomacy, which means advancing a policy that calibrates interests with limitations in a realistic way.
The reality is that the United States public will not support the kind of intervention that would be required to really drive Russia out of Ukraine, nor will it support another ground war in the Middle East, even to fight the repugnant degenerates of ISIS. Let's understand this, soberly, as the limitation, and determine our objectives/policy from there, instead of carrying on inanely about who "looks weak", as though that is a basis for effective policy.
18
Neither Obama or Putin care about Assad. They can do a deal. Remember, Putin asked for the meet--the war is not going well for Assad or Putin (the reason Russia is sending military war goods to Syria) and the later is ready to dump, politely, the former. Time for a deal. Obama is pretty good at that.
3
Putin is a racist. He has no respect for Obama just because of skin color. Because of that of course Obama is not going to want to deal with Putin. Obama is going to have to though. He has to stop avoiding him and man up.
2
Let's see.... Talking to another world leader to lessen the chance of nuclear war... Can I get back to you?
There are ninth-graders out there I'd rather see running this country than what we have, what we've had over the last 20 years. Cannot believe the "quality" of leadership in this country. We have become a sad, sick joke. And unfortunately it's very true -- we deserve it.
There are ninth-graders out there I'd rather see running this country than what we have, what we've had over the last 20 years. Cannot believe the "quality" of leadership in this country. We have become a sad, sick joke. And unfortunately it's very true -- we deserve it.
8
Even a courtesy call or meet may thaw the relations. The blame game of the western mainstream media and of the Government officials will not make the meeting easier. Still these people are the best in their Nations to sort out the differences of the long past - they do greatly value mutual respect.
1
Remove Obama from office with the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
1
Like it or not, we need Assad to stay in power and ISIS to be defeated. he is the lesser of two evils.
Just like Egypt and Iraq would be better off, with Mubarak and Hussein, still in power.
Just like Egypt and Iraq would be better off, with Mubarak and Hussein, still in power.
6
Talk is cheap - which is the point; it doesn't cost you anything.
2
Obama SHOULD talk to Putin about Syria. It may not help but it will not be a waste of time trying to improve the situation.
9
On the agenda should be using those big Russian air transport carriers to airlift a stream of refugees to Russia, plus sending a few more over to Serbia for refugee airlifts to the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Assad is finished, he lost control of his country by failing to make political reform when that was still possible. Syria is not the same as Crimea. Get everyone to the table in Oman and start talking about making a new Federal government. Don't make the same mistake as in Geneva: all relevant parties must be there including Iranians, Kurds, Daish, Ethnic Minorities, et al. Anyone who does not come to the table, well, that would be suicidal.
3
If Obama is serious about wanting peace in the Middle East he must talk to Putin. Distance and silence have won him nothing so far. Furthermore, he must back down from his "Assad must go" position to make such talks fruitful. A united effort between the Assad government, Russia the US and probably Iran and Iraq are necessary to stop ISIS. Obama's legacy will be enhanced if he can bring an end to the conflict in Syria and Iraq. Only his short-term reputation among American hawks and conservative zealots will suffer from being labeled as "giving in" to Putin. History will remember the consequences of his actions, not the immediate public reaction.
9
This article is Hilarious. Putin meeting Obama would restore him as a major world leader? Putin is the leader of the worlds largest country, with one of its two largest nuclear arsenals, massive resources, and a huge military. He is already a major world leader. The fact that he is smarter than most of the others, calculates properly, acts when necessary and does not care a fig for interests other than his own, makes him one of best of the current crop.
16
He is the leader of his Nation with greater support by this people.
1
So now the annexor of Crimea and sponsor of state terrorism in East Ukraine wants to "cooperate' with everyone to eliminate terrorism in Syria - Iraq? And we should talk to him about it? If I were Obama I'd use my own speech at the UN to emphasize what Putin has done in the past, declare that he can't be trusted and that he's trying to do this to regain some legitimacy after Crimea and Ukraine, and tell the world we will have nothing to do with him.
2
Yes. More speeches and declarations from Obama to the UN will teach Putin!
Yeah, why talk? Let just start another war! Wouldn't that be just great?
Anyone in his right mind would say solving a huge humanitarian crisis outweighs any concerns that diplomatic attempts to do so would "reward an international bully", esp with regards to Washington, which has earned the title "international bully" many times over.
11
The master debater is afraid to look into Putin's cold eyes, and make a point. Talk is easy with a teleprompter, but difficult when talking to a real World Leader. Russia isn't worried about Obama's red lines in the sand.
5
And now it seems Mr. Netanyahu will meet with Mr. Putin next week according to NYT article. Will this be a warning from Israel that if Russia is more involved with Syria then Israel will become more involved as well? Isn't Israel technically still at war with Syria and is in favor of regime change there?
The NYT should dig a little deeper to give its readers more information so we can better understand the chess game here.
The NYT should dig a little deeper to give its readers more information so we can better understand the chess game here.
6
There is a strong technological nexus between Russian and Israeli scientists, bonds that are lot stronger than those between Obama and the current leadership in Israel.
No worries. President Trump will soon put Putin in his place. "Vlad, you're disgusting."
1
True, but I for one think that not a good idea....unless Trump plans on reinstating the draft.
2
There was little news coming out of Syria some years back; I'm guessing it was pre Obama. I've read the CIA was training the rebels in Syria. Syria was humming along for awhile there w/o the kind of turmoil that seems to come out of nowhere. Now here we are with an Exodus out of Syria of historic proportions because "Fomenting Discord" is how we spread Freedom.
7
Oh, please. Putin has been running circles around a clueless Obama for sex years. In the Syria mess, thanks to Obama, the US is not even a factor, so all Obama could accomplish by meeting Putin would be to make it a worse mess.
5
Obama's problem when it comes to negotiating is his past and ideals. He honestly believes the US is bad, he was fed that by his mentor as a young man and it was re-instilled by Rev. Wright and others that he listens to. Obama also believes that if the US pulled back from its evil engagements, at home (police, racism, poor vs. rich rhetoric) and over seas (yes the middle east bombed us, but that's because we bought their oil), that the rest of the world would be at peace.
This is naïve at best and demonstrates that he is a bad leader. Not just when it comes to foreign affairs, but domestic as well. He thought he could just mandate and all would fall in place. But he's really a 20 year old mind stuck in the immature notions of the world that comes from no experience, just books and lectures by his mentor (communist) and professors (ivory tower elitists that have never worked in the real world).
There is a place for ideals and professors and lectures and discussions. But it's not at the level of President of the United States. Putin sees this and is having a field day. The UN is pretty much the same, but has the nationalistic bent where representatives care only about what they get for their own countries, or themselves instead of their constituents.
A community organizer for Chicago that never really was able to organize that small area of the globe. I do feel bad for him; he thought he knew how to run the world and make life fair. But he's not 20 years old now
This is naïve at best and demonstrates that he is a bad leader. Not just when it comes to foreign affairs, but domestic as well. He thought he could just mandate and all would fall in place. But he's really a 20 year old mind stuck in the immature notions of the world that comes from no experience, just books and lectures by his mentor (communist) and professors (ivory tower elitists that have never worked in the real world).
There is a place for ideals and professors and lectures and discussions. But it's not at the level of President of the United States. Putin sees this and is having a field day. The UN is pretty much the same, but has the nationalistic bent where representatives care only about what they get for their own countries, or themselves instead of their constituents.
A community organizer for Chicago that never really was able to organize that small area of the globe. I do feel bad for him; he thought he knew how to run the world and make life fair. But he's not 20 years old now
4
With over 700 military bases in the Mideast and still Russia is not 'afraid' of Obama; it's almost daring him to do something that would trigger a nuclear onslaught. Russia has probably got every based targeted with one or more missiles. POOF!
Sounds like Obama's plan is to float the idea of talks thru the media. Pathetic. Pick up the phone, do t say you're thinking about it.
5
STOP viewing Russia as an enemy
8
&Kjoe
Hard to do while Russia threatens the foundations of international law and norms as well as European security by occupying Ukrainian territory while supporting and propping up the Butcher of Damascus.
Hard to do while Russia threatens the foundations of international law and norms as well as European security by occupying Ukrainian territory while supporting and propping up the Butcher of Damascus.
“Meeting with the Russian strongman would only make the president look weak.”
Too late.
Too late.
7
When we only talk to people we agree with and who agree with us, there may be a tendency to miss things. Our epic failure in just about every part of the Middle East may be a good example of this....assuming of course that we recognize these failures.
6
Obama cannot stand up to Putin...the Russian would eat him for bfast
6
And for some reason Republicans are only too pleased to look more favorably at a foreign leader than their own.
1
Obama thinks that the intent of ISIS to conquer Syria is a long-range dream that can be dealt with by diplomacy. Putin knows that his pal Bashar al Assad's forces are depleted and exhausted and will collapse before year's end if nothing is done.
Obama thinks Russia is nearly bankrupt and can't fight and win in Syria anyhow. Putin knows that he will get military contracts and war-fighting cash from the Iranians, who are about to receive a hefty windfall from, well, Obama.
Obama thinks (and likes to say) that military power never solves anything. That is a trendy, pseudo-sophisticated thought to utter that pleases Obama's liberal audience. Putin knows that there will be a real winner and a real loser in Syria and the show down rushes at us through time.
Obama thinks that if ISIS does conquer Syria the consequences (and the images) will be awful, but he will still be able to blame it all on "W," or the neo-cons, or on the Republicans for not rubber-stamping his entirely unrelated budget plans.
Leaders like O. and P. tend to do what works for them. What works for P. is tanks supported by artillery fire, Russian tactics winning wars since 1941 (except for in Afghanistan, where the terrain was very unfavorable.)
Obama thinks Russia is nearly bankrupt and can't fight and win in Syria anyhow. Putin knows that he will get military contracts and war-fighting cash from the Iranians, who are about to receive a hefty windfall from, well, Obama.
Obama thinks (and likes to say) that military power never solves anything. That is a trendy, pseudo-sophisticated thought to utter that pleases Obama's liberal audience. Putin knows that there will be a real winner and a real loser in Syria and the show down rushes at us through time.
Obama thinks that if ISIS does conquer Syria the consequences (and the images) will be awful, but he will still be able to blame it all on "W," or the neo-cons, or on the Republicans for not rubber-stamping his entirely unrelated budget plans.
Leaders like O. and P. tend to do what works for them. What works for P. is tanks supported by artillery fire, Russian tactics winning wars since 1941 (except for in Afghanistan, where the terrain was very unfavorable.)
2
T90's are no longer manufactured, and getting sold off to other countries. The T95 replacement launches missiles up to 7 km. Russians are sending old gear to Syria.
Candidate Obama styled himself as the great diplomat, yet time after time he has refused to talk to or meet with Putin on grave matters of international concern. Russia proposed a Syrian peace plan in 2012, but Obama thought Assad would step down and so declined to take the proposal seriously. Obama acted like, and still acts like, a petulant child, and the Syrian civil war rages on.
9
Let's just talk body language here.
In the photo accompanying the Times article about Putin besting Obama again, look at the photo.
Obama, head bowed, cowering, afraid to make eye contact.
Putin, fixed gaze, steel resolve, looking as if a right hook to the jaw is a moment away.
As a Black man in America, Barack Obama is an embarrassment to me. On every level.
In the photo accompanying the Times article about Putin besting Obama again, look at the photo.
Obama, head bowed, cowering, afraid to make eye contact.
Putin, fixed gaze, steel resolve, looking as if a right hook to the jaw is a moment away.
As a Black man in America, Barack Obama is an embarrassment to me. On every level.
12
Learn how to play chess first and you won't be 'embarassed'; only outsmarted.
3
Yes, we should have sent the NFL's meanest middle linebacker to negotiate with Putin.
In the first picture, President Obama's back is to the camera so I don't know how you can claim to know where he is looking. In the second picture, that is not President Obama with Putin, but another Russian official! Your comments read like they came from Justice Thomas.
The Qatar Gas Pipeline thru Syria versus millions in refugees going to the EU - the refugees "won" the minds of Merkel and Holland.
Obama's Vassals are bolting - he has no choice !!!
As you will recall - Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh has published an article demonstrating that the US government and President Barack Obama knowingly lied when they claimed that the Syrian government had carried out a sarin gas attack on insurgent-held areas.
The US, the major European powers, and their regional allies all previously lent financial, military and political support to ISIS and similar groups, which have “Made in the USA” stamped all over them.
They have, until now, played a significant part in Washington’s efforts to overthrow the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, as part of a broader effort to gain control of the region’s vast energy resources and transit routes.
25 year game is coming to an end - hip, hip, horah!
Obama's Vassals are bolting - he has no choice !!!
As you will recall - Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh has published an article demonstrating that the US government and President Barack Obama knowingly lied when they claimed that the Syrian government had carried out a sarin gas attack on insurgent-held areas.
The US, the major European powers, and their regional allies all previously lent financial, military and political support to ISIS and similar groups, which have “Made in the USA” stamped all over them.
They have, until now, played a significant part in Washington’s efforts to overthrow the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, as part of a broader effort to gain control of the region’s vast energy resources and transit routes.
25 year game is coming to an end - hip, hip, horah!
14
Demonizing the leadership of Syria only fueled the terrorist groups and lead to the EXODUS of millions of middle class people. Obama is clueless, as usual; and the refugee crisis is his legacy to the world.
Obama's disengagement from the Middle East and continuing foreign policy failures make it plainly evident that a bake sale organizer from Chicago was never fit to be president. While the media continues to prop him up the world burns. Presidential historians are going to have a field day with all of this in 20 years.
13
Yeah, we need the leadership of guys like:
Eureka College guy cheerleader, WW II dodger Reagan who created the Taliban, armed Saddam Hussein, funded death squads in El Salvador, genocide in Guatemala, and gave us Iran Contra, or,
Andover Prep guy cheerleader Viet Nam dodger Boy George Bush, who invaded the Graveyard of Empires, allowed family business associate bin Laden to walk out of Tora Bora to lead AQ another decade, then led The Charge of The Fools Brigade into Iraq.
Macho republican guy leadership, huh?
Eureka College guy cheerleader, WW II dodger Reagan who created the Taliban, armed Saddam Hussein, funded death squads in El Salvador, genocide in Guatemala, and gave us Iran Contra, or,
Andover Prep guy cheerleader Viet Nam dodger Boy George Bush, who invaded the Graveyard of Empires, allowed family business associate bin Laden to walk out of Tora Bora to lead AQ another decade, then led The Charge of The Fools Brigade into Iraq.
Macho republican guy leadership, huh?
5
"Some fear a meeting would only play into Mr. Putin’s hands."
Fear. Fear is the hallmark of our so-called "conservative" citizens. They don't know what they like, they don't have any proposals to make, they just FEAR. Yet they stand up at baseball games and sing lustily about "The Hooooome of the Braaaaaave!!!"
Fear. Fear is the hallmark of our so-called "conservative" citizens. They don't know what they like, they don't have any proposals to make, they just FEAR. Yet they stand up at baseball games and sing lustily about "The Hooooome of the Braaaaaave!!!"
19
we are the home of the brave, or were, until Obama arrived...he backs down from any form of conflict
2
You're confusing stupid aggressiveness for bravery. If we were brave, we wouldn't have freaked out about 9/11, started attacking everything in sight.
1
If the 'big' powers of the world do not act with restraint and sensibility how can we expect the Middle East and other crises such as the Refugee issues to be resolved. Keep drama and rhetoric out otherwise it will be like what ihappens in the Indian subcontinent...
6
The better path is to continue to have dialogue at the ministerial level (Kerry/Lavrov) but for Obama to continue to shun Putin. The one thing that seems to be obvious in the mysterious ways of the Kremlin is that Putin has put some personal investment in being "rehabilitated" internationally, post-Crimea/Ukraine, both for domestic Russian consumption and to some extent to improve his standing with other world leaders. Deny him that, continue to freeze him out, so that other world leaders will not feel excused for them to do bring him in from the cold; when needed for situations like Iran or Syria, it's adequate for Kerry and Lavrov to confer.
8
100 years ago hundreds of thousands of Christians fleeing the Ottoman Empire
were literally crawling on their hand and knees into Syria and Lebanon..
The Arabs accepted them, even welcomed them..The Syrian and Lebanese fed, clothed and sheltered these Christians. If you have to talk to the Devil himself, so be it..figure it out and stop the madness. BTY shame on Hungary and bravo to Germany !
were literally crawling on their hand and knees into Syria and Lebanon..
The Arabs accepted them, even welcomed them..The Syrian and Lebanese fed, clothed and sheltered these Christians. If you have to talk to the Devil himself, so be it..figure it out and stop the madness. BTY shame on Hungary and bravo to Germany !
6
only stupid nations in Europe would welcome hordes of moslems who will never assimiliate and who will drain their social services.............bravo to hungary and Denmark for being realists
5
Jesus, people are dying and countries are being destroyed and your experts are talking about who will look strong and who will be strong. The only thing that matters are people. If leaders can meet and get things right, cooperate - let it be. No one cares how politics will look like if they can stop all the mess in the region
14
The Russians have been right in Foreverstan and we have been wrong. We should listen to them.
8
Who was it that first uttered this words, "Beware the truce of the bear?" Still, as Churchill once stated, "It is better to jaw-jaw than to war-war" Just don't let Putin hug you, Mr. President.
8
Putin is maneuvering Russia into a leadership position in the world that the USA had before Obama took office.
And he's using Obama's incompetence and cowardice to do it.
And he's using Obama's incompetence and cowardice to do it.
17
If you think our Iraqi debacle was a position of leadership, then you sir are terribly delusional. Whereas Putin sends Russian troops in disguise to agitate in Ukraine, there is really nothing we can do other than start a destructive war. Is this something you feel would constitute good foreign policy? Bush's chickens are going to continue coming home to roost. So stop blaming Obama for being put into an impossible situation on the domestic as well as the foreign policy front.
This will be the second time Putin humiliated Obama on the world stage on Syria.
Putin exposed Obama's cowardice on the red line fiasco, jumping in and leading on that, making Obama look like the emasculated weasel that the world sees Obama as being.
Looks like we are in for a sequel.
Putin exposed Obama's cowardice on the red line fiasco, jumping in and leading on that, making Obama look like the emasculated weasel that the world sees Obama as being.
Looks like we are in for a sequel.
14
Is this another macho reply based on 'standing up to Putin'? I thought Biden was the foreign policy expert; where is he in all this? Probably shoved out of sight, as usual.
1
I assume you and your offspring and other relatives are ready to sign up for military service and to pay for more war, or do you just like to spout off and expect other peoples children to do the fighting that you seem to want so badly.
If war wasn't an option, why did Obama present it as the first option?
This isn't about me.
When will you ever hold Barack Obama responsible for what Barack Obama does? If I had control over Obama, as a Black man I would have written his resignation letter and signed it for him 6 years ago.
This isn't about me.
When will you ever hold Barack Obama responsible for what Barack Obama does? If I had control over Obama, as a Black man I would have written his resignation letter and signed it for him 6 years ago.
A meeting with Putin is only a bad idea if you believe Obama will easily give in to any proposal that strengthens Russia at the expense of the US. After 7 years of dealing with Republicans I think he is more than prepared to deal with Putin.
7
The real reason it is so difficult for the Obama administration to go ahead and schedule a meeting with Putin is this: Obama cannot be seen giving Russia anything, and even just meeting with Russia's president is viewed as giving Russia something. U.S. policy makers refuse to accept simple facts: (1) Russia is a major power, (2) Russia has interests, including in Syria, and (3) if the US wants Russia's cooperation, some of these interests must be accommodated. Any working relationship involves give and take. If you only want to take, the other party stops cooperating.
Obama should show some leadership, talk to Putin and look for a realistic path forward in Syria.
Obama should show some leadership, talk to Putin and look for a realistic path forward in Syria.
12
Seems like Obama has managed to mess up our relationship with almost every country in the world. They see him as weak and walk on him.
3
Look at the photo of Putin, looking at Obama with disgust.
I've been to Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and the Czech Republic in 2015.
Nobody respects Obama, and even fewer people in Europe trust him.
I've been to Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and the Czech Republic in 2015.
Nobody respects Obama, and even fewer people in Europe trust him.
1
The President needs to organize the community of man in both Europe and the Middle East in order to lead us to a peaceful settlement. He should certainly have the experience to do that!
1
Couldn't we reach an accomodation with Putin, for the sake of the Syrian people? They are desperate. Macho posturing and empty rhetoric are no help in this situation.
14
Around this time two years ago, President Obama was set to launch a “surgical strike” against Assad to punish him for his alleged use of chemical weapons. He faced stiff opposition from congress. Then, President Putin, capitalizing on Kerry’s famous gaffe, offered the President a lifeline: He convinced Assad to put his chemicals under international control
Russia’s reported military buildup in Syria could be Obama’s second lifeline for a number of reasons:
1. His yearlong war on ISIL from the air is not producing any significant results,
2. Pentagon-trained “moderate” rebel fighters is not going anywhere
3. US-Saudi strategy and overthrowing Assad first, then engineer a power-sharing scheme among ethnic and sectarian groups cannot succeed, but it did not succeed in Iraq and Lebanon.
With Russian troops in Syria, US’s anti-ISIL coalition may finally have a reliable partner on the ground who is not the Syrian government, but its ally, who could transfer ISIL free territory to locally elected leaders. This approach will liberate Syria from genocidal fighters one town at the time and trust it to locally elected officials, essentially transitioning the country town by town, city by city, to democratically elected leaders. Assad’s fate can then be determined through the will of the people the same way, but on a national level.
Russia’s reported military buildup in Syria could be Obama’s second lifeline for a number of reasons:
1. His yearlong war on ISIL from the air is not producing any significant results,
2. Pentagon-trained “moderate” rebel fighters is not going anywhere
3. US-Saudi strategy and overthrowing Assad first, then engineer a power-sharing scheme among ethnic and sectarian groups cannot succeed, but it did not succeed in Iraq and Lebanon.
With Russian troops in Syria, US’s anti-ISIL coalition may finally have a reliable partner on the ground who is not the Syrian government, but its ally, who could transfer ISIL free territory to locally elected leaders. This approach will liberate Syria from genocidal fighters one town at the time and trust it to locally elected officials, essentially transitioning the country town by town, city by city, to democratically elected leaders. Assad’s fate can then be determined through the will of the people the same way, but on a national level.
8
Wrong.
Putin is playing Obama for a fool again.
Putin wants to sucker Obama into a larger military engagement with Syria or to position Russia as a negotiator between the US and Syria.
Then Putin gets to save the refugees, play the hero on the global stage and reposition Russia where America used to be on the world stage.
That's what this is about. If Putin wanted significant results, he could have gotten them by now. As you can see, world leaders are no longer consulting Obama when they escalate military strikes.
Putin is playing Obama for a fool again.
Putin wants to sucker Obama into a larger military engagement with Syria or to position Russia as a negotiator between the US and Syria.
Then Putin gets to save the refugees, play the hero on the global stage and reposition Russia where America used to be on the world stage.
That's what this is about. If Putin wanted significant results, he could have gotten them by now. As you can see, world leaders are no longer consulting Obama when they escalate military strikes.
Anytime Obama talks to any foreign leader we, the USA, ends up with a bad deal. The man simply gives away the house. Answer, President Trump.
8
In that case, should it happen, be prepared for war!
This was a miscalculation and it led to unintended consequences. Obama badly underestimated his adversary thinking the Russians would knuckle under with sanctions for Ukraine but that didn't happen because Russia is a nuclear state and it has a sophisticated military and understanding of global politics. So Putin hit back and we effectively traded a little less chaos in Ukraine for a lot of it in Syria. The only move is to keep talking and now the administration has to find a graceful way to back peddal.
14
I would support engaging with Mr. Putin. This used to be called "realpolitik". We have to be realistic about the forces operating in the world. The U.S. can't (or shouldn't) bomb its way to world domination. If we are not going to do that, how about let's try to get along with other countries? Syria has long been in the Russian orbit, as have been Ukraine, Crimea, etc. Of course the west would like those countries in its orbit. Those strategies have not been working out too well, it seems to me. Maybe we should get over the cold war mentality of us vs. them and really try and work together to solve some problems.
11
Together with Putin, Obama should ask the world to help free occupied Crimea.
1
The majority of the people in the Crimea are Russian. Although they voted to leave the Ukraine and rejoin Russia, many of them are having second thoughts because the corruption has continued. I've been there and talked with many. Have you? I think they can eventually figure it out for themselves. Why it is any of our business I fail to see. Let them fight their own battles.
You don't have to ponder much over why currently the administration would leak that Obama's instincts is to talk with Putin. Since Putin didn't stop supporting Assad even after Ukraine, or lay over and play dead from sanctions, it has now become the time to talk about our differences. There is no differences when actions are driven by greed, may it be Putin, Hassan Rouhani, Assad or Obama. We may sanction Putin, but we won't invade Russia, nor China, Iran and now Syria like we did Iraq and Afghanistan.
After all, Russia has lots of oil and gas and lets not forget their pipelines, which is why we got involved in Afghanistan and Syria. However the difference is that Russia has nuclear weapons and advanced tactical weapons for the battlefield preventing NATO and the US from direct military action that would lead to WW3.
What concerns me is that American and Russian leaders are starting to talk like a nuclear war is winnable. The World's leadership should be evolving not moving us back into a stone age mentality of drawing lines in the sand saying this is mine, and that is yours until I can take it away from you.
After all, Russia has lots of oil and gas and lets not forget their pipelines, which is why we got involved in Afghanistan and Syria. However the difference is that Russia has nuclear weapons and advanced tactical weapons for the battlefield preventing NATO and the US from direct military action that would lead to WW3.
What concerns me is that American and Russian leaders are starting to talk like a nuclear war is winnable. The World's leadership should be evolving not moving us back into a stone age mentality of drawing lines in the sand saying this is mine, and that is yours until I can take it away from you.
7
Since China now has a growing number of anti-carrier missiles and an aggressive posture in much of the China sea; you shouldn't lose sight of their impressive military capability. ....and while you're at it, check out the new Sukhoi 50 jetfighter which has drawn impressive reviews and purchase orders from INDIA's military.
I was for the Iran deal before I was against it. I was for it because I believed it prevented a war and Iran building a nuclear weapon. Then I asked myself why did Russia so merrily go along with it when Iran's capacity to put oil on the market would have a negative impact on the Russian economy.
That is when I realized Obama was giving away the house in the Middle East. He was setting the stage for a Russian/Iranian detente which will allow Russia to expand its aggressive forces into the Middle East, give it access to ports in the Persian Gulf, help it build up Syria, and generally give a new life to the forces of evil that exist in the crescent from Iran, through Iraq, and into Syria.
Netanyahu had it all wrong; it was not Iran's bomb that threatened Israel as much as its ability to give succor to forces inimical to Israel such as Hezbollah.
Now Netanyahu must scramble and start to placate Putin. This is bad. Israel has been as strong supporter of a free Ukraine. Will Putin demand Israel's concessions on that front?
In the big picture a small dictator Putin is becoming a big player because of the ineptness of our president and secretary of state to see the other side of the deal with Iran. I'm afraid that things will soon be getting a lot worse for the United States.
That is when I realized Obama was giving away the house in the Middle East. He was setting the stage for a Russian/Iranian detente which will allow Russia to expand its aggressive forces into the Middle East, give it access to ports in the Persian Gulf, help it build up Syria, and generally give a new life to the forces of evil that exist in the crescent from Iran, through Iraq, and into Syria.
Netanyahu had it all wrong; it was not Iran's bomb that threatened Israel as much as its ability to give succor to forces inimical to Israel such as Hezbollah.
Now Netanyahu must scramble and start to placate Putin. This is bad. Israel has been as strong supporter of a free Ukraine. Will Putin demand Israel's concessions on that front?
In the big picture a small dictator Putin is becoming a big player because of the ineptness of our president and secretary of state to see the other side of the deal with Iran. I'm afraid that things will soon be getting a lot worse for the United States.
7
So what? All that stuff you list is in Russia's back yard. How long have we been "extending our influence" into Central and South America? How does Russia having a decent relationship with Iran harm us? We can't have all the marbles anymore, Matt. Those days are gone.
3
How could a Russian dominated ME look worse than an ISIS dominated one?
3
Well, I dare say not everybody would agree that it is Putin who is the international bully.
9
Could it be the two countries you refer to have had different budgets to work with and that has directly affected any desires to project power?
Yup, who has stationed hundreds of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction off the shore of Iran and Syria? When Chicago gang tactics of 'shows of force' don't work, you're left with real diplomacy and negotiation...so suck it up Obie and be nice to the bear.
Obama should count his fingers after shaking hands with Putin.
3
This really bothers me. Meet with the man! Who cares about looking weak?! There are people's lives at stake! There's a vicious and bloody civil war that has been raging for over four and a half years in one of the most volatile regions of the world and President Obama and his advisors are worried about looking weak for sitting down and having a chat about it with one of the other major world powers? Sure, some ignorant people are going to think it reflects 'negatively' on the President's image, but I think there are a few more humane concerns here than one man's reputation.
Putin is certainly not the most ideal global partner, but if we don't sit down with him and flesh out a strategy then that could mean the difference between a thousand more deaths and a hundred thousand more deaths. We can worry about his other political atrocities later, there are real, pressing world issues to discuss.
Looking weak...ridiculous. Sit down and talk. Not doing so is the real cowardice here.
Putin is certainly not the most ideal global partner, but if we don't sit down with him and flesh out a strategy then that could mean the difference between a thousand more deaths and a hundred thousand more deaths. We can worry about his other political atrocities later, there are real, pressing world issues to discuss.
Looking weak...ridiculous. Sit down and talk. Not doing so is the real cowardice here.
25
Obama would have to admit that his ARAB SPRING initiative and arming the 'good' rebels was both ignorant and lead to the exodus of millions of middle class families, as well as the murder of thousands of civilians from drone and other 'proxy' attacks.
Unfortunately, he isn't 'man enough' to fess up to the consequences of his global 'community organizing'; and will blame the NYTIMES, Bush and everyone else except himself.
Unfortunately, he isn't 'man enough' to fess up to the consequences of his global 'community organizing'; and will blame the NYTIMES, Bush and everyone else except himself.
The dumbest thing that any president has ever said is: After the election, I can be more flexible. Obama said this to Putin. Since then, Putin has invaded The Ukraine twice and sent troops to Syria.
Obama should not talk to Putin ever again.
The Iran deal did not work out well.
I suggest that the US withdraw all its diplomats.
Obama should not talk to Putin ever again.
The Iran deal did not work out well.
I suggest that the US withdraw all its diplomats.
8
By the time Obama stops dithering he will be out of office.
3
Obama can only hope to offer some kind of concession or money; that's the best he can do with Putin. When you are seen as the spineless intellectual leader of the free world your posers of negotiation are deminished to the point of no return.
Talk about a dismal choice. Obama talks with Putin in support of Assad, a man who murdered his own people, some with chemical weapons OR we continue supporting rebels in Syria who have no chance of defeating ISIS, a murdering bunch of thugs who behead people for international television entertainment.
Of course Putin, too, is suspected of ordering his F.S.B. ( the successor to his former employer The KGB) to bomb apartment buildings in his own country, along with other atrocities.
Obama would have to be Solomon to be able to choose which is the least of these three evils. Murder is murder and he must decide who is the least offensive murderer of the bunch. Yikes.
Of course Putin, too, is suspected of ordering his F.S.B. ( the successor to his former employer The KGB) to bomb apartment buildings in his own country, along with other atrocities.
Obama would have to be Solomon to be able to choose which is the least of these three evils. Murder is murder and he must decide who is the least offensive murderer of the bunch. Yikes.
4
". . . some officials in the White House and the State Department worry that a meeting in New York would embolden Mr. Putin, in effect restoring his stature as a major world player on one of the biggest stages."
I'd like to know who the "officials" are that think that Mr. Putin is not a major world player. He's the leader of a super power and has been in the lime light for years. He's also right about supporting Syria's current regime, as he was right about removing chemical weapons in Syria and about protecting Edward Snowden as well as cooperating with the Iranian negotiations. Obama should meet with him because not only IS he a major world player - to try to portray him otherwise is dishonest - but Putin has demonstrated what we here at home seem to be lacking in our "officials" which is an honest appraisal and forthright problem solving. With a collaborative effort, America and Russia could drive ISIS out and bring stability to the region which in turn would remove a heavy burden from Europe.
I'd like to know who the "officials" are that think that Mr. Putin is not a major world player. He's the leader of a super power and has been in the lime light for years. He's also right about supporting Syria's current regime, as he was right about removing chemical weapons in Syria and about protecting Edward Snowden as well as cooperating with the Iranian negotiations. Obama should meet with him because not only IS he a major world player - to try to portray him otherwise is dishonest - but Putin has demonstrated what we here at home seem to be lacking in our "officials" which is an honest appraisal and forthright problem solving. With a collaborative effort, America and Russia could drive ISIS out and bring stability to the region which in turn would remove a heavy burden from Europe.
11
After reading endless articles about the Syrian refugees -- and video as well -- I am astounded that none of them ask the obvious questions -- why is this happening and what can be done to stop it??
The answer is that the Syrians are leaving because of a war -- regime change -- started by Israel and the US. And the media is in bed with this neocon mentality so they focus instead on line of refugees while ignoring the elephant in the room.
Putin has now forced the media -- NYT included -- to focus on the war and what needs to be done to stop it.
And of course Obama should talk to Putin if only to save face. The Germans, French, etc are not waiting for Obama. They're already talking the Russians. Why? Because, unlike the US and Israel, neither of whom is engulfed with refugees, these other countries have a major crisis on their hands.
And the media, NYT included, should be ashamed of themselves for failing to call attention to the causes of this tragedy. Real journalism apparently no longer exists in the US.
The answer is that the Syrians are leaving because of a war -- regime change -- started by Israel and the US. And the media is in bed with this neocon mentality so they focus instead on line of refugees while ignoring the elephant in the room.
Putin has now forced the media -- NYT included -- to focus on the war and what needs to be done to stop it.
And of course Obama should talk to Putin if only to save face. The Germans, French, etc are not waiting for Obama. They're already talking the Russians. Why? Because, unlike the US and Israel, neither of whom is engulfed with refugees, these other countries have a major crisis on their hands.
And the media, NYT included, should be ashamed of themselves for failing to call attention to the causes of this tragedy. Real journalism apparently no longer exists in the US.
9
Good. I agree with many that working with Putin on the Syrian crisis is the least bad option we have. Rather than arming and funding the rebels in Syria we should be working with the Assad regime to stabilize the country. If we did it right we could actually have some influence in Syria and help stomp out ISIS. Otherwise we risk continuing the destabilization of Syria and the Middle East, and risk expanding ISIS control and radical Islam. Add to this the destabilization of Europe with a continued refuge crisis, along with the right-wing pushback that lax immigration policies will lead to in Europe and you are on course for a serious disaster. BTW, who is in charge of our foreign policy anyway?
Asad is a terrible human being.
However, the facts are:
1) Eliminating Saddam Hussein for no good reason based on a campaign of lies and then installing al-Maliki made Iraq much worse that it was under Saddam Hussein;
2) Eliminating Qaddafi for a somewhat good reason even though there was no one capable of replacing Qaddafi made Libya into the worse thing possible: A failed state.
3) The U.S. cannot count of NATO, the European Union or any of its Muslim allies in the region such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt or Turkey, to get involved or to support any plan we come up with.
The ONLY way to eliminate ISIS is probably to cooperate with Russia and Iran, just like the only way to defeat Hitler was to cooperate with Stalin.
However, the facts are:
1) Eliminating Saddam Hussein for no good reason based on a campaign of lies and then installing al-Maliki made Iraq much worse that it was under Saddam Hussein;
2) Eliminating Qaddafi for a somewhat good reason even though there was no one capable of replacing Qaddafi made Libya into the worse thing possible: A failed state.
3) The U.S. cannot count of NATO, the European Union or any of its Muslim allies in the region such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt or Turkey, to get involved or to support any plan we come up with.
The ONLY way to eliminate ISIS is probably to cooperate with Russia and Iran, just like the only way to defeat Hitler was to cooperate with Stalin.
3
Perhaps, the president realizes he has no clue as to what we should want and no strategy to get there. Without a strategy, he has nothing to discuss.
3
This is an excellent opportunity -- one that should not be missed -- for the two chiefs of state to reset relations between the U.S. and Russia to its strong fundamental base: the alliance between Russia and America that, more than any other factor, brought about the Allied WWII victory in Europe in May, 1945. This historic winning alliance should be the most important factor in U.S. -- Russian relations going forward, and form the basis of cooperative friendship throughout the 21st century. That friendship can be renewed by a productive meeting between President Obama and President Putin, a meeting in which an expression of America's enduring appreciation for the 20 million Soviet people who gave their lives during our mutual WWII victory, would go a long way towards healing some of the deep humiliation Vladimir Putin felt when America did its unseemly victory dance after the collapse of the Soviet empire.
1
How does one negoiate with the KGB?
I am sure that the meeting will play in Putin's hands because we have such a weak leader.
1
Don't weigh: do it. When did everyone get so easily rolled with this "negotiation equals capitulation or exculpation" garbage? It's time to dump that obnoxious but quite propagandistically useful meme. It used to be the purview only of the crazy far-right. Put it back there and let the grown-ups move on.
In the real world, nation-states negotiate and talk. Remove that and all that's left is war.
In the real world, nation-states negotiate and talk. Remove that and all that's left is war.
3
"Mr. Obama and Mr. Putin have never gotten along since their first tense meeting in 2009. Mr. Putin views Mr. Obama as weak, and Mr. Obama views Mr. Putin as a thug, according to advisers and analysts."
They're both right.
They're both right.
4
Obviously, one should always talk to those with whom you have differences. It is called diplomacy. If one only speaks with those whom you agree or can manipulate that is not very productive.
The solution to Syria and Iraq is political not military. It is necessary for the powers that have influence and who desire stability in the region to come together and build a solution. That includes Assad, the USA, Russia, Iran and the Saudis.
The drive for a moderate rebel military solution to Syria is proving to be once again another American promoted failure.
The Russian effort to prop up Assad in the long run will also fail. The only winner to these two failed approaches is ISIS.
If we care about the plight of the refugees and the turmoil in the region we need to take a different tack.
The solution to Syria and Iraq is political not military. It is necessary for the powers that have influence and who desire stability in the region to come together and build a solution. That includes Assad, the USA, Russia, Iran and the Saudis.
The drive for a moderate rebel military solution to Syria is proving to be once again another American promoted failure.
The Russian effort to prop up Assad in the long run will also fail. The only winner to these two failed approaches is ISIS.
If we care about the plight of the refugees and the turmoil in the region we need to take a different tack.
1
Forget about appearances, we continue to hold all the international and economic cards --- let's talk. At this point, our both countries appear to have one thing in common -- the defeat of ISIS--so let's start there and see where it goes. When it comes to the current crisis in the Middle East, you are dealing with a range of thugs --- best to deal with a thug you know rather than thug you don't.
3
This is a dangerous course to take with Putin if these talks lead to any concessions toward Russia over Syria or Ukraine.
As pointed out in a recent NYT Opinion piece, titled "Don’t Trust Putin on Syria," Putin is only interested in his narrow interests and has shown a willingness to stoop down to very underhanded tactics to achieve his aims as can be seen in Georgia, Ukraine and Syria. In Syria alone, Russia's repeated vetoes in 2012 on the UNSC to protect the Assad regime have allowed Syria to become the refugee and terror problem it is today, despite very accurate predictions put forward by the UN and in July, Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia’s few remaining independent newspapers, reported on the FSB creating a "green corridor" to funnel extremists from the Caucuses into Syria to fight with ISIS. This shows Putin and Assad worked hand-in-hand to first protect the Assad regime from being overthrown by Syrians and has worked to discredit the Syrian opposition internationally by helping ISIS take a larger role in Syria to frame the conflict as a struggle against terrorism, despite Putin and Assad's actions that helped ISIS hijack the Syrian revolution/civil war.
Putin hopes to frame his effort as constructive against ISIS for a trade for gaining legitimacy over Russia's Ukrainian territorial annexation while really just propping up Assad against ISIS and legitimate Syrian rebels with the help of Iran and Hezbollah (a terrorist group).
Don't give Putin the time.
As pointed out in a recent NYT Opinion piece, titled "Don’t Trust Putin on Syria," Putin is only interested in his narrow interests and has shown a willingness to stoop down to very underhanded tactics to achieve his aims as can be seen in Georgia, Ukraine and Syria. In Syria alone, Russia's repeated vetoes in 2012 on the UNSC to protect the Assad regime have allowed Syria to become the refugee and terror problem it is today, despite very accurate predictions put forward by the UN and in July, Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia’s few remaining independent newspapers, reported on the FSB creating a "green corridor" to funnel extremists from the Caucuses into Syria to fight with ISIS. This shows Putin and Assad worked hand-in-hand to first protect the Assad regime from being overthrown by Syrians and has worked to discredit the Syrian opposition internationally by helping ISIS take a larger role in Syria to frame the conflict as a struggle against terrorism, despite Putin and Assad's actions that helped ISIS hijack the Syrian revolution/civil war.
Putin hopes to frame his effort as constructive against ISIS for a trade for gaining legitimacy over Russia's Ukrainian territorial annexation while really just propping up Assad against ISIS and legitimate Syrian rebels with the help of Iran and Hezbollah (a terrorist group).
Don't give Putin the time.
1
Syria has been on the list of state sponsored terrorist countries for decades. It has been misbehaving re human rights for decades. The current civil war reflects these facts, and Obama should have never gotten involved. This was not a U.S. Problem any more than Iraq or Libya was.
@SW
As the UN Fact Finding Mission to Syria stated in 2011 and 2012, without a UN intervention Syria would have terror organizations from across the region flood to Syria to take advantage of the security vacuum, the conflict would become sectarian and the conflict would become regional. They were obviously correct then and now everything they predicted has come true and now Syria is a problem nobody can ignore.
Syria is probably one of the best examples of a preventable tragedy in recent memory.
As the UN Fact Finding Mission to Syria stated in 2011 and 2012, without a UN intervention Syria would have terror organizations from across the region flood to Syria to take advantage of the security vacuum, the conflict would become sectarian and the conflict would become regional. They were obviously correct then and now everything they predicted has come true and now Syria is a problem nobody can ignore.
Syria is probably one of the best examples of a preventable tragedy in recent memory.
All Obama knows how to do is talk! He has already demonstrated the weakness of American resolve to the Russians who, for all their other faults, are resolute about defending what they see as their interests. Obama caved on missiles for Poland and the Czechs, did nothing about the ongoing gobbling up of Ukraine, and drew red lines in Syria that disappeared. He did very badly in his negotiations with the Iranians -- and they were the ones that badly needed a deal, not the US. Russia holds many cards and can and will play them. They know that Obama is allergic to the use of force, and that is all they need to know. Without a credible threat of US action nothing Obama says will count, but then he has no strategic vision and is a agonizingly comical simulacrum of Commander in Chief of the mightiest military on earth which he fails to understand is an asset.
4
Mr. Obama should meet with Putin. This may be the only way to resolve the horrific situation in Syria. Yes, Putin has been a thug in the Ukraine, but Obama has worked out an accord with Iran, and Iran continues to be a sworn enemy of the US and our ally Israel.
3
"Assad may be terrible, but he seems like the least bad option for Syria.:"
Keep in mind the "humpty dumpty" addage.
Syria as a post-colonial entity is nothing but a political construct, a mish-mash of alawite-druze-suni-shi'ite-christian all under this political umbrella. What has ALWAYS mattered in Syria, and nearly EVERY other "Arab" nation-state, is what TRIBE you're from. Yes, I said TRIBE. They haven't moved beyond a TRIBAL mentality. Syria as we KNEW it is broken and cannot ever be put back together. The deal the Alawites made with the rest of the tribes after the 1957 coup, that the Alawites would control the political and military aspects of the nation and everyone else could do as they please as long as they stay out of politics has been completely destroyed and will never under any circumstances by put back together. And the Alawites themselves are very afraid they will become extinct since they have viciously created a situation in their backyard that leaves no room for rapprochement.
Most of the comments here are anti-Obama. The only reason anyone in the US is paying attention to this tragedy is to criticize Obama. Wingnuts think Putin is the man of the hour when Russia is, as always, propping up the wrong side of history.
Keep in mind the "humpty dumpty" addage.
Syria as a post-colonial entity is nothing but a political construct, a mish-mash of alawite-druze-suni-shi'ite-christian all under this political umbrella. What has ALWAYS mattered in Syria, and nearly EVERY other "Arab" nation-state, is what TRIBE you're from. Yes, I said TRIBE. They haven't moved beyond a TRIBAL mentality. Syria as we KNEW it is broken and cannot ever be put back together. The deal the Alawites made with the rest of the tribes after the 1957 coup, that the Alawites would control the political and military aspects of the nation and everyone else could do as they please as long as they stay out of politics has been completely destroyed and will never under any circumstances by put back together. And the Alawites themselves are very afraid they will become extinct since they have viciously created a situation in their backyard that leaves no room for rapprochement.
Most of the comments here are anti-Obama. The only reason anyone in the US is paying attention to this tragedy is to criticize Obama. Wingnuts think Putin is the man of the hour when Russia is, as always, propping up the wrong side of history.
3
With winter approaching it is apparent that the effected states of Europe are too chicken to endanger their gas supplies so they want the U.S. to do it for them. Regardless, since they are the ones most impacted by the crises, Europe should do the speaking and not America.
1
Note to the US President:
1. none of the nonsense of looking into his eyes and seeing his soul
2. Point out our very strong military which can win in weeks
3. please do not make it difficult for President Trump-Trump will be up to any challenge but lets preserve his time for activities more gainful to the USA
1. none of the nonsense of looking into his eyes and seeing his soul
2. Point out our very strong military which can win in weeks
3. please do not make it difficult for President Trump-Trump will be up to any challenge but lets preserve his time for activities more gainful to the USA
1
Under what circumstances is it not advantageous to talk to other parties so as to resolve a conflict? Whether it be within a family or at the scale of international relations, no progress is possible without dialog. It seems that the US political system is broken: Not only do the democrats and republicans steadfastly refuse to work together for the good of the country, but the parties individually have reverted to the cold war dogma of isolationism.
Whether the US and its toady ally the UK like it or not, other countries have influence in the Middle East. Any lasting solution to the problems of that region need to involve all the parties, internal and external. Not involving the Russians (or the Iranians) is just plain stupid.
Whether the US and its toady ally the UK like it or not, other countries have influence in the Middle East. Any lasting solution to the problems of that region need to involve all the parties, internal and external. Not involving the Russians (or the Iranians) is just plain stupid.
3
I am a supporter of Obama and not one of those on the right who believe the Iran deal was some kind of capitulation and that negotiations are something for wusses. However, Obama will be making a terrible mistake if he reaches out to Putin in relation to Syria.
What Putin is trying to do is to reestablish Russia's international prestige and relations with the West after being the first European leader since Adolf Hitler (or really Josef Stalin if we count the Stalinization of Eastern Europe in the late 40s, which was effective annexation) to annex part of another country's territory. Welcoming Putin back into an anti-terror "Grand Alliance" of sorts would legitimize his violation of the Budapest Memorandum that said Ukraine would give all its nuclear weapons to Russia in exchange for protection of the country's territorial integrity. It would do so by making Russia's rift with the West yesterday's news.
Even worse, it wouldn't even help the Syrian crisis! Assad's barrel bombs, not IS, are responsible for the most civilian casualties of the war and most Syrian refugees in Europe insist they are fleeing his reign of terror. So can we stop the unhealthy fixation on terrorism in our foreign policy debates and realize that 1) you have more likelihood of dying from slipping in your bath tube than you do from a terrorist attack and 2) traditional state actors like Russia and Assad pose more of a threat than terrorism to international peace and are not some 20th century left over.
What Putin is trying to do is to reestablish Russia's international prestige and relations with the West after being the first European leader since Adolf Hitler (or really Josef Stalin if we count the Stalinization of Eastern Europe in the late 40s, which was effective annexation) to annex part of another country's territory. Welcoming Putin back into an anti-terror "Grand Alliance" of sorts would legitimize his violation of the Budapest Memorandum that said Ukraine would give all its nuclear weapons to Russia in exchange for protection of the country's territorial integrity. It would do so by making Russia's rift with the West yesterday's news.
Even worse, it wouldn't even help the Syrian crisis! Assad's barrel bombs, not IS, are responsible for the most civilian casualties of the war and most Syrian refugees in Europe insist they are fleeing his reign of terror. So can we stop the unhealthy fixation on terrorism in our foreign policy debates and realize that 1) you have more likelihood of dying from slipping in your bath tube than you do from a terrorist attack and 2) traditional state actors like Russia and Assad pose more of a threat than terrorism to international peace and are not some 20th century left over.
1
Any working relationship involves give and take. If you only want to take, the other party will soon stop cooperating. The real reason it is so difficult for Obama people to go ahead and schedule a meeting with Putin is this: Obama cannot be seen giving Russia anything, and even just meeting with Russia's president is viewed as giving Russia something.
U.S. policy makers cannot accept simple facts: (1) Russia is a major power, (2) Russia has interests, including in Syria, and (3) if the US wants Russia's cooperation, some of these interests must be accommodated.
Instead of doing what they are told, those pesky Russians do what they think is best for them. Who do they think they are? An independent country?
U.S. policy makers cannot accept simple facts: (1) Russia is a major power, (2) Russia has interests, including in Syria, and (3) if the US wants Russia's cooperation, some of these interests must be accommodated.
Instead of doing what they are told, those pesky Russians do what they think is best for them. Who do they think they are? An independent country?
6
Cannot believe my eyes. Debating whether they should talk? Grievances? How about opening their own micro-aggression blog?
6
It really is not difficult to figure out what to do in foreign policy these days. Ask the make-war-not-love and don't-give-peace-a-chance Republicans what they would do, then do the opposite.
Given the Bush-Cheney-neocon's disastrous track record on their take-down of Saddam Hussein and their "preemptive" war in Iraq that resulted in the destabilization of the entire Middle East, when have the Republicans been right about anything related to foreign policy these days? (or anything else, for that matter!)
Thank goodness Obama is our President at this juncture. The NY Times is right. Obama's inclination is toward finding common ground and reducing conflict if possible. Now imagine what Donald Trump or any of the other 15 or 16 GOP candidates would do in response respond in this situation as POTUS.
Given the Bush-Cheney-neocon's disastrous track record on their take-down of Saddam Hussein and their "preemptive" war in Iraq that resulted in the destabilization of the entire Middle East, when have the Republicans been right about anything related to foreign policy these days? (or anything else, for that matter!)
Thank goodness Obama is our President at this juncture. The NY Times is right. Obama's inclination is toward finding common ground and reducing conflict if possible. Now imagine what Donald Trump or any of the other 15 or 16 GOP candidates would do in response respond in this situation as POTUS.
4
Well, he is the president that campaigned on "speaking with our enemies".
Why stop now?
Why stop now?
6
I have a dream for World Peace. The United Nations was founded after the devastations of WW II and now we are facing WW III where the opposing parties all have nuclear weapons and the use of it will destroy this planet forever.
The leaders of this world will be meeting this month at UN in New York and this would be an excellent opportunity to create a Q % A forum for the leaders to get their problems 'off their chest' in the open and NOT behind closed doors. So the world can judge who is speaking the truth and who is lying. the leaders of the West added by 10 nations to be selected according to the size of their GDP or size of population.
And finally, in this televised discussion, other UN members have an opportunity to ask this panel ONE short question only, not multiple questions.
This would be democratic instead of the usual behind closed doors discussions where spokespersons interpret the issued supposedly discussed and always benefiting their bosses.
The UN has become an arm extension of the USA since the murder of the independent UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjoeld . The possible involvement of CIA in the plane crash is again being investigated .
I know its a dream but for the sake of world peace its worth it. At least it will prevent the USA to cover-up their overseas operations with 900 military bases worldwide!
The leaders of this world will be meeting this month at UN in New York and this would be an excellent opportunity to create a Q % A forum for the leaders to get their problems 'off their chest' in the open and NOT behind closed doors. So the world can judge who is speaking the truth and who is lying. the leaders of the West added by 10 nations to be selected according to the size of their GDP or size of population.
And finally, in this televised discussion, other UN members have an opportunity to ask this panel ONE short question only, not multiple questions.
This would be democratic instead of the usual behind closed doors discussions where spokespersons interpret the issued supposedly discussed and always benefiting their bosses.
The UN has become an arm extension of the USA since the murder of the independent UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjoeld . The possible involvement of CIA in the plane crash is again being investigated .
I know its a dream but for the sake of world peace its worth it. At least it will prevent the USA to cover-up their overseas operations with 900 military bases worldwide!
1
A summit between the U.S. and Russia is needed on many levels in order to adjust the current trajectory of relations between the two countries.
7
Talks are long overdue. The obtuseness of Obama and his administration over Syria is staggering. How have they been able to sleep at night given all that has been going on in that benighted country. Now there's the refugee crisis and they are still sitting on their hands. Talk, yes, but action is what's needed. These are dark days for the current administration. Some light is needed before it is even later.
7
Why not talk to Putin? Because talking to a Russian is like talking to a snake. That didn't work out well in the garden and it has never worked out in the world of nations.
It's not the forked tongue or the slick skin. It's the venom.
It's not the forked tongue or the slick skin. It's the venom.
As we've all just seen with the international diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear crisis, where Russia also has interests and influence in Iran, it is possible and ultimately essential to reach a political deal where both sides play a role. President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry should "give peace [another] chance" and follow their instincts to work with Russia and perhaps other members of the P5+1 to start talks to resolve the Syrian civil war. Everyone involved has one unified goal--the defeat of ISIS and a reconstituted, perhaps federated into semi-autonomous states, Syria. Moreover, peace is Syria would resolve the major humanitarian problem roiling the West--the Syrian refugee crisis. These are the very people essential to rebuilding their country; a peace in Syria would allow them to return home. As with the Iran deal, the alternative to not making peace with your enemies is a continuation of the protracted military quagmire in Iraq and Syria.
1
Debating whether to talk, what arrogance! Putin, talking to Obama would be a waste of your time. You have better things to do.
6
Face to face talking is always the best route. Putin has a mission, Obama will never deter. Lines in the Sand or Arab Springs results are a base line for Putin. Our adversaries clearly understand the US is in an isolanist mode but more importantly Americans are war weary. Since WW 2 we have never won a conflict we got involved in.
3
We won Grenada. But they had no military and we had no real reason to invade it.
The authors Baker and Kramer say, "Others, however, worry that agreeing to meet would only play into Mr. Putin’s hands and reward an international bully."
How can we not all think it takes one to know one?
Perhaps we could offer to close 500 foreign bases if the Russians abandon their new facility in Latakia, Syria.
Now let's get serious about Ukraine. We helped facilitate the coup that ousted the pro Russian President who happened to have been freely elected!
Thanks to Obama diplomacy, Iran will not soon join the super power nation club of nuke wielders that already includes Korea and Israel.
It's time to talk to the Russians and end the flood of refugees from Syria.
How can we not all think it takes one to know one?
Perhaps we could offer to close 500 foreign bases if the Russians abandon their new facility in Latakia, Syria.
Now let's get serious about Ukraine. We helped facilitate the coup that ousted the pro Russian President who happened to have been freely elected!
Thanks to Obama diplomacy, Iran will not soon join the super power nation club of nuke wielders that already includes Korea and Israel.
It's time to talk to the Russians and end the flood of refugees from Syria.
6
Putin has been isolated since Russia's annexation in Crimea, the aggression and terrible incident with the Malaysian passenger plane in Eastern Ukraine. The hostility was so unbearable during the G20 summit in Brisbane, Australia in November 2014 that he cut short his visit. He faced repeated criticism from world leaders. Perhaps he wants to come in from the cold.
Should Obama talk to Putin? Why not!
What Ambassador John Herbst said: “Meeting with the Russian strongman would only make the president look weak," is inappropriate. The world is in such a bad state that no leader should put hubris and pride ahead of the global common good - peace and stability.
Should Obama talk to Putin? Why not!
What Ambassador John Herbst said: “Meeting with the Russian strongman would only make the president look weak," is inappropriate. The world is in such a bad state that no leader should put hubris and pride ahead of the global common good - peace and stability.
12
Since all US actions in Syria has done is to set the sectarian powder keg alight - and bodies are piling up with no end in sight - and no light at the end of the tunnel - it may be wise to ask the Russians and toe their line to a t.
US has no spectacular options left in Syria nor in Libya. So ask the practical Russians for advise and follow it - and stay out of ME. Keep your contracting companies and their agendas on a leash.
US has no spectacular options left in Syria nor in Libya. So ask the practical Russians for advise and follow it - and stay out of ME. Keep your contracting companies and their agendas on a leash.
What if meeting with Putin helps Russia gain legitimacy over its actions in Ukraine and Syria, making both worse by emboldening Putin to continue to be a destabilizing global force?
Baker's reporting seems better suited to People Magazine. Our national press as villianized Mr. Putin for actions that our government would have taken, and perhaps worse. Ukraine was once a unit within the Soviet Union. The people of Crimea speak Russian and overwhelmingly prefer to be a Russian state rathan than a part of Ukraine. And the poples of eastern Ukraine, who also speak Russian, want greater autonomy from a historically corrupt Ukraining government. And Ukraine is right next door to Russia. So why is that our business? Of course, it's not. As Mr. Putin has remarked, put dots on the map where there are U.S. bases and Russian bases, and see who is the troublemaker.
1
Austria was once part of Germany, Austrians speak German. Germany has a right to invade Austria. I think not.
2
Hmm, Assad on one side, ISIS on the other. By all means, President Putin, proceed. Knock yourself out. Show that "leadership" that the Right here in the USA so admires in you. Maybe we finally learned something from our indulgence into Iraq. Perhaps Putin learned nothing from his nation's same into Afghanistan.
It is reasonable to try and fathom Putin’s intentions, But what this writer means by saying “if Putin could be pressed into being a more constructive player” is preposterous as it implies if Putin could be persuaded to toe American line in Syria. A diplomat should think of a compromise and not of making the other party accept his stand totally.
Again it is senseless to lament that ‘President Putin’s true motivations are rather hard to discern.’ If that is possible, there would be no need to meet and talk. The writer should understand that for the Russians, the American motivations could be as much hard as or maybe harder still to discern and ‘the decision making process in the US would be opaque’ for the Russians. This is inevitable. Would America make decisions on crucial matters so transparently that the entire world would be able to see? If for the US, ‘Putin’s true motivations are rather hard to discern’ America’s intentions would be equally hard, perhaps harder for the Russians to discern.
And on what authority does he say that there is only one genuine decision maker in Russia? It is just a preconceived notion. Is it possible for one person to take decisions for a vast country with innumerable economic, political and social problems like Russia? No sensible person can think so.
American leaders should abjure such prejudices and their self-assumed air of supeiority if they want to be successful in their diplomatic interactions.
V.M.Mohanraj, India
Again it is senseless to lament that ‘President Putin’s true motivations are rather hard to discern.’ If that is possible, there would be no need to meet and talk. The writer should understand that for the Russians, the American motivations could be as much hard as or maybe harder still to discern and ‘the decision making process in the US would be opaque’ for the Russians. This is inevitable. Would America make decisions on crucial matters so transparently that the entire world would be able to see? If for the US, ‘Putin’s true motivations are rather hard to discern’ America’s intentions would be equally hard, perhaps harder for the Russians to discern.
And on what authority does he say that there is only one genuine decision maker in Russia? It is just a preconceived notion. Is it possible for one person to take decisions for a vast country with innumerable economic, political and social problems like Russia? No sensible person can think so.
American leaders should abjure such prejudices and their self-assumed air of supeiority if they want to be successful in their diplomatic interactions.
V.M.Mohanraj, India
Smart. Obviously the U.S. does not understand all the dynamics of the middle east. Understanding Putin's perspective is not a sign of weakness but a sign of an open mind willing to hear different points of view for consideration.
It's the sign of a good leader. Exactly the opposite of what a guy like Cheney or Trump would do.
It's the sign of a good leader. Exactly the opposite of what a guy like Cheney or Trump would do.
5
It is interesting how many of the commenters to this article feel that the US, meaning the Obama administration, has drastically mishandled the Syria situation, seriously damaging the standing of the US as a thoughtful leader in foreign policy. While many of the Times' commenters usually put blame on the Bush administration for pushing the US into thoughtless wars, it seems the realization is finally leaking through that the current administration managed to take a bad situation and make it much worse. The direct result of our administration's mishandling of foreign policy has been the rise of Russian global influence. Given the blatant ineptitude and naivety shown to this point, the best we can hope for is that we do not do further damage to the US's global reputation and further strengthen Russia's hand.
3
Truth is that without Russia's participation there cannot be peace in Syria. They will simply provide the weapons to prop up the regime for it to survive for ever.
Also, Russia is an interested party in the fight against ISIL. Not talking to Putin only reflects the fear that he will out smart us, which is very likely due to the fact that Russia has a geopolitical agenda based on their national interest, and our is a fragmented one based on the particular interests of different groups, like the Industrial Military Complex, the oil companies, the Israeli Lobby, the obstructionists and the Know Nothings.
Also, Russia is an interested party in the fight against ISIL. Not talking to Putin only reflects the fear that he will out smart us, which is very likely due to the fact that Russia has a geopolitical agenda based on their national interest, and our is a fragmented one based on the particular interests of different groups, like the Industrial Military Complex, the oil companies, the Israeli Lobby, the obstructionists and the Know Nothings.
3
The question is what can Obama gain in meeting with President Putin since so far Putin has been very successful in isolating the USA from the largest part of the World. He has been able to consolidate anti USA countries like China, India, South Africa and Brazil in BRICS, countries with great economic potentials.
On the contrary USA is trying to monopolize its trade positions in Europe and Asia with in-transparent so-called trade deals like Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) or Trans Pacific Partnership all favoring the USA and its large companies legal positions like Monsanto Roundup and GMO and so on. It's for good reasons that these negotiations are kep secret from the public since it will be opposed by the people in Europe and Asia.
So President Putin has nothing to lose in meeting with Obama the pressure is on Obama who has to come with good arguments for US sanctions and finally will have to show facts and evidence about the shootdown of MH 17 killing 298 people while USA has its satellites over this region and finally the so-called aggression by Russia towards Ukraine (without ANY proves) and finally USA's aggression in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Ukraine supporting opposition with Dollars and arms.
And finally, let's not forget who is responsible for the mess in the Middle east causing now the millions of refugees entering Europe not because of Assad, but because of ISIS terrorists and the bombing by USA and NATO. It' another Afghanistan debacle!
On the contrary USA is trying to monopolize its trade positions in Europe and Asia with in-transparent so-called trade deals like Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) or Trans Pacific Partnership all favoring the USA and its large companies legal positions like Monsanto Roundup and GMO and so on. It's for good reasons that these negotiations are kep secret from the public since it will be opposed by the people in Europe and Asia.
So President Putin has nothing to lose in meeting with Obama the pressure is on Obama who has to come with good arguments for US sanctions and finally will have to show facts and evidence about the shootdown of MH 17 killing 298 people while USA has its satellites over this region and finally the so-called aggression by Russia towards Ukraine (without ANY proves) and finally USA's aggression in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Ukraine supporting opposition with Dollars and arms.
And finally, let's not forget who is responsible for the mess in the Middle east causing now the millions of refugees entering Europe not because of Assad, but because of ISIS terrorists and the bombing by USA and NATO. It' another Afghanistan debacle!
Negotiating with Putin is not negotiating it becomes a Putin show and a Putin effort to place all others in a lesser position. He is a communist, he is mentally a KGB agent still. He is no one we talk with, we ignore him through conversation and stand up to him politically. He needs to go.
Negotiating with Iran was the same. It was Ayatollah's show and he put the UN and especially the US in a lesser position. They are muslims, they are mentally and physically still fighting a religious war since the beginning of religion.
Obama gave Putin the keys to the world when he sat beside Medvedev and said, "This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility."
Putin is not going anywhere, Obama is.
Obama gave Putin the keys to the world when he sat beside Medvedev and said, "This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility."
Putin is not going anywhere, Obama is.
Of course the President should meet with President Putin to try to reach agreement on outstanding issues. Could the images of refugees fleeing for their lives and being met with fences in Europe by peoples frightened by their inability to cope with a huge influx be worse? Previous Presidents have met at summits with Russian leaders and detente and then good relations ensued. This President's skill as a negotiator has been questioned but he is president until January 20, 1917 and there is no choice but to try.
1
Amazing posture; It is probably without major consequences if I stop talking to my neighbor but the President of the United States not talking to the President of Russia - with both countries holding about 4 thousand nuclear weapons?
That is madness.
That is madness.
8
And he was elected to stop wars. Now he realizes the world is much better off if the USA can (threaten to) declare war.
The education of Barak Obama (the terribly confused) is in its final chapter - there are bad people in the world and only the USA military can stop them from mass murder.
We as the USA have bases around the world not to subjugate but to keep the peaceprotect....
The education of Barak Obama (the terribly confused) is in its final chapter - there are bad people in the world and only the USA military can stop them from mass murder.
We as the USA have bases around the world not to subjugate but to keep the peaceprotect....
2
It isn't really possible to "isolate" Russia or treat it as something other than the great power it is, like it or not. At the very moment Obama was seeking to ostracize Putin over Ukraine ( a mess of a country which has always been in the Russian orbit) he depended on his cooperation over Iran. Putin is exploiting the contradictions of US Middle East policy, which involves supporting a pro-Iran government in Baghdad and opposing one in Damascus; fighting the Islamic state, supporting the Gulf States, and seeking to overthrow Assad all at the same time. It is a policy driven by wishful thinking, which spends huge sums to field small numbers of "moderate" rebels who cannot fight, while Assad loses ground and the Islamic State grows ever more powerful. Into this breach Vladimir Vladimirovich gladly steps, to end US hegemony in a crucial region. The Europeans, looking to end the refugee crisis, are not likely to call foul. The root of the problem lies in the lack of realism here; not in Moscow's predictable machiavellianism.
2
Normally, I'd advocate "talks" with other world leaders. With Putin, though, I'd suggest not. It will only further bolster Putin's delusional sense of self-importance. He's a failed, corrupt dictator who's taking his country down the toilet and who's throwing his military around internationally in a desperate attempt to tap into his people's nationalism in order to maintain whatever support among them that he can. There is absolutely nothing to be gained from "talks" with him. No point in giving Putin propaganda fodder.
BTW, to all the Putin-paid trolls who are flooding this comment section: We know who you are and we know who's paying you. Your absurd screed which is long on twisted fiction and short on facts only further reinforces the perception that Putin is indeed delusional and irrational. Emperor Putin has no clothes.
BTW, to all the Putin-paid trolls who are flooding this comment section: We know who you are and we know who's paying you. Your absurd screed which is long on twisted fiction and short on facts only further reinforces the perception that Putin is indeed delusional and irrational. Emperor Putin has no clothes.
2
Some people like US officials who have so far manufactured disasters in Ukraine libya and Syria and are clueless and impotent with situations believe that they confer "importance" to others even when they are up a creek with no paddle.
Obama's willingness to engage rather than fight will be seen as weakness by many including Putin. The fact that productive talks are more intelligent than conflict is not interesting to Putin.
We all need to read some history and get inside the Russian head. There you will find paranoia and a huge inferiority complex fueled by countless invasions and attacks by neighboring countries. Napoleon? Hitler?
Putin is a modern version of Stalin. He would talk and smile and then do whatever he wanted. He viewed Truman as weak as well. Both Truman and Obama are not weak. But they both needed to demonstrate toughness and resolve.
President Obama should meet Putin in person. Simultaneously he needs to take some physical action via Syria or the Ukraine that challenges Russian aggression. Obama should look into Putin's eyes as an aide whispers into Putin's ear that the Americans have made a strong move.
Putin is a thug and he'll say one thing but always do what is best for his political future as a dictator and his legacy. However, he also knows that he is outmatched. He will back off if challenged. He can't afford a war with his only export falling in price. The Russian Bear needs to be tweaked on the nose.
We all need to read some history and get inside the Russian head. There you will find paranoia and a huge inferiority complex fueled by countless invasions and attacks by neighboring countries. Napoleon? Hitler?
Putin is a modern version of Stalin. He would talk and smile and then do whatever he wanted. He viewed Truman as weak as well. Both Truman and Obama are not weak. But they both needed to demonstrate toughness and resolve.
President Obama should meet Putin in person. Simultaneously he needs to take some physical action via Syria or the Ukraine that challenges Russian aggression. Obama should look into Putin's eyes as an aide whispers into Putin's ear that the Americans have made a strong move.
Putin is a thug and he'll say one thing but always do what is best for his political future as a dictator and his legacy. However, he also knows that he is outmatched. He will back off if challenged. He can't afford a war with his only export falling in price. The Russian Bear needs to be tweaked on the nose.
4
Russia has far fewer resources. However, it is far less extended too.
What matters is force at the point of contact, not other forces off on the far side of the world doing something else entirely.
We'd best not get too arrogant about who would tweak who's nose. Pride goeth before a fall.
What matters is force at the point of contact, not other forces off on the far side of the world doing something else entirely.
We'd best not get too arrogant about who would tweak who's nose. Pride goeth before a fall.
If the Iran negotiations are a clue a meeting with Putin will produce a Russian military base back in Fort Ross California the southern most part of Russian America. However Kerry may succeed in keeping the Russian base in Alaska
Reading the NYT front page article "Analysts Detail Claims That Reports on ISIS Were Distorted," indicating that so far we have been working on USA Government lies and half-truths, indeed the time has come to listen to Putin and get "The Truth and nothing but the Truth, so help me God."
Moving right along.
Moving right along.
1
I think this could offer an opportunity to influence Assad via Putin. Both the U.S. and Russia have the common goal of defeating ISIS. While we want Assad to go, and Russia wants him to stay, we could work out a deal with Russia, where we allow Assad to stay, but with one big condition: That Assad distances himself from Iranian influence. The result would be a stable secular state of Syria less beholden to Iran, and more connected to Russia. In addition, Russia seems to want this fight, with it's build up of bases, weapons, and even boots on the ground. Better them than us. Together, we can hopefully defeat this absolutely insane organization. We could possibly have more influence with Assad by helping him stay in power provided he agrees to distance his Iranian ties. The point is, there is potential here by talking with the Russians and possible coordinating shared goals.
2
It's hard to believe that our president is such a coward that he can't even talk to the guy.
2
I would go as far as calling BHO a coward but he is definitely a weak leader.
1
There were some quite important issues talked about and agreed on with Russia in the recent past.
- Bucharest memorandum (Ukraine yielding nukes in return for border recognition)
- several "cease fire and withdraw arms/combatants from the conflict zone" agreements on East Ukraine
If someone can get some profit from further talks, remembering those mentioned above, well, fine. Would require not that common skills and mindset though.
- Bucharest memorandum (Ukraine yielding nukes in return for border recognition)
- several "cease fire and withdraw arms/combatants from the conflict zone" agreements on East Ukraine
If someone can get some profit from further talks, remembering those mentioned above, well, fine. Would require not that common skills and mindset though.
1
So Mr. Obama is a afraid of talks with Mr. Putin. So in fact, the President talks only with people he agrees with. How very courageous. Does Obama prefers a third world war? Does he really want to know how it is? I lived through the second one, I can tell him how "pleasant" it was.... Of course, to talk with someone one does not like requires courage. For once, do the right move!
2
If you think the talks would be won by Putin, you are saying our national leaders are stupid. Putin may be intelligent and manipulative, but if we fear intellectual volleyball, then perhaps we need not play the game -- take our balls and go home.
Putin and Obama are like yin and yang in terms of personality. I seriously don't think you can believe a word Putin says. He has absolutely no interest in compromise or diplomacy. The man has singlehandedly destroyed his country's economy with his megalomaniacal insistence on expanding Russia's 'empire'. What empire? It's a bad joke. Why does he bother propping up such a corrupt and compromised government as Syria's? Because in Bashir Al-Assad he recognises a fellow sociopath and criminal who believes the country he was elected to rule is his own personal fiefdom. I am convinced the only thing Putin will respect is brute force, as terrible as that sounds.
3
Mr. Putin being shunned by NATO and the G8 or G7, has diminished his stardom in Russia as a world leader. Mr. Obama should not give Mr. Putin the stage - keep him isolated.
3
Don't meet with him Mr. President. Nothing he says is reliable. His goal is to show the world Russia is a super power who must be reckoned with. Don't give him the photo op!
8
Couldn't have said it better myself. Putin is a liar and a cheat!
1
Don't meet. The last time Obama met with the Russians he told Medvedev, "This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility."
What more can Obama give away? Obama should stay away for the simple reason we cannot afford to give away more to the world's dictators.
He gave Russia the green light then and now they are in the passing lane with their foot to the floor.
What more can Obama give away? Obama should stay away for the simple reason we cannot afford to give away more to the world's dictators.
He gave Russia the green light then and now they are in the passing lane with their foot to the floor.
Putin a liar and a cheat?
So he's the Obama twin that got all the charm and toughness.
So he's the Obama twin that got all the charm and toughness.
1
Punishing Russia over Ukraine to the exclusion of the people of Syria is not worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
2
Washington's policy of "isolating" Putin has been a double-edged sword. As a self-designated "exceptional" hegemon, it will brook no challenge to its divine right to launch wars and impose regime change wherever it chooses. In fact, since Putin himself has been deemed a "thug" it is not too much of a stretch that he too will become a target for regime change. The choice Washington faces is between engaging Russia on Syria diplomatically or engaging Russia on the battlefield directly as it defends Assad. To spurn Putin in New York could usher in a dangerous era of superpower conflict.
Interesting how the characterization is made that Obama is "freezing out" Putin. This implies that Obama is in a position of power. Far from it, this President is perceived as very weak and inept by our adversaries.
1
"But the Americans were still left trying to fathom Mr. Putin’s intentions and wonder whether he could be pressed into being a more constructive player on Syria as they said he was during the Iran negotiations."
Trying to fathom? Putin has been pretty clear on his goals both short and long-term. He wants to be a superpower and meddle wherever he chooses, often causing skirmishes and Russian-made crises in Ukraine to increase his leverage and power over other world powers.
I have no problem with Mr. Obama talking IF--and this is a big IF--he knows what his goals are for the meeting. Trying to "negotiate" with Putin is like negotiating with a cobra. The only way I see a conversation with Putin proving fruitful is if the President, with his advisors, decides what his terms are to use the "conversation" as a springboard for making them clear. Of course, with his history of "red lines" in Syria, Putin would probably just dismiss whatever the President said as malleable.
I'm of two minds. Back in the Cold War, Kennedy used to meet with Kruschev but he was clear about his redlines. Summits usually produced nothing, but they did reinforce US resolve. So I guess I ultimately feel talking to Putin might be productive--but only if our resolve is set, clear, and unmistakable.
Trying to fathom? Putin has been pretty clear on his goals both short and long-term. He wants to be a superpower and meddle wherever he chooses, often causing skirmishes and Russian-made crises in Ukraine to increase his leverage and power over other world powers.
I have no problem with Mr. Obama talking IF--and this is a big IF--he knows what his goals are for the meeting. Trying to "negotiate" with Putin is like negotiating with a cobra. The only way I see a conversation with Putin proving fruitful is if the President, with his advisors, decides what his terms are to use the "conversation" as a springboard for making them clear. Of course, with his history of "red lines" in Syria, Putin would probably just dismiss whatever the President said as malleable.
I'm of two minds. Back in the Cold War, Kennedy used to meet with Kruschev but he was clear about his redlines. Summits usually produced nothing, but they did reinforce US resolve. So I guess I ultimately feel talking to Putin might be productive--but only if our resolve is set, clear, and unmistakable.
20
I agree with you. My concern is the appearance, once again from history, that two powerful nations play chess with the world.I think President Obama is trying to steer us away from this costly and antiquated perception. I think this is wisdom and not weakness. However, where is Europe in this? I think a representative should be included as Europe is under so much stress due to Syria and earlier Middle East conflicts.
1
"He [Putin] wants to be a superpower and meddle wherever he chooses"
As opposed to?
As opposed to?
Putin helped negotiate the Iran deal. So we use him to negotiate for us, but won't negotiate with him? I am about to sound crazy, but maybe the Donald is right and Obama is a terrible negotiator.
Putin is concerned that Assad is on the verge of losing. He doesn't want Russia to lose its only Mediterranean naval base at Tartus, which it has maintained for over 40 years. He's not opposed to Assad leaving but he wants a Russian seat at the table when Syria is partitioned. He will not allow the jihadi's to supplant Assad.
There will be no peace in Syria while Assad is in power.The Sunni jihadist groups will not negotiate on that fact.The U.S. trained fighters were put in the absurd position of fighting ISIS, but not Assad, who the jihadi's primary enemy. The Sunni's used to make up about 70%of the population.Assad's Shia group comprised about 16%.Once again in the Middle East it's an issue of cultural fault lines,The only solution in Syria is partition.The wounds from this conflict are irreparable.
Obama is in a tough spot.He's called for the removal of Assad.He's taken heat for his "red line" comment. To his credit his threats caused Syria to remove the chemical weapons with Russian co-operation. The Ukrainian issue makes it difficult for him to talk to Putin,however there is no solution without Putin. It's a Hobson's choice.
There will be no peace in Syria while Assad is in power.The Sunni jihadist groups will not negotiate on that fact.The U.S. trained fighters were put in the absurd position of fighting ISIS, but not Assad, who the jihadi's primary enemy. The Sunni's used to make up about 70%of the population.Assad's Shia group comprised about 16%.Once again in the Middle East it's an issue of cultural fault lines,The only solution in Syria is partition.The wounds from this conflict are irreparable.
Obama is in a tough spot.He's called for the removal of Assad.He's taken heat for his "red line" comment. To his credit his threats caused Syria to remove the chemical weapons with Russian co-operation. The Ukrainian issue makes it difficult for him to talk to Putin,however there is no solution without Putin. It's a Hobson's choice.
16
Putin moved first in Ukraine. Now, he moved first in Syria. How slow did the White House think international events are?
Syrian genocide/mayhem continues and both Putin and Obama along with their European counterparts are responsible for this awful tragedy. Children and women alike are brutally slaughtered and exposed to chemical weapons for the last four and a half years. Where is the consciousness of folks around the globe?
Sky is the limit for 'western' arrogance as far as Syrian folks are concerned. Syrians...are they Children of the lesser God!!!
Sky is the limit for 'western' arrogance as far as Syrian folks are concerned. Syrians...are they Children of the lesser God!!!
1
Putin has already concluded that Obama is weak and ineffective and that he can outfoot Obama easily, as evidently have Khamenei, Assad, ISIS and Kim. there is little evidence to the contrary. If Obama meets with Putin in NY he and the U.S. as a whole will end up regretting it and we will have to check whether Obama still has his wallet and socks afterwards.
1
The only goal of a meeting would be to build a pathway towards resolution of the Syrian civil war that has a destructive impact far beyond the borders of Syria, particularly on the EU. What needs to be understood is the role of Russia in the conflict and the role of Bashar al Assad and the regime of which is he is the leader. In 2011 massive demonstrations were underway to change conditions in the country that had grown intolerable. At the forefront of the opposition was the Syrian middle class. When it became clear that much of the country wanted change Assad offered compromise, elections, changes to the constitution to limit his powers. This offer of compromise was shortly followed by brutal repression by the regime that radicalized the largely peaceful opposition and opened the door to violent jihadists that had no role earlier. Was Assad sincere in his offer and provocations triggered the brutal response or did Assad have no intention to compromise and the offer was a ploy? Mr. Putin now says that Assad again offers what he offered in 2011. If the offer was a ploy then, it is a ploy now and no resolution is possible as long as he remains. If it was not a ploy, then who ordered the provocations to derail compromise in 2011 that could have stopped the war? In Ukraine Strelkov spoke of numerous provocations, but Ukrainians did not want to fight until he caused the war. Who caused the war in Syria? Who would benefit from such a conflict?
In despite of the complexity of relations between the United States and Russia these relations must be continued.
In my opinion for the normalization of relations need a way to compromise.
Russia is ready for normal relations with the United States, if the United States to stop the policy of
ultimatums and diktat. Otherwise nothing happens.
The USA should review own foreign policy priorities.
The United States is already the most powerful country in the world. What do You need more?
The intervention in the affairs of other states is not necessary
for the United States.
In my opinion for the normalization of relations need a way to compromise.
Russia is ready for normal relations with the United States, if the United States to stop the policy of
ultimatums and diktat. Otherwise nothing happens.
The USA should review own foreign policy priorities.
The United States is already the most powerful country in the world. What do You need more?
The intervention in the affairs of other states is not necessary
for the United States.
1
Syria is the result of our Presidnet - he makes decisions based solely on politics and avoids decisions until they absolutely have to be made such as when a crisis ensues.
Putting off action in Syria and allowong a vacuum in Iraq after withdrawing troops without a status Of forces agreement are all key causes to the refugee crisis and the tens of thousands of murders that mr. Obama shoulders responsibility for.
This is not leadership. This lack of leadership has been obvious for years, thankfully mr. Trump has dispensed with political correctness and is calling out the president and his administraton for what it is: stupid and incompetent.
Putting off action in Syria and allowong a vacuum in Iraq after withdrawing troops without a status Of forces agreement are all key causes to the refugee crisis and the tens of thousands of murders that mr. Obama shoulders responsibility for.
This is not leadership. This lack of leadership has been obvious for years, thankfully mr. Trump has dispensed with political correctness and is calling out the president and his administraton for what it is: stupid and incompetent.
Can you imagine what the removal of Mr. Assad will create? The fragmentation of the only coordinated part in the whole mess. The American and Turkish argument that 'Assad must go' is so unrealistic. For the Turks it is just ethnic politics - they consider the PKK more of an enemy that ISIS. But for the United State i don't understand it. Working with Asaad is the only realistic option. Roosevelt and Churchill worked with Stalin. The US are so obsessed with image and it is getting irritating. Can you imagine US, Russia and EU working with Assad to extirpate ISIS?
1
Stay home, Mr. Obama. Your feckless management of foreign policy has done enough damage. Don't make things worse now, as a new president and administration...Republicans...are just 16 months away. Let them handle it.
The economic reasons for our attack on Syria, that they control a needed right of way for nat. gas to the European market and, that this pipeline competes with Russia's Gazprom is the stand-off. The obvious answer is the development of new markets for the rich nat. gas in Levianthan Field. A market which would enrich the lives of both Palestinians and Israeli's. We know this will never be allowed by Israel. Arab gas, currently flared, would also benefit from a European market, but again the development of a regional market is ignored in favor of the already established. If the US/Saudi/Israeli alliance could agree with Russia to allow their European investment in gas infrastructure to go unmolested then, perhaps the Russians would agree to help the Saudi/Israeli alliance in developing Middle Eastern and African markets.
1
... and our leadership is debating whether the two leaders should meet? No wonder we are in such trouble in the Middle East. Please consider:
1. Russia warned us twice about going into Afghanistan. Did we listen?
2. Russia mediated removal of chemical weapons in Syria.
3. Russia is now providing a concrete way forward to defeat ISIS in Syria.
4. Did our way work? That is to say arm 51 insurgents and send them into the fray? (No, they didn't survive their first engagement.) Or say overthrow the Iraqi government because of made up intel on nuclear weapons? Or in Lybia? Or overthrow the Iranian government? (Are we clueless?)
Obama needs to abandon the Bush policy in the Middle East. Meet with Putin, and devise a joint strategy to stabilize the region.
1. Russia warned us twice about going into Afghanistan. Did we listen?
2. Russia mediated removal of chemical weapons in Syria.
3. Russia is now providing a concrete way forward to defeat ISIS in Syria.
4. Did our way work? That is to say arm 51 insurgents and send them into the fray? (No, they didn't survive their first engagement.) Or say overthrow the Iraqi government because of made up intel on nuclear weapons? Or in Lybia? Or overthrow the Iranian government? (Are we clueless?)
Obama needs to abandon the Bush policy in the Middle East. Meet with Putin, and devise a joint strategy to stabilize the region.
2
Talking is good war is bad. That says it all. We must wait until the outcome of the talks before we throw either guy under the bus.
When Mr. Putin does something that has at least the appearence of being constructive, then and only then should we consider some kind of "talk" with him. Right now, Putin is pushing a human wave of refugees in to Europe as a result of their ever increasing defense of Assad. Russia should be left to defend against ISIS on their own, until they have altered their position in the Ukraine, and have acknowledge a willingness for Assad to step down from power.
The foreign policy "experts" who worry about Obama looking weak if he talks to Putin obviously don't care about the suffering Syrians. The wonks have no reasonable plan to defeat ISIS and end the suffering, and apparently they prefer more death to swallowing our pride a little. Russia is offering to carry the ball in Syria, and we refuse to talk to them? How should we characterize such a policy? As hypocrisy? As stupidity?
We don't have the gumption to go into Syria and clean up the mess ourselves (thank goodness). At the same time, we feel justified in sticking our nose into eastern Ukraine, a territory several thousand miles from our shores, but as close to Moscow as New York is to Washington, D.C. The whole question of "weakness" arises because the president chose to respond to Putin's actions in his own back yard.
We need Russia in the fight against ISIS and Sunni jihadism generally. Assad is a terrible person, but we have no plausible alternative to him. We train a handful of supposedly pro-US rebels, and ISIS promptly annihilates them. There is no perfect solution to Syria, but the only way forward there is through cooperation with Russia.
We don't have the gumption to go into Syria and clean up the mess ourselves (thank goodness). At the same time, we feel justified in sticking our nose into eastern Ukraine, a territory several thousand miles from our shores, but as close to Moscow as New York is to Washington, D.C. The whole question of "weakness" arises because the president chose to respond to Putin's actions in his own back yard.
We need Russia in the fight against ISIS and Sunni jihadism generally. Assad is a terrible person, but we have no plausible alternative to him. We train a handful of supposedly pro-US rebels, and ISIS promptly annihilates them. There is no perfect solution to Syria, but the only way forward there is through cooperation with Russia.
6
It shall be better if we skip out on South Asia altogether , the political leite has no desire to move ahead . OIC was a failure in the past and it shall be so in the future. Talibans have made headway to the Middle East.
I love how the Times presents foreign affairs articles with thinly veiled political language, as follows:
"Mr. Obama’s own instincts tend toward talking rather than not, as he has shown with both Iran and Cuba, longtime foes of the United States."
As if the usa had allalong been eager to be friends with Iran post Shah and had been rebuffed continuously in its relentless efforts to befriend Cuba post Batista!!
The usa boycotted Cuba for over 50 years and the Times acts as if Cuba had been boycotting us !!
"Mr. Obama’s own instincts tend toward talking rather than not, as he has shown with both Iran and Cuba, longtime foes of the United States."
As if the usa had allalong been eager to be friends with Iran post Shah and had been rebuffed continuously in its relentless efforts to befriend Cuba post Batista!!
The usa boycotted Cuba for over 50 years and the Times acts as if Cuba had been boycotting us !!
1
People worry about Obama playing into Putins hand because they know Obamas foreign policy to date has been feckless, with no sign of improving.
1
Let Russia fight ISIS, Al Queda and all the other radical Jihadists for a change alongside Syria, Hezbollah and Iran. It may not meet Natanyahus approval and the GOP . So What?
1
I have to agree with Putin on this one. A rag tag rebel force is not going to be able to stand up to ISIS. If we are going to support the rebels then we need to really support them with military actions and not just rhetoric. By using our rhetoric we have weekend Assad but we have not taken his regime out of the picture so we have contributed to the destabilization of the region allowing ISIS to gain a stronger hold on the territory.
Russian aggression in the Ukraine is not a good thing but in the case of the Middle East it would be best if we could work together with the Russians to thwart this menace called ISIS.
Russian aggression in the Ukraine is not a good thing but in the case of the Middle East it would be best if we could work together with the Russians to thwart this menace called ISIS.
15
How about exploiting our perceived ineptitude(s), suggest we will stay out and defer to the geniuses? Thus, the EU can provide the funding while Russia supplies the cannon fodder in a combined effort to satisfy their respective interests.
The Baathist regime in Syria has been a Russian and Iranian client for decades. So, although it might be preferable were a different setup in place, were such to continue it would not be a dire threat to our security. And any rebel force likely to take power in Syria would be even more hateful to us than Assad. Furthermore, an enhanced Russian presence in Syria might restrain iran's growing influence in the area.
Offer to support Russia's efforts in return for them getting Assad to step down gracefully. The Russian client Baathist regime can stay, so their interests are protected. Assad steps down into comfortable and safe retirement, thereby removing him from the scene. And maybe violence ends.
Our problems with Russia have come from the possible eastward expansion of NATO and the EU into Ukraine and Georgia, something which Putin sees as existential threat to himself but benefits us little. So isn't it time to see if we can mend fences? Secure both Ukraine and Georgia by undertaking that no Soviet breakaway republics shall be added to the West without the accession of Russia at the same time in return for Putin agreeing to cease his aggression against them. Then move to find ways in which we can cooperate.
Both the Russians and the West face problems of Islamic radicalism. ISIS threatens us all. So why should we seek to make it difficult for Russia to do what we refuse to do ourselves? Make a deal, make peace, find common ground, move on.
Offer to support Russia's efforts in return for them getting Assad to step down gracefully. The Russian client Baathist regime can stay, so their interests are protected. Assad steps down into comfortable and safe retirement, thereby removing him from the scene. And maybe violence ends.
Our problems with Russia have come from the possible eastward expansion of NATO and the EU into Ukraine and Georgia, something which Putin sees as existential threat to himself but benefits us little. So isn't it time to see if we can mend fences? Secure both Ukraine and Georgia by undertaking that no Soviet breakaway republics shall be added to the West without the accession of Russia at the same time in return for Putin agreeing to cease his aggression against them. Then move to find ways in which we can cooperate.
Both the Russians and the West face problems of Islamic radicalism. ISIS threatens us all. So why should we seek to make it difficult for Russia to do what we refuse to do ourselves? Make a deal, make peace, find common ground, move on.
President Obama and President Putin should meet and discuss the critical issues of war and peace.
President Putin might be perceived by Americans as a tough nut to crack, but I imagine the Russians see President Obama in a similar light. Yes, President Obama should discuss America's concerns with Russia's actions in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere, but should be ready to contest Russia's actions that threaten vital American interests.
President Putin might be perceived by Americans as a tough nut to crack, but I imagine the Russians see President Obama in a similar light. Yes, President Obama should discuss America's concerns with Russia's actions in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere, but should be ready to contest Russia's actions that threaten vital American interests.
What Putin can expect from Obama is another lecture, which he will ignore, once again, in public and disdain, once again, in private.
1
How hypocritical we are to support Al-Sisi of Egypt and the Gulf tyrants while refusing to cooperate w/ Putin to stabilize what is left of Syria . We alone are responsible for the creation and rise of ISIS just like Al Qaeda before it . Our Middle East policy has been so screwed up for so long . When will we wake up to the fact that backing Israel and the Gulf oil kingdoms is not sufficient . We need to make our peace with Iran and help to establish a Palestinian state . We absolutely cannot suffer another 9/11 attack or engage in another fruitless war like we did in Iraq . I don't care if Putin " wins " in Syria by Obama's agreeing to meet him . What we have done so far has not worked . Time for compromise .
43
Talking to Putin, who is willing to act on Syria, would just be embarrassing for Obama and the US, as what little policy there has been was absolutely ineffective. It will have no effect on Putin, who can see through rhetoric and bluster which is rarely followed up with concrete action. Obama, sit this one out, and handle the spin and posturing out of Washington, that is your only real audience now anyway.
Finally.
The US must work with Russia. The US policy of trying to "contain Russia" is a misguided, bloody dead-end: in Chechnya, in Georgia and now in Ukraine. No problem dealing with China, Saudi Arabia or other oppressive countries.
America can work with Russia and must, for the sake of peace, and now, to fight ISIS.
Thank you.
The US must work with Russia. The US policy of trying to "contain Russia" is a misguided, bloody dead-end: in Chechnya, in Georgia and now in Ukraine. No problem dealing with China, Saudi Arabia or other oppressive countries.
America can work with Russia and must, for the sake of peace, and now, to fight ISIS.
Thank you.
1
I'm not sure what gain be gained by pretending that Putin doesn't exist - ignoring him at meetings and the like is childish and solves nothing other than please neoconservatives like Cheney. The American mindset must move beyond the Cold War ideology that restricts our (and Russia's) flexibility. If I recall correctly, FDR went globetrotting at Stalin's beck and call, even after it became manifestly clear that the Soviet Union was not going to allow free elections in Poland, nor retreat from its obvious pretensions on Western Europe. Likewise, Obama should meet Putin, discuss issues that hold promise for mutual cooperation, and keep the dialog open. Anything less would be an injustice to those who have and are suffering in Syria.
1
No one ever achieved a successful diplomatic result without engaging in diplomacy. It is really that simple. The argument that engaging in diplomatic talks "rewards" bad conduct is in essence an argument for warfare as the baseline tactic of the United States. It is a false argument, put forth by warmongers to squelch any possibility of an outcome other than the one they want- which is, of course, war.
1
By all means, meet with the bored kid and discuss the jv team. Don't worry about any deceptions from him, you've got plenty of them from your own loyal intelligence staff doctoring up Syrian war reports.
Most befitting has happened to Osama Bin Laden for his war in Afghanistan. No tribute can be better than this. Nothing can be better than this - Russians moving in Syria to build an airbase. Shia faith is ending with this new development . Iranian clerics must not look worried - they should head for a war that will last another thirty years. For the previous wars, Russia was selling weapons to the Arabs. With Russia in the Middle East , Arabs may have to find a new ally who will sell war weapons , Third World War is a better idea . A war over Gawadar can resolve Japanese obssession over USA.
"For more than a year, President Obama has resisted meeting one on one with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and only reluctantly taken a phone call, freezing out the Kremlin leader over his intervention in Ukraine in their own personal cold war."
This is one of the times's newest techniques. It takes a malignant action by someone it likes, Obama, and makes it a mutual hatred. There is no evidence that President Putin is participating in any "cold war". The times did something similar for its pet Chinese artist, Way Way, describing him and China as torturing each other, thus enlarging Mr. Way Way considerably.
This is one of the times's newest techniques. It takes a malignant action by someone it likes, Obama, and makes it a mutual hatred. There is no evidence that President Putin is participating in any "cold war". The times did something similar for its pet Chinese artist, Way Way, describing him and China as torturing each other, thus enlarging Mr. Way Way considerably.
1
Talking always helps. Just look at what the Iranian Mullahs have managed to do to Obama and Kerry.
Calling Russia an international bully could be a case of humour of it were not so sad.The USA with close to 1000 military bases all over the world -and expanding- is the living definition of a global bully, compared to which Russia is almost invisible. Actually, the expansion of US led Nato direction Russia is a danger that is up till now relatively contained but could develop into a crisis. A crisis not unlike the so called Cuba crisis that was triggered by (secret) Nato missiles of American making at the Russian Turkish borders after Nato expanded to Turkey in the 1950's. Calling Russia 'a bully' this article shows some typical American geopolitical blindness that,in cases like this, merit the adjective ‘dangerous’ . Also, long time Russian ally Syria does not have to fear 'regime change' when accepting aid from Russia , the goal of the USA for Syria. Supporting Assad foes with money and arms by the USA makes the USA a much less trustworthy partner for a peaceful ending of this now complicated conflict than the Russians. The stumbling the USA is experiencing in the ME, be it Palestine, Iraq, Syria of Yemen is of its own making and is badly needing a big and smart shot of 'policy change'.
2
comments coming from someone who lives on that other continent, close to the ME crisis, only shows how uninformed Americans are. It's not about what is in Putin's head or all that other psycho babble. I say, President Obama talk to Putin. Do what it takes to get a handle on the crisis.
Let's see. The U.S. set the middle east on fire and now e want to talk about a resolution..........Really?
Maybe Obama could bring along his Nobel Peace Prize to the meeting to impress Putin. You know, like stopping Putin in the Ukraine. Or how about a beer in the rose garden? Or more sanctions.
We are talking of a country that suffered 20,000,000 casualities fighting Hitler and the Nazis. Do you really think they give a rip about the great "O"?
Unlikely..........
Will this presidency ever end?
Maybe Obama could bring along his Nobel Peace Prize to the meeting to impress Putin. You know, like stopping Putin in the Ukraine. Or how about a beer in the rose garden? Or more sanctions.
We are talking of a country that suffered 20,000,000 casualities fighting Hitler and the Nazis. Do you really think they give a rip about the great "O"?
Unlikely..........
Will this presidency ever end?
1
This should have been done 3 years ago. It is common policy for both the US and Russia to keep dictators in power because they are stable and predictable.
The Russians were amenable to replacing Assad with a different Alawite leader and the West should have jumped on that earlier. If they can negotiate a more open the economy then a natural transition to democracy might be possible.
The Russians were amenable to replacing Assad with a different Alawite leader and the West should have jumped on that earlier. If they can negotiate a more open the economy then a natural transition to democracy might be possible.
1
“Meeting with the Russian strongman would only make the president look weak.”
And not meeting with him would make the president look frightened and even weaker!
"Mr. Putin views Mr. Obama as weak" which he is.
"…some officials in the White House and the State Department worry that a meeting in New York would embolden Mr. Putin, in effect restoring his stature as a major world player on one of the biggest stages. " What's the matter with those officials? Do they not know that Putin IS such a major player?
And not meeting with him would make the president look frightened and even weaker!
"Mr. Putin views Mr. Obama as weak" which he is.
"…some officials in the White House and the State Department worry that a meeting in New York would embolden Mr. Putin, in effect restoring his stature as a major world player on one of the biggest stages. " What's the matter with those officials? Do they not know that Putin IS such a major player?
I guess if you look at the grand chessboard, Putin is winning Syria, Iran and Iraq and arming them to the teeth and keeping the US busy, while China has built its third landing strip in the SCS. The China-Russia-Iran axis is unfolding right before our eyes. Choke Europe from any access to oil from the Middle East Both sides are trying to gain as many allies as possible before the inevitable happens. This coming war is all about who survives, not who wins.
Barack Hussein should meet this strongman only to punch him in the face. This Russian blintz is stealing neighbors' territories with one hand, while offering to defeat ISIS with the other hand; what a nice guy! There has never been anything uncertain or undecipherable in Russia's actions. Nail them in their tracks. Retreat an inch and they will take a mile. No appeasement, no being nice. The world is always divided. As a family has one head, so does the planet - one boss.
1
Diplomacy of Peace in Syria
1
We must, absolutely must talk with Putin. ISIS must be stopped. We aren't going to get any West-friendly strongman in there who isn't worse than Assad, and the few 'moderate' rebels we vetted and trained were killed on their first day due to leaks from Turkey, where they'd trained. We have no game there. Petraeous has recommended we back al Queda---!! Talk to Putin, stop listening to the military. They have their agendas, gah.
We don't have good intelligence coming out of ME, our military insists on seeing Putin--whose country is closer and has a naval base there-- as twirling his moustache.
We spoke with Stalin, we spoke with Kruschev, with Iran let alone sit w/ Saudis all day long. And we are droning all over the globe, terrorizing jihadis but they continue to gain in Syria and Iraq. (and Africa)
Time for realpolitik. Talk to Putin.
The civilized world which does include Putin, needs to come together to defeat this death cult unparalled in modern times. We need Iran too if this is to be accomplished.
We don't have good intelligence coming out of ME, our military insists on seeing Putin--whose country is closer and has a naval base there-- as twirling his moustache.
We spoke with Stalin, we spoke with Kruschev, with Iran let alone sit w/ Saudis all day long. And we are droning all over the globe, terrorizing jihadis but they continue to gain in Syria and Iraq. (and Africa)
Time for realpolitik. Talk to Putin.
The civilized world which does include Putin, needs to come together to defeat this death cult unparalled in modern times. We need Iran too if this is to be accomplished.
2
However brutal a dictator Assad may be, the goal to remove him from power may be extremely costly. Instead a proposal to share power between Assad's Alawis and moderate Sunnis can bring the U.S., Russia and Iran together to put pressure on Assad to give up some of his power to a coalition government.
9
Obama needs to give Putin a reality check. Of course, Putin will probably shine him on then do what he wants in Syria and elsewhere. In the past Obama has not backed up what he has said. It is worth a try even if it is a pyrrhic victory. The president seems to be staying under the radar. It is now time for him to speak up and take a strong stand against Putin, Assad, and Isis even though it may not be a popular one
I think talking with Mr.Putin is the most sensible and pragmatic option available for Mr.Obama. The world is sick of wars and its results - rise of ISIS and subsequent migration crisis. Moreover, forced leadership change has not given the desired results. Iraq, Libya and Egypt are fine examples. Let not the same mistake be repeated in Syria. Let not the West interfere with Mr.Assad's rule.
The people of the United Kingdom, staunch ally of the U.S., have already sounded alarm bells with the election of Mr.Jeremy Corbyn as the leader of opposition, who is known for his anti war stand. Now, the majority view of the people around the globe is against another war, be it in any part of the world. Therefore, Mr.Obama should talk with Mr.Putin and take all steps to defuse tension in Syria. Mr.Obama is a receipt of Noble Peace Price. He has successfully negotiated with Iran on nuclear talks. Let him add another feather to his cap by bringing peace in Syria. Let not the West take it is a prestige issue. Let Mr.Assad rule his country in peace.
The people of the United Kingdom, staunch ally of the U.S., have already sounded alarm bells with the election of Mr.Jeremy Corbyn as the leader of opposition, who is known for his anti war stand. Now, the majority view of the people around the globe is against another war, be it in any part of the world. Therefore, Mr.Obama should talk with Mr.Putin and take all steps to defuse tension in Syria. Mr.Obama is a receipt of Noble Peace Price. He has successfully negotiated with Iran on nuclear talks. Let him add another feather to his cap by bringing peace in Syria. Let not the West take it is a prestige issue. Let Mr.Assad rule his country in peace.
What is the alternative....for the U.S. to fight on the side of ISIS and al Qaeda to get rid of Syria's president, Assad? Have we forgotten 9/11?
We have been supporting the opposition against Assad since at least 2006, under the Bush Administration. It was covered in the Washington Post. We stir the pot to effect regime change but our actions have not produced any positive results in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Ukraine, supporting the Gulf states mercilessly attacking Yemen, etc. etc. etc.
And from the article, "Others, however, worry that agreeing to meet would only play into Mr. Putin’s hands and reward an international bully." Somehow the evidence doesn't support Mr. Putin as the "internationally bully".
We have been supporting the opposition against Assad since at least 2006, under the Bush Administration. It was covered in the Washington Post. We stir the pot to effect regime change but our actions have not produced any positive results in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Ukraine, supporting the Gulf states mercilessly attacking Yemen, etc. etc. etc.
And from the article, "Others, however, worry that agreeing to meet would only play into Mr. Putin’s hands and reward an international bully." Somehow the evidence doesn't support Mr. Putin as the "internationally bully".
They or us don't have much of a chance fighting the Isis murdering thugs alone. Diplomacy usually wins. It's worth a try. But then again Putin invaded Georgia right under the Bush administrations nose because our military was exhausted. When Obama wanted to go after Assad, our own people said no as did Great Britain. No one has the stomach for more war, but Isis is worth taking being taken off the planet.
Vladimir Putin long ago won this crucial pas-de-deux.
For in Putin's world, an America burdened with a president who questions his nation's place in the world is already weak.
And perhaps a man to be trifled with.
The Russian president, after all, has continually signaled his disdain for Obama with his aggressive (and unchallenged) moves in annexing Crimea from Ukraine.
Even while Obama dithered on his "red-line" in Syria and ultimately allowed the use of chemical weapons to go unpunished.
But the Russian president clearly knows his people and is proud of them in a time of crisis.
Even while the American president seems to present doubt on the goodness of his people and the greatness of his nation.
And though nuance in thought and actions is adored and encouraged on university faculties, it is neither respected nor admired in most of the world.
As we see whenever we start to dream about a world without borders -- and the nightmares that would inevitably result.
For in Putin's world, an America burdened with a president who questions his nation's place in the world is already weak.
And perhaps a man to be trifled with.
The Russian president, after all, has continually signaled his disdain for Obama with his aggressive (and unchallenged) moves in annexing Crimea from Ukraine.
Even while Obama dithered on his "red-line" in Syria and ultimately allowed the use of chemical weapons to go unpunished.
But the Russian president clearly knows his people and is proud of them in a time of crisis.
Even while the American president seems to present doubt on the goodness of his people and the greatness of his nation.
And though nuance in thought and actions is adored and encouraged on university faculties, it is neither respected nor admired in most of the world.
As we see whenever we start to dream about a world without borders -- and the nightmares that would inevitably result.
1
As a politician who understands power well, Putin has a simple plan in Syria. First, he intends to establish Russia as a major player in the region. This makes him look strong and provides an added benefit of keeping an eye on any possibility that an Islamic movement heads north into his neighborhood. Of greater interest to him, however, is being in the center of the turmoil in Syria and surrounding countries. This is important to him because it gives him the chance to influence how the turmoil plays out. Why would he care about that? Very simple. The turmoil is causing great migrant flows to Europe which is leading to instability in various places there and perhaps soon in some of the more well off places in Europe. He loves instability in his neighbors, especially if he can maneuver to make it look like he might be able to stem the flow. This gives him leverage over Europe and at the same time makes Europe more dependent on him and less on the US. He could hardly ask for better circumstances. Of course, Mr. Obama, as clueless as always, seems to think the US and Russia share some mutual interest in eliminating ISIS in Syria. Nothing could be further from the truth. Putin relishes the turmoil and the resulting pressure it puts on Europe.
4
Obama obviously realizes he looks like the indecisive, incompetent, powerless, lame duck that he is, especially in comparison to the brazen, decisive, wildly popular prime minister of Russia. Putin has a plan that makes sense. Obama wants to arm "moderates" that don't exist. Putin is in control and has massive domestic support. Obama is afraid - and it shows.
1
Considering that the US has no ideas for stopping ISIS it seems wise to listen to what the Russians are saying as they have been right on everything so far from overthrowing Saddam Hussein and Muammar Khaddafy to attempting to overthrow Bashar Al Assad. President Obama needs to ignore the ideologically bankrupt bloviators at places like the Atlantic council whose dead ideas and childish mentality has truly wrecked the world for at least the last 15 years.
How could any serious person think that Russia is inconsequential and that the leader of such a country could be ignored as if he were a disobedient child. Not meeting with Putin and all the immature quibbling about how to meet with him and how it could look is what is making the US look small.
How could any serious person think that Russia is inconsequential and that the leader of such a country could be ignored as if he were a disobedient child. Not meeting with Putin and all the immature quibbling about how to meet with him and how it could look is what is making the US look small.
3
This thing goes beyond personality types and whether Obama and Putin can talk to each other. The Ukraine situation was created to squeeze Putin by tightening the NATO noose. But NATO did not expect Putin to annex the Crimea and turn the East against the West where a puppet government was installed.
Syria has been an alternative strategy to achieve to achieve the same; cut off Russia from supplying natural gas to the E.U. But Syria's president refused to allow Qatar's natural gas pipeline to pass through Syria into Turkey and to the E.U.
Finally, the Saudi market flooding of oil causing a price crash was a request by the U.S. in order to isolate both Russia and Iran. Iran was hurt, and that is why it agreed to the nuclear power deal in order to lift the sanctions.
Russia, OTOH, is not as easy to starve or cause to bankrupt. It produces competitive war weapons and many countries need that if nothing but to be able to hold back the U.S. aggressive foreign policy.
Western societies were bombarded with disinformation so they would not object, or God forbid rise up, to the unlimited military spending and foreign land misadventures. We all need to remove that wool over our eyes and beware of geopolitical motives.
Syria has been an alternative strategy to achieve to achieve the same; cut off Russia from supplying natural gas to the E.U. But Syria's president refused to allow Qatar's natural gas pipeline to pass through Syria into Turkey and to the E.U.
Finally, the Saudi market flooding of oil causing a price crash was a request by the U.S. in order to isolate both Russia and Iran. Iran was hurt, and that is why it agreed to the nuclear power deal in order to lift the sanctions.
Russia, OTOH, is not as easy to starve or cause to bankrupt. It produces competitive war weapons and many countries need that if nothing but to be able to hold back the U.S. aggressive foreign policy.
Western societies were bombarded with disinformation so they would not object, or God forbid rise up, to the unlimited military spending and foreign land misadventures. We all need to remove that wool over our eyes and beware of geopolitical motives.
2
Wow, the kremlin's P.R. machine is really working overtime writing comments here about this article. You guys are so obvious, it's really rather pathetic.
Putin pushes against the only door barring the way to a bottomless pit.
Europe is prostrate, disorganized politically and psychologically by faltering economies, the Ukraine war, Greece's economic implosion and the onslaught of war-front refugees.
Meanwhile, our war against Wahhabi Salafism forced upon us by Bin Laden goes badly. Our military lacks realistic metrics to quantify success in a conflict waged without territorial objectives or American ground forces. It's forced to rely on proxy armies that are scarcely more than ill-trained militias, surrounded by enemies. But this isn't why it fumbles. Our fundamental problem is strategic. How to confront a popular insurrection by tens of millions of impoverished people against corrupt dictatorships that benefit a wealthy few. The Mubaraks, al-Gaddafis, al-Sisis, al-Sauds and al-Assads. Once again we find ourselves on the wrong side of revolution, trapped by the dead hand of old alliances made with anciene regimes. Our inability to break with that past insures those small revolutionary struggle will evolve into an all-out war between civilizations; what Bin Laden wanted.
Into this conflagration strolls Putin, seeking to turn it to his advantage but viewing it through the narrowest of prisms: irredentist Russian nationalism. He seeks to reestablish Russian hegemony in Europe, especially its "near-abroad", without quite realizing that he's standing in foot-deep gasoline striking match after match trying to see his way forward.
Europe is prostrate, disorganized politically and psychologically by faltering economies, the Ukraine war, Greece's economic implosion and the onslaught of war-front refugees.
Meanwhile, our war against Wahhabi Salafism forced upon us by Bin Laden goes badly. Our military lacks realistic metrics to quantify success in a conflict waged without territorial objectives or American ground forces. It's forced to rely on proxy armies that are scarcely more than ill-trained militias, surrounded by enemies. But this isn't why it fumbles. Our fundamental problem is strategic. How to confront a popular insurrection by tens of millions of impoverished people against corrupt dictatorships that benefit a wealthy few. The Mubaraks, al-Gaddafis, al-Sisis, al-Sauds and al-Assads. Once again we find ourselves on the wrong side of revolution, trapped by the dead hand of old alliances made with anciene regimes. Our inability to break with that past insures those small revolutionary struggle will evolve into an all-out war between civilizations; what Bin Laden wanted.
Into this conflagration strolls Putin, seeking to turn it to his advantage but viewing it through the narrowest of prisms: irredentist Russian nationalism. He seeks to reestablish Russian hegemony in Europe, especially its "near-abroad", without quite realizing that he's standing in foot-deep gasoline striking match after match trying to see his way forward.
1
No harm in admitting of being wrong.....Time to work together...
1
If he talks with Iran, why not Putin? Most of us "modern" people think that verbal communication is the solution to all problems. But....non-verbal communication is also "communication".
1
And there you have the true solution to the refugee crisis. These two have the power to deal with Syria and end the destruction of that country.
1
Any talk of isolating Putin is futile. He is a major player on the world stage, and we just might as well get used to it. Pres. Obama should definitely talk to Putin. Obama has been using this final period of his presidency for important diplomatic initiatives and resolving the situation in Syria should be included on his bucket list. Assad is a bad guy, just as Hussein was, but look what happened when we took out Hussein. We should have learned our lesson in the Middle East by now; let's do whatever we can to ease the misery of the Syrian people.
2
"The recent deployment of Russian weapons and equipment to Syria . . ."
As the price of Russian oil drops, Putin's cash shortfall has to be made up somewhere. Chances to "work out their differences" are zip.
As the price of Russian oil drops, Putin's cash shortfall has to be made up somewhere. Chances to "work out their differences" are zip.
Don't weigh talk, just do them.
The US has done enough damage to the region, time to get real.
The US has done enough damage to the region, time to get real.
3
Choosing to freeze out another leader comes across as being childish. If Churchill and Roosevelt could sit with Stalin despite the very difficult geopolitical realities and unpalatable discussion topics of their time, then I expect the world leaders of today to show some fortitude and intelligence.
6
Obama is no Churchill or Roosevelt. In fact, quite the opposite. This country will be suffering the effects of Obama's foreign policy for years to come.
I do think President Obama should meet with Mr. Putin. With that said, he should have an alternative plan of action in Syria to present or be ready to swallow a bit of pride and throw in with Russia.
The remark Mr. Obama made earlier this year about not having a strategy, at least from a distance, still seems to be true.
The whole world can see that Mr. Putin definitely has a plan.
So, to come out of such a meeting just reiterating that Russia is wrong to intervene and making claims that our current efforts are superior and the way forward seems really be weak.
The remark Mr. Obama made earlier this year about not having a strategy, at least from a distance, still seems to be true.
The whole world can see that Mr. Putin definitely has a plan.
So, to come out of such a meeting just reiterating that Russia is wrong to intervene and making claims that our current efforts are superior and the way forward seems really be weak.
1
Dear Mr. President: please talk to this guy. Please continue to engage allies and advisories alike. Please continue to change the story line away from eternal conflict. Please continue to earn that Nobel Peace Prize you got when you started this job.
4
Dear Mr. President: please treat this man with the same respect you showed to Prime Minister Netanyahu, who had the temerity to challenge your position in history by providing the Ayatollahs with a path to an Islamic fascist nuclear warhead. You already have the Nobel Peace Prize once, and that was for preventing war in Libya, I mean Crimea, I mean the Ukraine, what I really mean is....so what if the Russians cross a few "red lines" in Syria?"
We can work it out.
We can work it out.
"Some officials in the White House and the State Department worry that a meeting in New York would embolden Mr. Putin, in effect restoring his stature as a major world player on one of the biggest stages."
He is "a major world player on one of the biggest stages." This ostrich-like behavior will not deny him the position he already occupies. Of course President Obama should meet and work with him!
He is "a major world player on one of the biggest stages." This ostrich-like behavior will not deny him the position he already occupies. Of course President Obama should meet and work with him!
2
Talking doesn't necessarily mean agreeing. So why waste an opportunity to perhaps do more to deal with ISIS even if that means getting involved with Putin. It seems, on the surface anyway, that there's potentially everything to gain and nothing much to lose.
6
Whith such extent of grievance against U.S. in the streets of Europe, after ever became hopeless in cleaning up the Syrian mess that Obama created, why not give Putin a chance? What can go more wrong?
1
Being professional often requires checking your personal feelings at the door. This mess in the ME needs to be dealt with immediately to avoid a catastrophe from spreading further.
2
Since what they are doing now isn't working, perhaps a different approach would yield better results.
The USA needs to go back to real politik and be pragmatic about this. The faster this Syria thing is cleaned up the faster the EU countries can deny refugee status and send these hordes of people back.
3
The US simply needs to give Russia a little respect, something that's happened rarely since the USSR. It is likely true that, as US diplomats have alleged, Russia remains a "mafia state," but in fact Russia will keep its international agreements because it wants more respect and thus more influence.
So, work with Russia, as with China and Saudi Arabia. Rekindling the Cold War is a bloody dead-end.
So, work with Russia, as with China and Saudi Arabia. Rekindling the Cold War is a bloody dead-end.
3
Policy of isolation has proved to be inefficient, Russia is a major player in international politics, and it's a bad plan to simply ignore it, the talks will be much more correct decision.
3
While they play this game, Syrian civilians die every day, a culture is ravaged and a refugee crisis worsens. Have talks, for God's sake. Stop the eternal posturing and start working. Enough with the egos and head games.
2
I am no fan if Putin, however his strategy to support the Assad government against ISIL is right on.
The US strategy to support Rebel insurgents in the hope of defeating ISIL and deposing Assad is a failed strategy.
Meanwhile, Europe prepares for a deluge of refugees from this region unlike anything it has experienced since WW II.
President Obama BETTER make sure he speaks with Mr. Putin. The political and social stability of Europe and The Middle East depend on it.
The US strategy to support Rebel insurgents in the hope of defeating ISIL and deposing Assad is a failed strategy.
Meanwhile, Europe prepares for a deluge of refugees from this region unlike anything it has experienced since WW II.
President Obama BETTER make sure he speaks with Mr. Putin. The political and social stability of Europe and The Middle East depend on it.
8
Obama has botched foreign policy so badly that it will take years for a competent leader to unravel the mess. If he goes to speak with Putin I'm afraid Obama will get his lunch eaten again as he did with "tell Vladamir I'll have more latitude after the election." and the Russian "Reset". And yet many want to compound Obama's errors and elect Hillary. Has the Democrat party gone mad?
Obama will give in to Putin on what ever he wants. He does not want to endanger his legacy in his last 16 months on the job. Obama gave ISIS the weapons and Putin will give him nothing. Putin has won over Obama on foreign policy and nothing will stop him.
1
What legacy? Giving Iran nuclear weapons? A poorly crafted and overly expensive health care scheme we "had to read to know what is in it." Promoting conciliatory politics to bring the US "down to size"?
Obama overplayed his hand for nothing of value on the Ukraine issue. Putin is right to combat ISSI along with the Syrian government. For a president who preached talking to work out dangerous situations with other leaders, Obama must practice what he preached. Or to put in his way "get on the right side of history". Cut a deal with Putin and crush ISIS.
9
Chilly relations between Obama and Putin, because Putin is among the few world leaders to see through Obama. We speak of Ukraine as reason for freezing out Russia in world affairs, when modern Ukraine is the product of a coup, US engineered. We also conveniently ignore the role of the US globally: war, intervention, covert action, regime change--how expect Putin to respect Obama with a record like that?
On Syria, why historically-politically the animus toward Assad? Has US meddling in the Middle East--military bases in Saudi Arabia a causal factor in Bin Laden's rise, the Iraq intervention, the categorical defense of Israel no matter what it does--been responsible for the creation and expansion of ISIS? American policy is proving self-devouring. We are outraged that Putin wants to aid Assad, yet we pour billions into the campaign to oust Assad. Inconsistency? Hypocrisy?
Obama is no match for Putin, not because Washington thinks of him as a "thug," but because his actions and policies have been measured, while the US, under Obama, itches for confrontation with Russia (and China), for that matter). Obama is driving Putin and Xi together, Syria merely one more illustration of a US international posture of intervention and regime change in pursuit of global hegemony.
It won't work.
On Syria, why historically-politically the animus toward Assad? Has US meddling in the Middle East--military bases in Saudi Arabia a causal factor in Bin Laden's rise, the Iraq intervention, the categorical defense of Israel no matter what it does--been responsible for the creation and expansion of ISIS? American policy is proving self-devouring. We are outraged that Putin wants to aid Assad, yet we pour billions into the campaign to oust Assad. Inconsistency? Hypocrisy?
Obama is no match for Putin, not because Washington thinks of him as a "thug," but because his actions and policies have been measured, while the US, under Obama, itches for confrontation with Russia (and China), for that matter). Obama is driving Putin and Xi together, Syria merely one more illustration of a US international posture of intervention and regime change in pursuit of global hegemony.
It won't work.
40
I agree with everything you said except the statement that it won't work, Because of everything previous that is the reason that a meeting between the two leaders is needed.
"On Syria, why historically-politically the animus toward Assad?"
-- pipeline, baby. Pipeline.
-- pipeline, baby. Pipeline.
"some officials in the White House and the State Department worry that a meeting in New York would embolden Mr. Putin, in effect restoring his stature as a major world player on one of the biggest stages."
There is the root of the problem with regard to our relationship with Russia. As Russia's leader, Putin *is* a major world player, whether or not president Obama meets with him.
Obama is our country's chief diplomat. He must meet with Putin and start figuring out how to fix these problems. Ignoring him is what makes Obama look weak.
There is the root of the problem with regard to our relationship with Russia. As Russia's leader, Putin *is* a major world player, whether or not president Obama meets with him.
Obama is our country's chief diplomat. He must meet with Putin and start figuring out how to fix these problems. Ignoring him is what makes Obama look weak.
54
The problem is that Obama is not a diplomat by background or training. He is a community organizer. While the two may sound similar in purpose and scope, they are really quiet different. Diplomatic interchanges have no rules, other than national interest, which is self defined. Community organizers have very definite rules they can fall back on, such as constitutional guarantees that prevent people from making decisions on the basis of race, religion, national origin, etc. These are some of the basic motivations in diplomatic interchanges.
1
The USA thinks that every other country and every other person is the world is subordinate to the USA; that the entire world revolves around the USA; that the USA can bomb, kill, depose, replace, or starve anyone it wants. The USA according to the USA is "exceptional," "indispensable."
Have you ever worked with or for someone like this? Dealt with a family member or a neighbor like this? A lummox with big arms, no brains, and a fat neck?
When is the light going to go on in the USA that it is always at war somewhere in the world because it it an arrogant, aggressive, violent --- and racist --- country?
When is the USA going to join the human race? When is the USA going to be one more country in a world of countries, stop trying to dominate the world, and stop trying to FORCE everyone else in the world to do what the banks and corporations that rule it want?
Have you ever worked with or for someone like this? Dealt with a family member or a neighbor like this? A lummox with big arms, no brains, and a fat neck?
When is the light going to go on in the USA that it is always at war somewhere in the world because it it an arrogant, aggressive, violent --- and racist --- country?
When is the USA going to join the human race? When is the USA going to be one more country in a world of countries, stop trying to dominate the world, and stop trying to FORCE everyone else in the world to do what the banks and corporations that rule it want?
109
When China puts it in its place....
Bill BC,
The USA does not wish to wage war. It has to wage war because there are bad countries that think nothing of wiping out their neighbors.
I submit that you would be speaking german if the USA had not entered WW II. Case closed.
The USA does not wish to wage war. It has to wage war because there are bad countries that think nothing of wiping out their neighbors.
I submit that you would be speaking german if the USA had not entered WW II. Case closed.
1
The answer to your questions is for the U.S. to elect a Republican president.
I would say President Obama should meet with Putin, restricting the agenda to Syria. The horror of life for those in Syria, and the millions of refugees, argue that something needs to be done to arrange a ceasefire. It is not a loss of face to negotiate to end such bloodshed.
ISIS is a huge threat in the region, and they seem to have the opportunity to fill power vacuums. President Obama and Putin should agree that all sides should unite against ISIS. Stop attacks on the Kurds, who have been one of the most effective forces against ISIS. Kurds, stop attacking other Syrians.
And so on.
ISIS is a huge threat in the region, and they seem to have the opportunity to fill power vacuums. President Obama and Putin should agree that all sides should unite against ISIS. Stop attacks on the Kurds, who have been one of the most effective forces against ISIS. Kurds, stop attacking other Syrians.
And so on.
22
The US does not need Russia to solve the Syria Crisis. We need effective and decisive leadership. But Obama dug himself and our Nation into a hole with his ineffective, waffling politics in this crisis and he needs Putin to pull him out of the hole. Obama needs Putin much more than Putin needs Obama. This will be another losing debacle for the US as Obama gives away our National interest to get his deal with Putin to save himself politically. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands more will become casualties of a disaster of our Nation's making.
9
Don't blame Obama, blame the G.O.P. for its outright rejection of every single element he wanted to do for the U.S.A.
As to cooperating with Russia on Syria, that is the only option anyone has. If Assad is deposed, Syria will collapse into even worse anarchy, with a weak leader who outwardly embraces democracy, but in truth follows his own agenda. Only consider El Maliki of Iraq, or the corrupt former leader of Afghanistan, whose greatest pleasure was to insult the nations who sent aid, and pocketed a fair amount of it.
Let countries who have a dictator get rid of him on their own. As one Iraqi stated, "He is a dictator, but he is our dictator, and we will get rid of him when the time has come." America should not always presume to decide for other nations what is good or bad for them. And people who mix up in other people's business sooner or later get their payback.
As to cooperating with Russia on Syria, that is the only option anyone has. If Assad is deposed, Syria will collapse into even worse anarchy, with a weak leader who outwardly embraces democracy, but in truth follows his own agenda. Only consider El Maliki of Iraq, or the corrupt former leader of Afghanistan, whose greatest pleasure was to insult the nations who sent aid, and pocketed a fair amount of it.
Let countries who have a dictator get rid of him on their own. As one Iraqi stated, "He is a dictator, but he is our dictator, and we will get rid of him when the time has come." America should not always presume to decide for other nations what is good or bad for them. And people who mix up in other people's business sooner or later get their payback.
Obama may save himself politically in the short run. But we need keaders who care more about the country than they do their political career.
1
It really depends on what the president has to say but if the conversation is riddled with his usual first person singular subject personal pronoun then it would not be wise.
7
Perhaps Pope Francis can interject himself, ordering Putin to stand down with his illegal invasion and general bullying in the region.
Ironically it takes a religious, not political, figure to teach heads of state the rules of international diplomacy.
Ironically it takes a religious, not political, figure to teach heads of state the rules of international diplomacy.
4
This was a problem created by the myopic US foreign policy, still stuck somewhere in the 1980s. Western anti-Russian rhetoric played perfectly into Putin's hands by helping him to whip up Russian nationalism and providing the excuse for his failed economic policies and corruption. Now Putin will present himself as the savior (or at least a major player) in the Middle East, which was stirred up into the current disaster by the ill-advised and even worse executed US invasions.
26
Sorry, but you could not be more wrong. Putin has a very savvy economic team that put together a wise and quite large sovereign wealth fund. Poor oil prices have slowed the economy a lot, but Putin has nothing to do with that. Income in Russia has tripled since he came on the scene 15 years ago. That is pretty impressive stuff, and why he is so well supported in Russia. As for corruption, much remains to be done, but it is miles from the kleptocracy that Yeltsin left.
6
If those in the "middle" east want Russia as their "protector" they can have it. Russia has proven over time to not be able to run even it's own affairs properly.
1
God bless Putin, Russia and the brave young Christian men who have been put in harms way in Syria. Europe should also be thankful. Remove those stupid sanctions on Russia now.
25
Let Putin have Syria and begin work on a peace negotiation.
The international community must start building refugee camps in places like Iraqi Kurdistan and relieve the pressure on places like Jordan and Turkey.
Stop the flow of migrants into Europe.
Germany must halt their open door policy; it's causing chaos and unrest. Begin organized, legal and pragmatic immigration from the Middle East and Africa into Europe.
Slow the chaos.
The international community must start building refugee camps in places like Iraqi Kurdistan and relieve the pressure on places like Jordan and Turkey.
Stop the flow of migrants into Europe.
Germany must halt their open door policy; it's causing chaos and unrest. Begin organized, legal and pragmatic immigration from the Middle East and Africa into Europe.
Slow the chaos.
9
There are already millions of refugees there, and the region is totally overwhelmed, not to mention ISIS is active in that area.
1
Europe cannot possibly absorb all those millions of refugees. What happens if there's a phase of recession? That is when resentment and possible conflicts arise.
Apart from that, especially the Syrians who leave their country are, for the most part, highly educated, highly skilled. When peace returns to Syria, those people will be needed, but the "brain drain" will show its effects in a painfully slow recovery.
Apart from that, especially the Syrians who leave their country are, for the most part, highly educated, highly skilled. When peace returns to Syria, those people will be needed, but the "brain drain" will show its effects in a painfully slow recovery.
Having Assad stay in power is probably our only solution. But who cares if we change our status of who is in power and who is not. The country is in a terrible state, with people fleeing and ISIS taking control more and more everyday. Sometimes I wonder what our government is doing that is right and that maybe we should change who we are, for the better. Less air strikes and more humanitarian efforts, a joint strategy. It would makes us less of being the bad guy and more in line with Russia by taking a stand with Russia, not against. Who cares what options we have, it should be our only one. I think we think we are so powerful we forget for what we stand for. Human rights, human equality, human freedom. I think countries hate that we don't show this side of ourselves. We forget this side of ourselves because of the power we come to have.
78
The Obama administration has repeatedly and incessantly sought to (illegally) undermine and overthrow the Syrian government because Assad will not submit to the paradigm of American-Israeli hegemony in the region. To teach him a lesson, Obama has been arming and funding brutal Islamist terror groups who change alliances at a whim, depending on where the next mercenary check comes from. The result is ISIS armed to teeth with American weapons, equipment, and dozens of Humvees.
Despite this abject failure of foreign policy, Obama REFUSES to acknowledge that the Syrian government is the most effective fighting force on the ground against ISIS and other radical Islamists. This crude policy is inexcusable and, given the scale of the humanitarian crisis borne out of it, perhaps criminal.
Despite this abject failure of foreign policy, Obama REFUSES to acknowledge that the Syrian government is the most effective fighting force on the ground against ISIS and other radical Islamists. This crude policy is inexcusable and, given the scale of the humanitarian crisis borne out of it, perhaps criminal.
57
Let Putin send troops, equipment and St. Basil's Cathedral to Syria. The result will be worse, for Russia, than our incursion into Iraq. Syria may be the final nail in Putin's coffin. If anything, Obama should encourage him in his adventure into the morass.
7
But what if Putin gives "also known as ISIL" the ultimatum Obama should have?
4
Putin has extremely critical of Gorbachev and the concessions he made that hasented the end of the Cold War. This is evident by statements he has made to restore Russia to it's prior status. He took the ports at Crimea, giving him his first warm water ports and Obama did nothing. He invaded eastern Ukraine and made public statements but refused to send lethal aid to Ukraine despite repeated requests.
Putin is a much shrewder individual than Obama. He has moved repeatedly and Obama has done nothing but make empty threats. Putin has a master plan and Obama is reactive. His failure to respond over and over has demonstrated that. What has Obama done about Russia's cyber attacks? What has he done about their continual violation of our air space?
Obama should have acted when he got the physical evidence that Assad was using chemical weapons on his people. Over 200,000 died. Dont't forget, Obama thumped his cheat repeatedly and said he didn't need Congressional approval to bomb Syria. He did nothing. He did nothing to hasten Assad's demise but said over and over again he must go. Well, he didn't and Russia has stepped into the breach and he won't be going anyway. We were the dominant force in the region for years. Now Vlad has got the ball and he won't be giving it back under any circumstances. But Obama can do what he always does in these situations. Blame Bush.
Putin is a much shrewder individual than Obama. He has moved repeatedly and Obama has done nothing but make empty threats. Putin has a master plan and Obama is reactive. His failure to respond over and over has demonstrated that. What has Obama done about Russia's cyber attacks? What has he done about their continual violation of our air space?
Obama should have acted when he got the physical evidence that Assad was using chemical weapons on his people. Over 200,000 died. Dont't forget, Obama thumped his cheat repeatedly and said he didn't need Congressional approval to bomb Syria. He did nothing. He did nothing to hasten Assad's demise but said over and over again he must go. Well, he didn't and Russia has stepped into the breach and he won't be going anyway. We were the dominant force in the region for years. Now Vlad has got the ball and he won't be giving it back under any circumstances. But Obama can do what he always does in these situations. Blame Bush.
Putin has shown very little interest in an expensive war that would likely prove unpopular over time. Putin is not stupid - certainly not as stupid as we have been.
Sorry to say but it is obvious that Americans cannot accept the fact that Putin is smarter and more cunning than Obama and all his advisors at the WH. Mr. Obama is not a deep thinker or a World Statesman or a strategist in world affairs. USA must now sit on the sidelines and watch the Russians play their game.
46
All in all, the U.S.A. is sadly deficient when it comes to knowledge of other nations, their history and the mentality that is the result of this history. In my experience, there is hardly any interest in these details anyway. It has been my experience that whenever something is done differently, many Americans get this sneering-superior expression and state, "Well, we do that differently," meaning, "We do it better." Perhaps it would be too much to hope that American politics and the American people as a whole give up their Better Than Thou attitudes and see what other countries have to offer, rather than trying to force American methods and attitudes and values down our throats.
Absurd. Russia is practically bankrupt. The Russian people's capacity for suffering is the only thing that is propping up Putin's corrupt autocratic government.
There is not one person in the Clown Car Republican hopefuls that could be considered a deep thinker, in particular Trump. Not one of them could have had the patience and the intelligence to negotiate the terms with five other countries that brought the Iranians to sign the deal. The Us would have been involved in another costly war with many more American dead if any of those "deep thinkers" were in power.
They have to meet, they have to talk, they have to try, if for no other reason than for the children.
Saudi Arabia has sought to jam Syria (Iran) and Russia (oil) and Russia is responding with all the might it can muster. Saudi Arabia has got to stop this military meddling and the real powers (America and Russia) have got to try and put Humpy Dumpty back together, even if it means carving out fiefdoms and ending this senseless war, if for no other reason than the children.
Saudi Arabia has sought to jam Syria (Iran) and Russia (oil) and Russia is responding with all the might it can muster. Saudi Arabia has got to stop this military meddling and the real powers (America and Russia) have got to try and put Humpy Dumpty back together, even if it means carving out fiefdoms and ending this senseless war, if for no other reason than the children.
26
Yeah, yeah, the children. What are the children without adults to take care of them, who offer security, education, medical care when necessary and everything else that children require. Instead of drivelling on about children exclusively, it would be a very good idea of considering the population in its entirety.
Certainly an opportunity to join hands with Russia.
7
What ever your opinion of Assad and Putin there's one thing you need to remember. They are leaders of sovereign nations. Not rebels or terrorists states like ISIS or Boko Haram. Our destabilization of Assad has lead to a mass refugee migration into Europe and allowed ISIS to gain ground in Syria. It's time we stopped trying to playing world cop.
65
"The Obama administration was caught off guard by the Kremlin's move into Syria".
How surprising. While the Obama administration is talking or not talking to the Russians about this they might also bring up the matter with the Iranians who also have troops on the ground supporting Assad and have had troops for quite a while. (Was this brought up during the nuclear deal arrangements? Unlikely).
The problem is that when it comes to Syria and Mr. Assad, the Obama administration at best talks, but does nothing or very little. If it is not ISIS then this administration does nothing. Most of the refugee problem though is the result of Mr. Assad and will continue as long as Mr. Assad remains in power.
The Guardian has reported that the Russians offered to the West a number of years ago a deal to get Mr. Assad to step down and the West ignored it.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/15/west-ignored-russian-offer-...
Basically the Obama administration in Syria talks when it is necessary to act and does nothing when it is necessary to talk and when it comes to the Russians the US operates in the same way. Is it any wonder that the Obama administration was caught "off guard" by the Kremlin's move?
How surprising. While the Obama administration is talking or not talking to the Russians about this they might also bring up the matter with the Iranians who also have troops on the ground supporting Assad and have had troops for quite a while. (Was this brought up during the nuclear deal arrangements? Unlikely).
The problem is that when it comes to Syria and Mr. Assad, the Obama administration at best talks, but does nothing or very little. If it is not ISIS then this administration does nothing. Most of the refugee problem though is the result of Mr. Assad and will continue as long as Mr. Assad remains in power.
The Guardian has reported that the Russians offered to the West a number of years ago a deal to get Mr. Assad to step down and the West ignored it.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/15/west-ignored-russian-offer-...
Basically the Obama administration in Syria talks when it is necessary to act and does nothing when it is necessary to talk and when it comes to the Russians the US operates in the same way. Is it any wonder that the Obama administration was caught "off guard" by the Kremlin's move?
8
Please give me a moment while I may come up with an excuse for what the Democrats pushed off as a leader of the free world who is terrified to see Russia's Putin face to face in a situation that requires conversation. No excuse will be forthcoming. The Democrats of the United States put forth a puppet that is useless other than confusing the masses via a teleprompter. Putin is real and will suffer no fools.
19
The current puppet is better than the would-be Romney or McCain puppets. I wouldn't trade him for any of the alternatives, or any alternative currently available except perhaps Sanders and Clinton. Violence is never is the long term answer. This mess from our side is largely due to the violent psycopathic nature of the Bush/Cheney administration.
The last U.S. puppet was George W. Bush, and the puppet master was Dick Cheney, assisted by the oil billionaires.
You actually think McCain/Palin or Romney/Ryan would have been any better?
My guess is Obama did not plan on the Syrian holocaust being a front burner issue, but rather something he would hand off to the next administration. Guess what? No.
20
Democrats are busy "handing off" the responsibility of the Syrian debacle to Bush even though Bush did NOTHING to undermine Assad. Very likely Bush's actions vis a vis Saddam had a bad effect. But Bush is not responsible for the current refugee crisis in Europe. It is Obama.
Whether or not the Obama-led sanctions will influence Putin's position vis-a-vis the Ukraine, in combination with the major drop in oil and gas prices they have had a major (negative) impact on the Russian economy and as a result put Vlad the Lad under a whole lot of pressure.
What better time for Obama to negotiate with Putin, especially given a major bargaining chip called the threat of not vetoing (or even backing) the bill now pending in Congress to lift the ban on oil exports and thereby further dramatically reducing the value of Russia's primary export.
What better time for Obama to negotiate with Putin, especially given a major bargaining chip called the threat of not vetoing (or even backing) the bill now pending in Congress to lift the ban on oil exports and thereby further dramatically reducing the value of Russia's primary export.
6
I don't think Vladimir cares to negotiate. What I see is Obama struggling to not look irrelevant as Russia does something perceived as constructive in fighting the threat of anarchy in the face of the Islamic State. We've been doing airstrikes for a year now. Hands up everyone who thinks it's been a winning strategy.
This is a risk, because it could threaten civilian aircraft. But if we want to make a difference in Syria "on the cheap" (and President Obama does not appear prepared to commit to actions which would be hard), the answer is to provide man-portable anti-aircraft missiles to the Syrian opposition, so that they can defeat Assad's greatest advantage (and biggest civilian killing machine), i.e. his air force, and give Russia pause in deploying jet aircraft to the region.
Yes it is risky. Those same anti-aircraft missiles could fall into the wrong hands and be used against civilian aircraft by terrorists. But this is by far the greatest easy leverage the US could exert against Assad and it is very clear that the Administration is not prepared to do anything which is not "easy."
Man-portable anti-aircraft missiles which we supplied made a critical difference in defeating Russian occupation forces in Afghanistan. I think it is time to introduce them into Syria.
Yes it is risky. Those same anti-aircraft missiles could fall into the wrong hands and be used against civilian aircraft by terrorists. But this is by far the greatest easy leverage the US could exert against Assad and it is very clear that the Administration is not prepared to do anything which is not "easy."
Man-portable anti-aircraft missiles which we supplied made a critical difference in defeating Russian occupation forces in Afghanistan. I think it is time to introduce them into Syria.
2
You seem to have a short memory. We gave anti-aircraft missiles to the Taliban back when they were fighting the Russians. That worked out swell, didn't it?
Any action that will lower the misery in Syria is worth doing. The inaction of the world's leaders is abysmal. Whether this is playing into Putin's hands or not is hardly worth debating now that the Soviet Empire is gone.
82
I agree so much I am obliged to reply.
Look up the statistics on Russia, if you care to be informed.
Militarily, economically, the nation is not a superpower at the moment.
Russians are hoping that global warming will change that, but for now it's just a waiting game for them.
Look up the statistics on Russia, if you care to be informed.
Militarily, economically, the nation is not a superpower at the moment.
Russians are hoping that global warming will change that, but for now it's just a waiting game for them.
Despite recent military build up by Russia in Syria, and several doubts about Putin's real motives, the glimmer of hope appears to be his willingness for seeking a negotiated resolution of the Syrian crisis. With leveraging his recent diplomatic success on securing the nuclear deal with Iran, President Obama should readily grab another opportunity that has opened up in Syria by engaging Putin for talks on seeking solution to the Syrian crisis in which Iran could also play a facilitator. For, unless the two sides- the US/West and regional forces, and Russia- come round the negotiations no lasting solution could be found for the Syrian problem.
15
As he should. Forgive Putin for his silly snubs and get on with the worlds work.
6
Our President doesn't talk to the United States Congress. Or even to the Prime Minister of Israel. Why would anyone expect him to talk with Putin?
6
Our Congress and the Prime Minister of Israel are the same, and neither one is helpful in any attempt to bring Iran in from the cold. It is time to stop allowing Israel to dictate U.S. foreign policy. It is time to remind Congress they do not control Agreements; they do control Treaties. Obama is negotiating an Agreement. Obama is a loyal American president; he is doing the best that can be done to undo the damage inflicted on us by the Cheney/Bush administration.
Yes indeed, our President is marvelous.
As you've suggested, Iran will soon be "in from the cold." And no doubt Vlad Putin will be warmed up a good bit too.
In fact, looking around the world, the only ones now left feeling chilled are... our allies. And yes, and a clear majority of members of Congress, of either party.
As you've suggested, Iran will soon be "in from the cold." And no doubt Vlad Putin will be warmed up a good bit too.
In fact, looking around the world, the only ones now left feeling chilled are... our allies. And yes, and a clear majority of members of Congress, of either party.
1
Half the population of Syria has left already; the other half is being slowly slaughtered. Something ought to be done.
10
Putin has the measure of Obama and is taking advantage of his pacifism on multiple fronts. Obama worries about whether he should talk with Putin; Putin takes action and doesn't care about talking.
8
"we call on other countries to join us,” Mr. Putin said
So all Obama has to do is announce that he has accepted Putin's invitation and in so doing preempt in-any-case-stupid GOP accusations that he knuckled under.
So all Obama has to do is announce that he has accepted Putin's invitation and in so doing preempt in-any-case-stupid GOP accusations that he knuckled under.
2
The colossal mistake that Obama, the West made: The civil war in Syria started because Turkey deprived water from Syria Iraq with 26 dams in Southern Anatolia project turning northern Syria into desert. A million thirsty Syrians moved to the south and as Syrian government could not control riots and war erupted in the Muslim city of Daraa. Bashar al Assad is a democratically elected president who had, as Saddam Hussein, Muamar Qaddafi and Hosni Mubarak to rule the country with iron fist. Islam opposes democracy otherwise anarchy, what the West/Obama has now has with ISIS which beheads. Bashar al Assad, the devil that we know is not worse than Iran Ayatollah who hanged this year 1000 dissidents. Assad has infrastructure, government and police that cannot be matched by any other Syrian group. Assad is western trained and kept his agreements with Israel. If supported at the inception of the civil war by the West Assad would have obviated Iran and Hizballah, would have implemented existing agreements about water with Turkey especially when pressured by the West. But Obama and EU cronies followed with attempts to topple Assad because he was not democratic, not Muslim enough and brutal. They got anarchy, 4 million refugees who are now on immigration Jihad. Putin is pragmatic and knows the truth: Assad needs to be supported militarily, economically and resettle the refugees. US, EU, Russia could work together on the Iranian deal. Why not cooperate with Putin about Syria?
23
The Russians have had that base in Northern Syria, on the Mediteraian for years including a naval base and air base. The Obama adminstration now act surprised. There are so many things that the NY Times, et al, have not reported on and give them free passes. The biggest freebe has been how badly the whole situation in the Middle East has deteriorated; the main one being the incredibly foolish decision to pull out all American troops and invite ISIS in.
6
Odd that Ukraine and Syria, the two (2) places where Russia maintained foreign bases, became destabalized so suddenly ... it's like someone pushed!
The U.S. signed an Agreement with Iraq under "W"; that Agreement allowed Maliki to decide on American troop withdrawal. That Agreement is still in effect, and Obama has to honor it. If Congress wants a new Agreement, Congress needs to meet with the President and discuss what the content would be. The President can veto any Agreement put out by the Congress, because they do not have a constitutional authority to make Agreements with foreign states.
Talking with Putin is the least bad option. President Obama need not 'look into his eyes and see his soul' as GWB claimed to. But we all see the Syrian refugees as a huge international problem, unlivable conditions in Syria, and ISIS as an enemy of civilization. This is a case for pragmatism. P.S. - President Obama, Edward Snowden deserves to come home safely and without fear of prosecution. NSA secrets are out and Snowden's sanctuary in Russia need not be a sticking point.
8
Why not just heap more sanctions on him?
1
Willfully engaging the Syrian government in any fight against terrorism, as Vladimir Putin is claiming to do, is like fighting lung cancer by smoking it out with cigarette inhalation.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
1
Yeah....im sure he'll Draw another red line in that "sand box". Stability in some 3rd World regions relies on dictatorships.....Too bad we, in the West, can't or won't understand it.
3
We do, and use it to our advantage also. Obama made friends with Castro, and even with Iran. He can make friends with Syria but there's something else going on.
It makes sense to talk with Putin. We removed strongmen in Libya and Iraq and what happened? Those states splintered in factions and ISIL has now captured territory in its quest to establish a caliphate. We can't make that mistake in Syria even though there's a civil war. Even though Russia is insisting that Assad stay as a leader, it would be worse if the government completely collapsed.
78
Putin is ready to talk. So, why not engage him? Realistically, the United States cannot prevent Russia from arming Assad. So, what should we do? Supply the "moderate" rebels with tanks and artillery to counter the Russian weapons? There will be no end to the madness in Syria as the Civil War would continue for years. Meanwhile, ISIS will kill thousands more and European Union will fall apart under the burden of migrants. If talking to Putin gives us even a hint of a way out of this, let's do it. If we could talk to Stalin when the circumstances demanded it, talking to Putin should not be such a tall order.
104
Putin has moved weapons into Syria not only to gain influence there but also to enhance his position in the world by appearing to be "the good guy" fighting IS terrorists. These actions don't alter the fact that he is a thug and terrorist himself, seizing Crimea and eastern Ukrainian territory, causing a flood of refugees (1 million) fleeing regions of eastern Ukraine.
"Putin is ready to talk" - I wonder why. Is he afraid of taking on IS by himself?
He is not going to shift from his support of Assad. The only encouraging sign is that "Assad is ready for political compromise with the healthy part of the opposition".
The US should never form a coalition with Putin in Syria.
"Putin is ready to talk" - I wonder why. Is he afraid of taking on IS by himself?
He is not going to shift from his support of Assad. The only encouraging sign is that "Assad is ready for political compromise with the healthy part of the opposition".
The US should never form a coalition with Putin in Syria.
"I'm just wondering; isn't Assad better than ISIS?"
Well, he's a lot less likely to cut off your head.
Well, he's a lot less likely to cut off your head.
16
If the Russians can bring down ISIS, PLEASE let them do it!
20
Well, the thing is....we have too many "experts" and not enough humans dealing with this conflict. This is what happens when everything is reduced to strategy to get a one up on the other guy. Millions of people are living in squalor and suffering because the people in charge are busy trying to be the "winner". A true leader asks what is the bottom line. A true leader cuts through the politics and seeks the correct answer. Too many people have been taking sides when they have no knowledge about the conflict.
On the one hand, you have people saying the majority in Syria should have control of the government, without acknowledging that when they did have control, they were brutal pigs to the minorities in the country. On the other hand you have the minority with a strong memory of what it was like, willing to massacre the majority to prevent what life was like before. And then ISIS was added to the equation. President Obama is right...there is no suitable replacement for Assad. Putin is right....this violence has to end,,,,ISIS has to go. ISIS is a cult of serial killers and thieves who have filled the power vacuum. It has to stop. We don't see it, so we aren't taking a stance, but it MUST END. The USA and Russia need to put a stop to the madness. The USA and Russia need to tell Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar that we WILL NOT tolerate funding ISIS while pretending to be friends.
On the one hand, you have people saying the majority in Syria should have control of the government, without acknowledging that when they did have control, they were brutal pigs to the minorities in the country. On the other hand you have the minority with a strong memory of what it was like, willing to massacre the majority to prevent what life was like before. And then ISIS was added to the equation. President Obama is right...there is no suitable replacement for Assad. Putin is right....this violence has to end,,,,ISIS has to go. ISIS is a cult of serial killers and thieves who have filled the power vacuum. It has to stop. We don't see it, so we aren't taking a stance, but it MUST END. The USA and Russia need to put a stop to the madness. The USA and Russia need to tell Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar that we WILL NOT tolerate funding ISIS while pretending to be friends.
110
Absolutley right we will NOT TOLERATE FUNDING ISIS BY THE SAUDIS AND OTHERS.
2
thirty-nine thumbs up, and no one seems to realize the Alawites, in control of Syria since the 1957 coup, are a MINORITY, not a majority, by far.
Assad may be terrible, but he seems like the least bad option for Syria. There do not appear to be other viable options for defeating ISIS, and the Syrian humanitarian crisis is horrendous.
This is a situation where Putin appears to be right. We should change our position and join Russia in supporting Assad, as bad as he may be.
We should not let the geopolitics of the situation, and our other disputes with Putin, interfere with the only sensible solution to the terrible crisis in Syria.
This is a situation where Putin appears to be right. We should change our position and join Russia in supporting Assad, as bad as he may be.
We should not let the geopolitics of the situation, and our other disputes with Putin, interfere with the only sensible solution to the terrible crisis in Syria.
151
Does anyone wonder how Syria would look like if Assad wins? Let me give you a hint. In 1982 his father destroyed Hamah. The outcome was:
(1) An extreme totalitarian country controlled by paranoid Alawites
(2) A country without any infrastructure or serious investments
(3) The majority of Syrians living in refugee camps, bitter and willing to fight Assad's forces.
In sum, the only solution should be to meaningful support of the Free Syrian Army. However, given Obama's lack of resolve the next president will have to make that decision.
(1) An extreme totalitarian country controlled by paranoid Alawites
(2) A country without any infrastructure or serious investments
(3) The majority of Syrians living in refugee camps, bitter and willing to fight Assad's forces.
In sum, the only solution should be to meaningful support of the Free Syrian Army. However, given Obama's lack of resolve the next president will have to make that decision.
1
I visited Syria a dozen times long prior to the war. Nothing what you say is true. Syria was relatively prosperous and peaceful. It wasn't a perfect society, but it was nothing like your portrayal. The FSA is a myth put out for public consumption by countries who are actually funding radical Islamic jihadists (US, France, Turkey, Gulf countries, et al.). Stick to Norwegian history, "Mike."
3
You better ask Bibi and the zionists what they want first. I have to believe they are loving the destruction of Syria, one of their bitter enemies.
Great, just great. Another proactive effort by Obama to make another deal in America's interest. Putin is licking his chops, again...
4
J didn't read the piece.
2
When you sit with the king of the Saudis, you kind of lowered the bar. At least Mr. Putin, with all his flaws, is trying to free the world from their spreading poison. Do we really think the leader of a reactive, medieval repressive theocracy meets the cut whereas that of a great nation like Russia does not. Come on now! Really!??
132
Putin is not trying to free the world from anything. He is defending a longtime ally and trying to secure Russia's position and port in the region.
Tactically, yes. Strategically, not really!
Obama made the same mistake in Libya that Bush made in Iraq. They both allowed the extremists to take control of a significant part of those countries. Obama walked away from Yemen and at the end of the negotiations with Iran he should have called John Kerry back to Washington and said the talks were done rather than giving in on all the final disputed issues such as ballistic missiles, conventional arms and the inspection regime ...the Chinese believe he is weak, the Russians believe he is weak, the Taliban and Da'ish as well ......
9
Actually, he is weak...very weak on foreign affairs. Putin plays him well.
3
I think the greatest expression of courage and integrity in a leader is when he or she can admit that it's necessary to change course.
68
After 7 years I would not call it courage or integrity. More like acknowledgement that he was a terrible as a world leader
5
Obama has been the best president since Clinton (not hard) and one of the best, ever. He embodies what America should be, and what humanity in the end needs to get to (at least in terms of his words) in order to stave off extinction. Going the McCain way or any other non-pacifistic way will ultimately lead to our destruction. NO ONE is strong forever.
1
Just maybe, Putin, although he is helping Assad to defeat all the factions trying to take Assad down, will be able to, with help from the west and President Obama, clean up Syria from all factions, including ISIS. Just maybe this is his way of saving face with the west for usurping Crimea.
Although the west is often on the correct path when fighting wars, with a few major exceptions in the last 50 years, Putin is also obviously a great leader for his people.
Let's give him some "cred."
Although the west is often on the correct path when fighting wars, with a few major exceptions in the last 50 years, Putin is also obviously a great leader for his people.
Let's give him some "cred."
16
Strength is not being afraid to appear weak to achieve your goals.
41
I'm just wondering; isn't Assad better than ISIS? There were rebels in Libya too, but it doesn't look like they put together much of a government after we helped them take Moammar Kadafi out. I think it's likely that ISIS will overpower any rebel group in Syria and so I tend to think the Russians might have it right in supporting Assad. If keeping him in power stops the fighting and stops the surge of refugees, then maybe that's the way to go. I don't like Assad, but I doubt I would be smitten with whoever fills his shoes. There is no good choice, so which is the quickest solution to an bringing an end to an ongoing disaster?
74
The president ought to regard talking to Mr Putin and having to listen to his lame excuses as a warm up for having to do the same, sooner rather than later, with the far, far more obnoxious and infuriating Mr Netanyahu.
19
“This would not be the first situation in which President Putin’s true motivations are rather hard to discern,” said Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary. “The decision-making process in that country is rather opaque.”
That's funny. I thought Putin expressed himself quite clearly, as this very article cites: “We are supporting the government of Syria in the fight against a terrorist aggression, and we are offering and will continue to offer it necessary military and technical assistance, and we call on other countries to join us ...”
Why not just take him at his word and go from there?
That's funny. I thought Putin expressed himself quite clearly, as this very article cites: “We are supporting the government of Syria in the fight against a terrorist aggression, and we are offering and will continue to offer it necessary military and technical assistance, and we call on other countries to join us ...”
Why not just take him at his word and go from there?
38
Exactly - and this has been Russia's stance on Syria since the beginning!
"wonder whether he could be pressed into being a more constructive player on Syria"
If "constructive" means handing over Syria to a government put together by the US from CIA supported exiles, then NO, they won't be constructive.
Nor should they be. It is a stupid idea. It is born of lack of any alternatives the US likes, a "least bad" option that just won't work, as it has not anywhere else. It is fantasy.
The powers today in Syria are only Assad and the combo of ISIS and al Qaeda. There are no "moderates" and Obama has admitted as much. Choose. Those are the only options.
Another alternative sometimes floated in the US is to give power to Assad's generals, without him personally. That is not a real change, and it certainly not worth a killing so many innocents to do it. The generals without Assad are likely to be even worse, the hard cases behind him emerging. They may also fall out with each other and prove unable.
Another alternative floated by Gen Petraeus was to support al Qaeda. Really. He said ISIS is worse. It may be, but al Qaeda is al Qaeda. It we have to deal with someone less bad, that is Assad, not al Qaeda.
When our generals are reduced to suggesting al Qaeda isn't so bad, our policy is a disaster.
Talk to Putin. He is not worse than al Qaeda.
If "constructive" means handing over Syria to a government put together by the US from CIA supported exiles, then NO, they won't be constructive.
Nor should they be. It is a stupid idea. It is born of lack of any alternatives the US likes, a "least bad" option that just won't work, as it has not anywhere else. It is fantasy.
The powers today in Syria are only Assad and the combo of ISIS and al Qaeda. There are no "moderates" and Obama has admitted as much. Choose. Those are the only options.
Another alternative sometimes floated in the US is to give power to Assad's generals, without him personally. That is not a real change, and it certainly not worth a killing so many innocents to do it. The generals without Assad are likely to be even worse, the hard cases behind him emerging. They may also fall out with each other and prove unable.
Another alternative floated by Gen Petraeus was to support al Qaeda. Really. He said ISIS is worse. It may be, but al Qaeda is al Qaeda. It we have to deal with someone less bad, that is Assad, not al Qaeda.
When our generals are reduced to suggesting al Qaeda isn't so bad, our policy is a disaster.
Talk to Putin. He is not worse than al Qaeda.
124
Think about the logic of what you are saying: "Putin is not worse than Al Qaeda". That can apply to almost anybody, can't it. Why not say instead, he's the best choice we have, and he's not bad. Is he decapitating people? Is he planning on attacking America? No. He's not. If he wants to advance Russia's interest, then as long as it merges with our interest, I think he's actually pretty good. Who else can play an active role in the Middle East right now? The House of Saud? Gimme a break. they started this garbage with ISIS. Iran? No,, risk a wider Sunni-Shia blood bath. Europe? I wish. Too worried about being seen as Colonialists or Imperialists. USA? Thanks to #43, we wasted all our blood, tears and treasure in 43s catastrophic invasion of Iraq.
1
john texas -- Yes, I agree. But if I phrase it so I sound like I'm defending Putin, I'm a "Putinbot" and ignored. So I make the more extreme case, "He is not worse than al Qaeda." That is enough to decide this, without debating more about Putin.
2
"wonder whether he could be pressed into being a more constructive player on Syria"
I'm sure Russia is wondering whether we can be pushed into being a constructive player on Syria too. We used to have some sense about how fast to expect other countries to develop, and whom to support in the meantime, but in our starry eyed rush to force democracy on countries without large oil reserves we got stupid. Looking at Bush II.
I'm sure Russia is wondering whether we can be pushed into being a constructive player on Syria too. We used to have some sense about how fast to expect other countries to develop, and whom to support in the meantime, but in our starry eyed rush to force democracy on countries without large oil reserves we got stupid. Looking at Bush II.
1
Nail seeks talks with Hammer
4
Russia has the KGB Putin. America had the CIA Bush's.
When you stop worshipping militaries and electing their leaders, you might have Peace.
When you stop worshipping militaries and electing their leaders, you might have Peace.
3
This story helps to understand the extent of world militaries influence in governments and world events. Diplomacy is still driven by internal and external military realities. Obama and Putin are at odds because of military actions and stubbornly allowing their primitive anger emotions to control their more thoughtful sides.
The world is not a dangerous place. The worlds leaders are dangerous as exemplified by Putin, and now our President is a diplomatic one who is too heavily influenced by our military, even in the White House full of Security Council armed force consultants and intelligence agencies that are inclined to thrive in conflict.
President Obama is not weak. He is steadfast and patient in his affairs. He has done remarkable things to calm the military angst here and in the world. So why stop now? Intelligence always succeeds over brute force. Talk to Putin and simply tell him the world will view his aggression like so many other despots of history.
The World's nations must make a choice between Military government control or Vigorous successful Diplomacy such as Kerry has aptly shown.
Will we really evolve into a peaceful world? Only if we control our primitive anger.
The world is not a dangerous place. The worlds leaders are dangerous as exemplified by Putin, and now our President is a diplomatic one who is too heavily influenced by our military, even in the White House full of Security Council armed force consultants and intelligence agencies that are inclined to thrive in conflict.
President Obama is not weak. He is steadfast and patient in his affairs. He has done remarkable things to calm the military angst here and in the world. So why stop now? Intelligence always succeeds over brute force. Talk to Putin and simply tell him the world will view his aggression like so many other despots of history.
The World's nations must make a choice between Military government control or Vigorous successful Diplomacy such as Kerry has aptly shown.
Will we really evolve into a peaceful world? Only if we control our primitive anger.
6
You are kidding aren't you? Obama not weak. Evolve to a peaceful world. I guess it is true what they say about alternative universes, because we surely can not be in the same one.
1
Chi............you still didn't write why you think President Obama is Weak. I think he's smart. Strong would get us killed. With smart we stay alive.
1
Obama didn't want to talk to Maliki in Iraq. And how did that turn out? Now he doesn't want to talk to Putin. Obama really needs people smarter than he is to advise him.
4
Obama talked to Maliki. Maliki said US get out.
He may talk to Putin.
You didn't read the piece.
He may talk to Putin.
You didn't read the piece.
8
"... President Bashar al-Assad, who has resisted Mr. Obama’s demand to step down for years..."
So let me get this straight, Obama keeps demanding that a President of a sovereign country must step down, and that is Putin who is a bully? Makes perfect sense.
So let me get this straight, Obama keeps demanding that a President of a sovereign country must step down, and that is Putin who is a bully? Makes perfect sense.
66
In game theory, if you make a competent threat (i.e. "do this or else") you better be ready to back it up if the person you are attempting to compel calls your bluff. When Assad called #44 on his bluff, he did not followup with an action to comel, and so his strategy is a dead letter. I love #44, but he muffed Syria bad, and he has no face saving way of saving it, except to let Russia fix it with a token face saving something or another for the USA.
1
Last time I checked, Obama successfully removed all chemical weapons from Syria, so I'm not really sure why this topic is measured as a weakness for him. Doing it without violence doubles the significance in my opinion.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/removal-of-chemical-weapons-from-syria-is-co...
http://www.wsj.com/articles/removal-of-chemical-weapons-from-syria-is-co...
Whether you like Putin or not, he has been right more often than wrong.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. It makes no sense whatsoever for the US to fight Assad and Isis simultaneously. You have to pick one or the other.
Ukraine, one of the most corrupt nations on earth, became independent when the Soviet Union collapsed. Most of its problems are self-induced including a right-wing element that is driving the train.
Put your personal prejudices aside and deal with the realities on the ground.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. It makes no sense whatsoever for the US to fight Assad and Isis simultaneously. You have to pick one or the other.
Ukraine, one of the most corrupt nations on earth, became independent when the Soviet Union collapsed. Most of its problems are self-induced including a right-wing element that is driving the train.
Put your personal prejudices aside and deal with the realities on the ground.
128
A voice of reason. Yes, what's needed here is stagecraft, not hysteria or personal animosity. We need to start saving lives.
8
I hope you mean statecraft- not stagecraft.
4
Pick neither
Should have done it from the beginning instead of being foolish and trying to take out Assad but we have the neocons in both parties that like war.
54
The warmongers have dominated US foreign policy for so long that many countries have come to expect that is just the way the US is. Like it or not it has affected the way in which the rest of the world now regards the US, a bully, sometimes a bully they want to be friendly with but a bully none the less. I doubt that Trump supporters would have an issue on this but the majority of decent Americans should. If they don't, what does this say about your country.
1
During his campaign, I didn't appreciate Romney's accurate assessment that Russia remained our greatest security threat. However, recent events have made it clear that Putin is creating a grand coalition of Russia, Iran and Syria which will soon force America to abandon the Middle East to this coalition.
Obama and Kerry are like children trying to deal with the aggressive and determined bully Putin, and unfortunately, Putin knows it. As we learned in the prelude to WWII, weak-willed appeasement satisfies aggressors for only a short time before everyone's freedom is at risk. Now, as then, cowards denounce taking a firm stand as war-mongering - foolishly failing to see that only a stong stand has a chance to prevent war.
Obama and Kerry are like children trying to deal with the aggressive and determined bully Putin, and unfortunately, Putin knows it. As we learned in the prelude to WWII, weak-willed appeasement satisfies aggressors for only a short time before everyone's freedom is at risk. Now, as then, cowards denounce taking a firm stand as war-mongering - foolishly failing to see that only a stong stand has a chance to prevent war.
4
Iran and Syria are weak countries.
Why do they scare you so much?
Why do they scare you so much?
6
Putin is a thug, trained as a KGB terrorist, terrorizing Russian people who opposed dictatorship and the return of the czar. It is not just Crimea and eastern Ukraine, what about Abkhazia and his attacks on Georgia, what about his brutal repressions of the Muslims in Chechnya, what about the maintenance and increased troop presence in Moldova? Support for Assad is support for terrorism and for a victory for Hezbollah, a terrorist organization that holds Lebanon in thrall. Is that what we might want to have a coalition to with Russia to advance under the guise of saving the Middle East from ISIS?
3
Putin is a doer. He is a patriot who helped his country through a terrible crisis and did it well.
Georgia started that war you mentioned, and the Islamic militants invaded Dagestan, forcing Russia to respond and eventually invade Chechnya.
Hezbollah is quite popular in Lebanon, since they were the only force willing to stand up to the Israelis, and is a major elected party in the government, not a terrorist group.
Support for Assad may prop up a brutal regime, but it is better than the alternatives. Your view of the world is skewed by you desire to see a devil in the Kremlin, when the reality is far more nuanced.
Georgia started that war you mentioned, and the Islamic militants invaded Dagestan, forcing Russia to respond and eventually invade Chechnya.
Hezbollah is quite popular in Lebanon, since they were the only force willing to stand up to the Israelis, and is a major elected party in the government, not a terrorist group.
Support for Assad may prop up a brutal regime, but it is better than the alternatives. Your view of the world is skewed by you desire to see a devil in the Kremlin, when the reality is far more nuanced.
2
The real and only question that matters is ' Is Putin weighing talks with the White House'. The way the guy is rolling, the White House will need to get on the wait list to be seen by Putin.
9
Where are Nixon, Kissinger and Dulles when you need them? Of course you engage the players in the region. This is not a coffee klatsch. It's Realpolitik. Whatever the Putin haters may think, Russia and the USA share critical goals, including economic, humanitarian and cultural in the region. Yes, there will beeb give and take, there always is, unless you are the Third Reich and your enemy is Belgium. The benefits vastly outweigh the risks.
10
Nixon (Vietnam), Kissinger (Vietnam) and Dulles???? We need diplomacy not more war. And Putin needs to be told that if he continues taking irrational steps like putting his military in Syria to help the murdering Assad keep power (see very recent photos of horribly injured children hurt by Assad's genocide!), we should impose new sanctions to help his Russia fall deeper into an abyss. His arrogance and old fashioned muscle flexing serve no peaceful purpose.
4
Nixon and Kissinger didn't start Vietnam; they ended it about as well as it could have been ended at the time.
I think the first order of business is stability and then we can worry about who is more likable. The present situation is bloodbath and to paraphrase FDR, if we have to walk across the bridge with the devil to get to theory side, then so be it. Again, this is no a coffee klatsch. It's real lives.
I think the first order of business is stability and then we can worry about who is more likable. The present situation is bloodbath and to paraphrase FDR, if we have to walk across the bridge with the devil to get to theory side, then so be it. Again, this is no a coffee klatsch. It's real lives.
4
Of course the usual chicken hawks like Cheney will state that this would be the end of the world, like they did with Nixon and China.
20
"Since Russia has indicated it wants a meeting, American officials have said they may wait another week before deciding whether to keep Moscow hanging and to watch its actions in Syria"
What will happen at the prom?
For pity's sake. Waiting a week will show 'em, show 'em Putin is right about Obama being weak.
Throughout Obama's administration the most damning evidence is consistently the deliberately released WH gossip eagerly trumpeted by the NYT. Foreign policy is always always always absent from the gossip.
What will happen at the prom?
For pity's sake. Waiting a week will show 'em, show 'em Putin is right about Obama being weak.
Throughout Obama's administration the most damning evidence is consistently the deliberately released WH gossip eagerly trumpeted by the NYT. Foreign policy is always always always absent from the gossip.
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Obama waits a week, critics call him weak.
Obama responds to Putin immediately. Critics call him weak.
So it goes...
Obama responds to Putin immediately. Critics call him weak.
So it goes...
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Of course Obama should talk with Putin. Is he, Obama, interested in starting WWIII over Ukraine? We need to get out of that area -- get off the doorstep of Russia. Read Stephen Cohen on this issue; he knows Russia better than any other U. S. scholar, I believe, and is completely against our actions in Ukraine. Very dangerous adventure, he says. Apparently, we helped in the coup against the elected government in Kiev. Dangerous! Russia won't abide this forever. Why not get along with Russia? Putin is not a kindly fellow, but we hurt the more peaceable sectors in Russia by our presence on their doorstep. We will be the destroyers of the planet if we don't stop trying to control every inch of the globe, take every foot of earth we can! Perhaps we'll never see it, but peace and cooperation among nations is all that could save us!
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Stephan Cohen is a renegade Putin apologist. He never sees anything wrong with Putin, ever.
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He understands how the Russians think and their interests which we do not like.If Bush had not abrogated the ABM treaty with Russia so we could have total freedom to build an ABM system and which we imposed on Russia in the first place to limit their ABM system to Moscow. Russia might have more respect for the US and thus be more pliable. We hit them when they were down now is pay back time. Putin is just the instrument. Russia wants what she feels is her place in the world power structure post Soviet Union and major nuclear power diitto Iran deal and new arms deal. If US plays in Syria.US played in chemical deal not to get bogged down in Syria. Russia should play with US so as not to get bogged down in Syria as she did in Afganistan.Let Russia be more part of the world power structure and amazing things might happen if with Putin.
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[NYT: I pressed "reply" to Martha Stephens' comment, but my replies are not showing up in the right place. Please make sure that this appears as a reply to her. Thank you.]
Of course it would be nice to "get along with Russia," but it would be a mistake to drop our support for Ukraine's government. By doing so, we'd be betraying our principles, abandoning a peaceful country to an aggressive dictatorship next door, and encouraging further adventurism by Moscow. We've tried to write off countries before (Czechoslovakia being the most famous example), and that didn't work out too well. Furthermore, we have some moral--and, to a certain extent, legal--obligations to ensure Ukraine's security, for example through the OSCE and the Budapest Memorandum, so the US's credibility is also at stake.
Your touchy-feely advocacy of "peace and cooperation among nations" is very nice--I like singing kumbaya around the campfire as much as the next guy--but do you really think that that's Putin's attitude? That once he's allowed to swallow Ukraine, he'll just stop there? His actions in Georgia, Estonia, Moldova, and many other places suggest that he's a very hungry man.
Of course it would be nice to "get along with Russia," but it would be a mistake to drop our support for Ukraine's government. By doing so, we'd be betraying our principles, abandoning a peaceful country to an aggressive dictatorship next door, and encouraging further adventurism by Moscow. We've tried to write off countries before (Czechoslovakia being the most famous example), and that didn't work out too well. Furthermore, we have some moral--and, to a certain extent, legal--obligations to ensure Ukraine's security, for example through the OSCE and the Budapest Memorandum, so the US's credibility is also at stake.
Your touchy-feely advocacy of "peace and cooperation among nations" is very nice--I like singing kumbaya around the campfire as much as the next guy--but do you really think that that's Putin's attitude? That once he's allowed to swallow Ukraine, he'll just stop there? His actions in Georgia, Estonia, Moldova, and many other places suggest that he's a very hungry man.
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