Close all sections sections except for American Citizen Services. Move all visa processing to Kiev, Ukraine.
7
Here's a different perspective. We don't understand the Russian mentality. They have been invaded, conquered, subjugated, sometimes by foreigners and others by their own people. They are a nation of conflict that has seldom known peace. The Mongols left the biggest impression on the Russians, the white Russian is more Asiatic in thinking than European. So here is the paradox that America is flummoxed by, they look like us but behave like Mongolians! Duhhh....
4
"We don't understand the Russian mentality."
For completeness, please explain the American "mentality" to the Russians.
For completeness, please explain the American "mentality" to the Russians.
9
As for visa delays - if it happen, it is not because of the future personnel reduction. Providing visas in time is not a priority for US embassy anyway.
US consulate provides less than 200,000 visas to Russian citizens a year and it takes more than 2 months to get one. Compare to European consulates in Russia, which provide millions of visas and it takes one or two weeks. Moreover, US has already reduced access to visas before any sanctions started to bite: "what used to take weeks had already slowed to months.
Shavkat Butaev, 50, who works for a company that helps Russians get visas, said rejections were way up, too. “It was never like this before. Fifty, 60 people get rejected every day,” he said."
US consulate provides less than 200,000 visas to Russian citizens a year and it takes more than 2 months to get one. Compare to European consulates in Russia, which provide millions of visas and it takes one or two weeks. Moreover, US has already reduced access to visas before any sanctions started to bite: "what used to take weeks had already slowed to months.
Shavkat Butaev, 50, who works for a company that helps Russians get visas, said rejections were way up, too. “It was never like this before. Fifty, 60 people get rejected every day,” he said."
1
I haven't seen any articles on Trump's response to the expulsion of embassy personnel. Has he said anything?
8
Well you know "Its very complicated". And might take three or four tweets to parse and explain an indeoth coherent, cogent policy. Donnie is waiting for a free 15 minutes some morning.
Am sure his analysis will be definative .
RIGHT.?
Am sure his analysis will be definative .
RIGHT.?
1
Israel will tell us where our next war will be.
3
Israel is where the next world war will start.
This is what the republicans wants. This how they perform diplomacy.
This is what the republicans wants. This how they perform diplomacy.
This is in response to sanctions that were passed for political show in the United States! No tears shed here.
2
As most of us knew all along (but Trump did not), Russia is *not* an ally or friend to the US. The only people deceived were Trump, his family, and the Believers (Trump voters who think Trump still walks on water).
I am inclined to agree that Putin has a financial hold on Trump, that electing Trump president of the US was Putin's idea. Trump seemed surprised when he won so I suspect there was Russian hacking of the votes in some states that Trump won. Trump was surprised because I think he knew there were plans by the Russians to attempt hacking the vote, but Trump did not believe they would really be able to pull it off. People like Trump like to win and they do not care how they win. No deed is too base for people like Trump.
The election of Trump is analogous to the Kaiser's Germany deportation of Lenin in a train to Russia during WW1. It created domestic turmoil in Russia, destroyed the Tsar's government, and ended up creating the Soviet Union, which immediately pulled out of WW1.
Putin has great plans. He needs the US government sidelined, in turmoil (chaotic), so he can move forward with his expansion of Russia back into the Soviet Union satellites in Eastern Europe It is already happening. Trump is giving Putin free reign. The goal is not MAGA; it is "Make Russia Great Again." So far, it seems to be working out for Putin.
I am inclined to agree that Putin has a financial hold on Trump, that electing Trump president of the US was Putin's idea. Trump seemed surprised when he won so I suspect there was Russian hacking of the votes in some states that Trump won. Trump was surprised because I think he knew there were plans by the Russians to attempt hacking the vote, but Trump did not believe they would really be able to pull it off. People like Trump like to win and they do not care how they win. No deed is too base for people like Trump.
The election of Trump is analogous to the Kaiser's Germany deportation of Lenin in a train to Russia during WW1. It created domestic turmoil in Russia, destroyed the Tsar's government, and ended up creating the Soviet Union, which immediately pulled out of WW1.
Putin has great plans. He needs the US government sidelined, in turmoil (chaotic), so he can move forward with his expansion of Russia back into the Soviet Union satellites in Eastern Europe It is already happening. Trump is giving Putin free reign. The goal is not MAGA; it is "Make Russia Great Again." So far, it seems to be working out for Putin.
5
Russia holds more than one hundred billion in US Treasury bonds.
Now it is time to freeze those holdings.
Now it is time to freeze those holdings.
1
That will be so good for the reputation of US financial assets as a safe haven !
;)
;)
5
Russia and America by Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–59)
"There are now two great nations in the world which, starting from different points, seem to be advancing toward the same goal: the Russians and the Anglo-Americans. Both have grown in obscurity, and while the world’s attention was occupied elsewhere, they have suddenly taken their place among the leading nations, making the world take note of their birth and of their greatness almost at the same instant. All other peoples seem to have nearly reached their natural limits and to need nothing but to preserve them; but these two are growing…. The American fights against natural obstacles; the Russian is at grips with men. The former combats the wilderness and barbarism; the latter, civilization with all its arms. America’s conquests are made with the plowshare, Russia’s with the sword. To attain their aims, the former relies on personal interest and gives free scope to the unguided strength and common sense of individuals. The latter in a sense concentrates the whole power of society in one man. One has freedom as the principal means of action; the other has servitude. Their point of departure is different and their paths diverse; nevertheless, each seems called by some secret desire of Providence one day to hold in its hands the destinies of half the world.”
"There are now two great nations in the world which, starting from different points, seem to be advancing toward the same goal: the Russians and the Anglo-Americans. Both have grown in obscurity, and while the world’s attention was occupied elsewhere, they have suddenly taken their place among the leading nations, making the world take note of their birth and of their greatness almost at the same instant. All other peoples seem to have nearly reached their natural limits and to need nothing but to preserve them; but these two are growing…. The American fights against natural obstacles; the Russian is at grips with men. The former combats the wilderness and barbarism; the latter, civilization with all its arms. America’s conquests are made with the plowshare, Russia’s with the sword. To attain their aims, the former relies on personal interest and gives free scope to the unguided strength and common sense of individuals. The latter in a sense concentrates the whole power of society in one man. One has freedom as the principal means of action; the other has servitude. Their point of departure is different and their paths diverse; nevertheless, each seems called by some secret desire of Providence one day to hold in its hands the destinies of half the world.”
6
The USA and its allies are collectively much, much, much stronger than russia economically and militarily. If the russians "match" US sanctions, then the US and its allies can afford to ratchet them up again and again. The russians cant afford otherwise than to eventually submit. This is exqctly the sort of righteous application of force the US should be doing right now until russia has fully reversed its invasions of ukraine and georgia and made just recompense to the victims of MH17.
3
We will never submit. Full stop.
The American public has gotten used to cheap victorys against second class armys, with a USA USA chant in the back round.
The First Guards Tank Army is not of that nature and follows the Powell doctrine of overwhelming force.
If they march, how would we stop them? Could we?
Is NATO willing to go to war for Ukraine,Georgia, and Belarus?
No.
The First Guards Tank Army is not of that nature and follows the Powell doctrine of overwhelming force.
If they march, how would we stop them? Could we?
Is NATO willing to go to war for Ukraine,Georgia, and Belarus?
No.
6
A paid staff of 1300 at the American Embassy in Russia?
How do you say bloated bureaucracy in Russian?
Hope these poor entitled diplomats can 'squeak by' on their staff of 455. Good lord, it makes me furious to see how taxpayers are extorted of their hard-earned money, yet the funds are squandered in such a wasteful, inefficient manner.
How do you say bloated bureaucracy in Russian?
Hope these poor entitled diplomats can 'squeak by' on their staff of 455. Good lord, it makes me furious to see how taxpayers are extorted of their hard-earned money, yet the funds are squandered in such a wasteful, inefficient manner.
5
It's a lot of people, but they're not all in Moscow, but also in 3 or 4 other city consulates.
1
What a great pretext to raise oil prices and benefit the Russian economy!
2
Until the 2016 election, the United States enjoyed a decent relationship with Russia, which benefited both countries economically, and greatly reduced the chance of a Third World War occurring.
What a shame it is, that Hillary Clinton's 2020 Presidential Election Campaign has been allowed to destroy this state of détente, by leading a massive "Birther" style attack to prove that she only lost the 2016 election because the election was rigged by Russia - a claim for which there isn't an iota of evidence.
If anyone wants to know the real reason Clinton lost the election, all they need do, is to read the book: "SHATTERED: INSIDE HILLARY CLINTON‘S DOOMED CAMPAIGN".
As their ongoing "Weasel War" continues to play out, Clinton is doing as much damage out of office, as Trump is doing in Office. Both of them are losers - something, which most American voters fully understood, at the time of the election.
Disclaimer: I have no connection to the book whatsoever. I do not benefit from its sales.
What a shame it is, that Hillary Clinton's 2020 Presidential Election Campaign has been allowed to destroy this state of détente, by leading a massive "Birther" style attack to prove that she only lost the 2016 election because the election was rigged by Russia - a claim for which there isn't an iota of evidence.
If anyone wants to know the real reason Clinton lost the election, all they need do, is to read the book: "SHATTERED: INSIDE HILLARY CLINTON‘S DOOMED CAMPAIGN".
As their ongoing "Weasel War" continues to play out, Clinton is doing as much damage out of office, as Trump is doing in Office. Both of them are losers - something, which most American voters fully understood, at the time of the election.
Disclaimer: I have no connection to the book whatsoever. I do not benefit from its sales.
6
Hilarious claim. Thanks for the humor!
6
I'm sure trump will claim this was his strategy all along for solving the lack of off-street parking at the American Embassy.
Hm After 8 months there is still no concrete proof of Russian interference and no one has bothered to ask voters who voted for Mr Trump how they were ínfluenced. In the meantime the US is displaying its displeasure by interfering in in other countries e.g by sanctions on Venezuela because the US doesn't like the politics of the new President (neither do I but some US consistency might be good)
1
Lovin' it. Let's see how well these self-important people manage "when they shed their dark suits and polished loafers to mow the lawns, fix the plumbing, cook in the cafeteria and even clean the toilets."
There’s an article in yesterday’s Süddeutsche Zeitung , under the title Eight Reasons to love Donald Trump (http://sz-magazin.sueddeutsche.de/texte/anzeigen/46266) that in this case applies also to Congress. We love you because you are uniting the world in the furtherance of good causes, giving people added cause to act courageously.
The US boycotts Russia and Iran out of pure vindictiveness, and at the same time propose to make it a felony to boycott Israel.
After all the terrorist attacks and flood of refugee directly related to the US's meddling in the Middle East, I hope the European masses rise up and start to find their own way without America. This relationship has been abusive; it’s never been a sincere partnership.
There’s an article in yesterday’s Süddeutsche Zeitung , under the title Eight Reasons to love Donald Trump (http://sz-magazin.sueddeutsche.de/texte/anzeigen/46266) that in this case applies also to Congress. We love you because you are uniting the world in the furtherance of good causes, giving people added cause to act courageously.
The US boycotts Russia and Iran out of pure vindictiveness, and at the same time propose to make it a felony to boycott Israel.
After all the terrorist attacks and flood of refugee directly related to the US's meddling in the Middle East, I hope the European masses rise up and start to find their own way without America. This relationship has been abusive; it’s never been a sincere partnership.
2
It's hard to believe that a shark like Putin ever believed a word told to him by Trump & Co. Of course they made a cluster out of the collusion.
2
Stop doing many of these things. Almost no visas and stop tourism. Cut almost all Russians and never rehire. Large cost reductions!
That is cutting off our noses to spite our faces. You do realize that Russian tourism to the USA supports American jobs, dont you? You remember, those pesky little things promised to MAGA?
3
I find Trump's silence in the face of Soviet punitive moves towards embassy staff and their huge troop buildup at NATO'S back door to be stunning.
the man who gives us his two cents even if we don't want it is suddenly mute these days on all things Russia? and now you have Pence running around Europe reassuring allies -- This is a job for the Diplomatic Corps, not the VP.
Of course our Diplomatic Corps is decimated with the goal of weakening the whole state department apparatus. but I would really like to get inside Trump's brain as to why he has an opinion on everything except Russia..
What does Putin have on him? what does he owe Putin and why is he so obsequious in his presence even to the extent of fawning and giving away the store just to win his approval.
It's more than weird Dash it's totally inexplicable.
the man who gives us his two cents even if we don't want it is suddenly mute these days on all things Russia? and now you have Pence running around Europe reassuring allies -- This is a job for the Diplomatic Corps, not the VP.
Of course our Diplomatic Corps is decimated with the goal of weakening the whole state department apparatus. but I would really like to get inside Trump's brain as to why he has an opinion on everything except Russia..
What does Putin have on him? what does he owe Putin and why is he so obsequious in his presence even to the extent of fawning and giving away the store just to win his approval.
It's more than weird Dash it's totally inexplicable.
11
Your use of the word "Soviet" instead of "Russian" is perhaps not an error, since Russia under Putin is behaving more and more like the Soviet Union under Stalin.
But here is a point I have made previously. The Soviet Union, which nominally dissolved itself in 1991, can be seen in the "Long View" as having been essentially a continuation of the Russian Empire of the Czars rather than a break from it. The Cold War was thus not about ideology, as it had always been presented to the American public. Rather, it was simply a rivalry between two global superpowers.
Of course it is held as a point of dogma in the Republican Party that the Cold War ended in 1991 because the Republican plaster saint Ronald Reagan "won it." That interpretation is a partisan crock, although I daresay many Democrats also believe it.
But here is a point I have made previously. The Soviet Union, which nominally dissolved itself in 1991, can be seen in the "Long View" as having been essentially a continuation of the Russian Empire of the Czars rather than a break from it. The Cold War was thus not about ideology, as it had always been presented to the American public. Rather, it was simply a rivalry between two global superpowers.
Of course it is held as a point of dogma in the Republican Party that the Cold War ended in 1991 because the Republican plaster saint Ronald Reagan "won it." That interpretation is a partisan crock, although I daresay many Democrats also believe it.
1
The silence is deafening, isn't it? For once, The Donald seems to be truly stunned.
Trump has a load of flaws but thank goodness that we have somebody like him awake at the wheel unlike Obama and Kerry/Clinton who were happy enough the let things drift along. We can now plainly see how many areas there are where American leadership has slipped.
1
@Amy
Brooklyn
Is this a joke?
Brooklyn
Is this a joke?
7
Has a load of flaws? An understatement for sure.
1
The only area where Trump is awake is while watching TV, which he seems to do all day, every day in between his visits at the golf course.
The US now is internationally isolated, other world leaders openly work without the US because they know that the Trump administration lies and has no real agenda besides causing and embracing chaos.
And what about the domestic agenda? No leadership again by Trump. No health care plan, no tax plan besides putting random and false numbers on a piece of paper. No infrastructure plan besides "let's privatize stuff".
Trump is in a full blows haze of chaos with no plan, not seeking to make America great again for the people. For himself and his family with the millions he makes the government spend at his properties he makes it better, for everyone else, the people, the US certainly not.
The US now is internationally isolated, other world leaders openly work without the US because they know that the Trump administration lies and has no real agenda besides causing and embracing chaos.
And what about the domestic agenda? No leadership again by Trump. No health care plan, no tax plan besides putting random and false numbers on a piece of paper. No infrastructure plan besides "let's privatize stuff".
Trump is in a full blows haze of chaos with no plan, not seeking to make America great again for the people. For himself and his family with the millions he makes the government spend at his properties he makes it better, for everyone else, the people, the US certainly not.
9
In the mean time, the Russians are potentially preparing for another territorial expansion.
The military 'exercise' they are planning for mid-September puts a huge force against a very poorly protected Eastern European border.
How far can that many tanks push before a sufficient force is assembled to stop them?
A long way.
Is our country - America - focused and determined enough to stop them?
Not today, should they decide to do it. Neither is any force in Europe.
The military 'exercise' they are planning for mid-September puts a huge force against a very poorly protected Eastern European border.
How far can that many tanks push before a sufficient force is assembled to stop them?
A long way.
Is our country - America - focused and determined enough to stop them?
Not today, should they decide to do it. Neither is any force in Europe.
3
You, and too many US politicians, just don't seem to understand.
Russia is responding to what it sees as US aggression: NATO expansion, missile defense at its borders, influencing former USSR states to turn away from Russia, sanctions, etc.
Further, Russia sees US military exercises, like those with S Korea, as unnecessarily creating tension with N Korea. Russia and China want to talk, to negotiate. The US just wants to drop bombs. Even the US response to Syria’s alleged chemical attack can’t be justified given the lack of evidence for the crime.
And how do you justify taking Russian diplomatic property near DC? The US needs to back off and open a dialog with Russia.
Russia is responding to what it sees as US aggression: NATO expansion, missile defense at its borders, influencing former USSR states to turn away from Russia, sanctions, etc.
Further, Russia sees US military exercises, like those with S Korea, as unnecessarily creating tension with N Korea. Russia and China want to talk, to negotiate. The US just wants to drop bombs. Even the US response to Syria’s alleged chemical attack can’t be justified given the lack of evidence for the crime.
And how do you justify taking Russian diplomatic property near DC? The US needs to back off and open a dialog with Russia.
4
This is exactly what Donald wants. Another step toward a weakened America. There is a reason for Donald's muted responce; he likely worked with Putin to make this happen.
4
The establishment decided to keep Donald in a check, drain of the swamp is canceled at least for now.
How much longer are Russia and the US, along with who knows how many other nations led by male egotists going to play this macho game?
The actions of some world leaders are reasonably absurd and if they don't recognize it they are either stupid beyond belief or budding thespians.
Setting aside the lack of intelligence for the benefit of the doubt, we are being played by a cast who are better suited for a role in a cheap zombie flick than leading any part of the world.
I want to laugh at the exaggeration, but it isn't funny and they are not armed with water pistols.
The actions of some world leaders are reasonably absurd and if they don't recognize it they are either stupid beyond belief or budding thespians.
Setting aside the lack of intelligence for the benefit of the doubt, we are being played by a cast who are better suited for a role in a cheap zombie flick than leading any part of the world.
I want to laugh at the exaggeration, but it isn't funny and they are not armed with water pistols.
6
They would be lucky to get a role in a zombie movie.
1
Seems the US military industrial complex , aided by the media, is in full gear to increase defence spending. Having a Cold War rival helps a lot, hence all the Russia hysteria in the media. Back to the good old days.
6
I am loving this retro 19th century vibe. Make America Irrelevant Again.
3
This article is about what the Russians are doing, not what the US is or is not doing.
1
Too bad no one in the U.S, has any interest in cooperating or discussing areas of mutual concern with the Russians. This tit for tat game is risky. I guess it proves how patriotic and "tough" we are. Well, I hope everybody advocating their "get tough" approach is willing to go all the way in their little game of chicken. Add that to the nuclear brinksmanship going on in North Korea and death by nuclear holocaust gets closer everyday. I guess that is the award for the most patriotic these days. Rah-rah, USA! Sure hope the Star Spangled Banner gets played while the nuclear exchange wipes us all out. Personally, I blame the people. Not the leaders, the people. We need to wise up to these power games and stop going along with them. We will (and are) definitely suffering the consequences.
3
We in the U.S. have the opportunity to select our leaders both in our legislative chambers and our President. Over the course of several years we have chosen poorly those we have "serving" us in Congress and hired possibly the most unqualified individual to lead this country.
So, what the fallout (no pun intended) may be as a result of these selections, the blame falls on we the people. We got the government we voted, or not, for.
So, what the fallout (no pun intended) may be as a result of these selections, the blame falls on we the people. We got the government we voted, or not, for.
7
What Putin is doing to prop up North Korea is no doubt a big part of this game of how much trouble he can make for US. Add in his take over of the Crimea in contravention of the treaty when Ukraine gave up their nuclear weapons, a treaty guaranteed by US between Ukraine and Russia that Obama sat on his hands because Republicans waged constant partisan attacks and refused to work together on anything whatsoever. The same refusal to cooperate with Democrats that goes on to this very day, and included putting in all of Trump’s nominees dedicated to destroying the agencies they were appointed to head. No doubt the Kremlin includes Trump's desire for really huge budget cuts to justify his greedy tax cut plans in determining that Trump is weakening US to the point of world irrelevance. And China seems to be joining in. The latest North Korean missile was a Chinese design fired from the same Chinese style launcher while China itself constructs artificial islands to support air bases approaching the Philippines and Vietnam and Russia signs a 50-Year base agreement with Assad in Syria.
and Poland is cutting down their primeval forest; maybe we should give it back to Russia.
Doggone it, I just applied for a job on the joint cybersecurity team to work with the Russians. Is that still on?
6
I would apply, too!
My belief is that Putin will not ever back down. In fact, the more we justifiably do in the US to stand up to his misdeeds and criminal behavior, the more he will find a way to retaliate. He is incapable of learning a "lesson" from the global community. His warped psyche has been so unrestrained for so long that I think he truly feels he is omnipotent.
But that does not mean we in any way need back down. On the contrary. From JFK through Barack Obama we have made our presence known and have at least kept things under some sort of control. We can not depend on this courage and ability under Trump, however. The combination of these two men, so alike and each in his own way ruthless, is a lethal and irreconcilable "marriage" of sorts. At this point, we have to rely on Congress and our Secretaries of State and Defense. Hopefully....
But that does not mean we in any way need back down. On the contrary. From JFK through Barack Obama we have made our presence known and have at least kept things under some sort of control. We can not depend on this courage and ability under Trump, however. The combination of these two men, so alike and each in his own way ruthless, is a lethal and irreconcilable "marriage" of sorts. At this point, we have to rely on Congress and our Secretaries of State and Defense. Hopefully....
9
KL: "My belief is that Putin will not ever back down."
"Back down" on what? You need to be specific, because every case is different.
"Back down" on what? You need to be specific, because every case is different.
With someone like Trump or Hillary in the White House, who could blame Putin
1
Old-time Cold War mentality, Kathy.
It's a smaller world and others want a say, you know, like democracy.
The US must get over this feeling of superiority and learn to play well with others. Hypocritically, the US looks the other way with Saudi Arabia and China, but pushes Russia.
And if by "made our presence known" you mean practically destroyed the Middle East, killing hundreds of thousands of people needlessly, I agree. Face it, few major military interventions have gone well for the US since WWII. The US has got to cooperate better.
It's a smaller world and others want a say, you know, like democracy.
The US must get over this feeling of superiority and learn to play well with others. Hypocritically, the US looks the other way with Saudi Arabia and China, but pushes Russia.
And if by "made our presence known" you mean practically destroyed the Middle East, killing hundreds of thousands of people needlessly, I agree. Face it, few major military interventions have gone well for the US since WWII. The US has got to cooperate better.
1
Well to be honest 1300 staffs for the US embassy in Russia is overblown given the new status of the United States. It's now a banana republic ruled by an wrinkled obese ignorant corrupt old man with fake hairs.
The number of people who wish to visit the USA decreased quite a lot so visa processing time should not be such a big issue.
The number of people who wish to visit the USA decreased quite a lot so visa processing time should not be such a big issue.
10
Exactly. Germany and France have much less diplomats in Moscow, and do much better job.
5
The Embassy will not be able to function with such small staff.
Now Jared will be in charge for American-Russian relationships. There will be a direct link Trump-Putin. End of bureacrysy, and new era of efficiency.
Now Jared will be in charge for American-Russian relationships. There will be a direct link Trump-Putin. End of bureacrysy, and new era of efficiency.
2
You need to be reminded that Junior President Jared has vast knowledge and much experience in world affairs so he could also act as the ambassador to Russia-then he won't need to travel as far to get his instructions from Putin.
2
Why in the world are so many people needed in any event? sounds like excess overhead to me
5
Read the article. They do the day-to-day functions like drivers, janitorial work,.........., in addition to normal diplomatic duties,
1
It's clear that Russia (Putin), the U.S. Congress and Trump have managed somehow to reignite the Cold War because, make no mistake about it, that is what we have re-entered. What we should be doing is taking all measures to prevent the Russian mischief in the last election. Both parties have to up their anti-cyber warfare game and the U.S. as well. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The anti-Russian hysteria must end. I lived through that once before, chiefly in the 1950s. An attempt to thaw the flames begun by Russian hacking and perpetuated by ceaseless investigation about what is already known must begin son.
3
Would someone please check and make sure Exxon-Mobil can't violate these sanctions as they did when Tillerson was at the helm, later paying a measly $2 million fine. I don't trust anybody who stands to gain through Russia's oil and gas.
8
Putin is such a snowflake. Maybe we can seize some of his $200,000,000,000 stolen wealth. Then again Trump may pocket his cut, 50%.
5
Trump already pocketed millions from the sale of US real estate to Russian money launderers. And his casinos were fined 10M for laundering Russian money. Trump has had a huge payday from the Russian mob, which saved him from bankruptcy. So he has taken his cut already.......
5
It appears that many of the staff reductions will come from Russian nationals working for the US in the embassy in Moscow and the consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok. Many of these impacted employees have worked for the US for a long time and provide crucial services. But, I'm curious: how many Americans work in the Russian Embassy in WDC?
4
Zero. The US embassy is grossly overstaffed partly because it spends too much time working with dissidents interfering in the Russian elections and collecting "intelligence" from them. Things like hacking are not done out of the embassy, and neither embassy has much of an impact on policy. Trump is right on what should happen to the State Dept. budget, but nothing much is happening;
But it doesn't matter. Cooperation with Putin is moving ahead nicely a la Kissinger who bypassed the Dept--and judging by the signals. with Kissinger himself playing a major role.
'
But it doesn't matter. Cooperation with Putin is moving ahead nicely a la Kissinger who bypassed the Dept--and judging by the signals. with Kissinger himself playing a major role.
'
1
Someone willing to state that our State Department interferes in Russian elections! Wow. Brave person. It needs to be said though. The average American is too quickly buying into the idea that the Russia-US conflict is a one way street. The current emotional state of the populous strikes me as a horrible thing for foreign relations and diplomacy.
3
The Russians use Russian staff in their embassy here, so there are probably no Americans working there at all.
Look, if somehow we manage to get through the so-called "Trump era" without the entire human race succumbing to thermonuclear war then we'll be exceeding expectations and we'll deal with whatever we have to deal with when and if the end of this nightmarish regime comes to an end.
19
The Russians have no leverage anywhere. Putin is an autocrat with little economic power. Why the Europeans give him so much credit is a cult of personality backed by a weak economy and military and no backers.
3
IN every U. S. embassy I have visited in the last 30 years, the first thought is why there are so many employees there. They are stumbling over each other and that is just the Americans, not counting the local employees. Putin is doing the State Department a favor. Unfortunately these mooching " diplomats" will still be on the payroll for doing nothing.
7
The US should maintain pressure to ensure that Russia remains an underdeveloped state. The US should NEVER allow the Russians to achieve anything remotely resembling economic parity with us. Russia will never be a friend or an ally of the US. The Cold War continue by other means. Only fools believed there was any thaw in the late 1980s/early 1990s.
7
Must agree with you, US will nor ever wanted to be friends with Russia. Putin must ignore US and continue to work in the best interest of Russia. All these sanctions would be placed even if Christ run Kremlin.
4
no chance of economic parity nor should Russia's economic leverage be a concern. They have an economy the size of Portugal's. The only economic output they have is oil, and we know where the price of oil is going......
If a democratic president were pushing for improved ties with Russia, would Times readers be as equally eager to line-up behind a republican controlled congress? A congress dominated by special interests who have much to gain from conflict between our country and Russia?
Detente is the least objectionable of Trump's ideas, and maybe his only good one. Putin left the door open because he and the Russians understand that that Trump is under enormous pressure from an array of different groups who have invested much in having America and Russia restart the cold war.
The rest of the world increasingly does not see the US as a democracy and that doesn't have anything to do with Trump. He's just one oligarch out of many. There are are many more oligarchs other than him attempting to take control and not all of them are better than he is.
America has made deals with Stalin, it has made deals with Mao - the killers of tens of millions. Putin is rather tame by comparison. It can find a way to make a deal with this guy that will keep Europe stable, bring peace to the Middle-East, and keep the Chinese in check. It's a travesty that out of all of the people who were running for office in 2016, Trump had to be the only one to take the position that the US would be better off at peace with Russia than at war with Russia, which just goes to show how low things have apparently gotten in this country.
Detente is the least objectionable of Trump's ideas, and maybe his only good one. Putin left the door open because he and the Russians understand that that Trump is under enormous pressure from an array of different groups who have invested much in having America and Russia restart the cold war.
The rest of the world increasingly does not see the US as a democracy and that doesn't have anything to do with Trump. He's just one oligarch out of many. There are are many more oligarchs other than him attempting to take control and not all of them are better than he is.
America has made deals with Stalin, it has made deals with Mao - the killers of tens of millions. Putin is rather tame by comparison. It can find a way to make a deal with this guy that will keep Europe stable, bring peace to the Middle-East, and keep the Chinese in check. It's a travesty that out of all of the people who were running for office in 2016, Trump had to be the only one to take the position that the US would be better off at peace with Russia than at war with Russia, which just goes to show how low things have apparently gotten in this country.
9
Trump was the only one to take the position that the US would be better off with peace with Russia than at war with Russia? I don't remember any candidates who wanted the US to have a war with Russia. Certainly Hillary Clinton did not promote a war with Russia. Don't remember Gary Johnson's position but I doubt if he was in favor of a war with Russia. Perhaps you can explain where you get this preposterous idea that Donald Trump was the only one who wanted peace with Russia. It's just that Trump was far more friendly with Russia than most people wanted.
2
I don't think any president wanted to restart the Cold War. Trump probably doesn't know the word detente and has given no indication of having American interests at heart. He admires strongman leaders such as Putin, Erdogan, and Duterte. This is why many of us find his outreach to Putin/Russia highly suspect. He's not wisely choosing a peaceful path; he's looking out for his personal advantage, however he might see it.
In the US we have a Federal Government that is against is fighting against gays, Muslims, women, journalists, and wants to add Lenin's "He who does not work shall not eat." We're ready for our close-up, Mr. Putin.
2
Look at the bright side! Putin is helping Donald Trump downsize the State Department. Trump is doubtless grateful.
6
When referring to Trump, the word spelling for "grateful" should be "greatful". There, fixed it.
How different it is now to when Donald Trump was President elect!!
Then Putin did not retaliate to make Obama look bad.
Putin has gone back for the old tit for tat policy.
Then Putin did not retaliate to make Obama look bad.
Putin has gone back for the old tit for tat policy.
1
Then Vlad will pretend to capitulate to Trump to make Trump appear to have won a masterful negotiation then the spat will be resolved....
1
Putin is portrayed to be strategic, however, this action hardly appears strategic. It is ham-handed and over-reaching for what the legislation actually does. This suggests that Putin may have much more riding on his control of Trump than we might suspect. He placed a very big bet on Trump and what Trump could do to help his oligarchs with their ability to enhance their wealth. It could be that we are witnessing Putin under pressure from his oligarchs, just as we are watching Trump under pressure from the Mueller investigation.
4
"It is ham-handed and over-reaching for what the legislation actually does."
That's the wrong interpretation. Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats in 2016. This is Putin's counter-move.
Chess analogies get tiresome when discussing the Russians, but this is like a pawn exchange.
‘The Game Will Go On’ as U.S. Expels Russian Diplomats
By MARK MAZZETTI and ADAM GOLDMAN
DEC. 30, 2016
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/30/us/politics/obama-russian-spies.html
That's the wrong interpretation. Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats in 2016. This is Putin's counter-move.
Chess analogies get tiresome when discussing the Russians, but this is like a pawn exchange.
‘The Game Will Go On’ as U.S. Expels Russian Diplomats
By MARK MAZZETTI and ADAM GOLDMAN
DEC. 30, 2016
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/30/us/politics/obama-russian-spies.html
And yet, although the WH claims that Trump will sign them, nothing has been signed.
3
The sanctions bill (H.R.3364) went to the President on 07/28/2017.
Trump could be stalling, because he can't decide what to do. My advice would be to veto it, so that Trump can deny responsibility for the sanctions.
Trump could be stalling, because he can't decide what to do. My advice would be to veto it, so that Trump can deny responsibility for the sanctions.
"... nothing has been signed."
Good point. The sanctions bill went to the President on 07/28/2017:
H.R.3364 - Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/3364/actions
Good point. The sanctions bill went to the President on 07/28/2017:
H.R.3364 - Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/3364/actions
What is left to erode further? Further staff reductions in the American embassy in Moscow is essentially breaking diplomatic relations, which occurred in the recent past when Russia invaded Afghanistan at the end of 1979. At that time the U. S. broke diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union and left its embassy in Moscow, which led to a real mess. The U.S. started supplying weapons to a group, which today is called the Taliban. With those weapons the Taliban convinced the Russians to leave Afghanistan totally, whereupon for some reason, which seemed liked a good idea at the time, the U.S. decided to replace the Russians in Afghanistan, whereupon the Taliban started attacking the U. S., etc, etc. etc. Today we find ourselves in the current sorry state in which trump wants to buildup American forces from their current level to defeat the Taliban, only he does not know how many American troops to send back in and the generals won't say because they do not know either and do not want to be blamed for the debacle that will result at the hands of the Taliban - yet again.
Read up some history, lots of books available right next to your digs in Cambridge... Nothing that you write about had actually happened... U.S. - Soviet diplomatic relationship hadn't been broken in 1989, and Embassy had never been abandoned... Taliban hadn't emerged till 1990s...
1
My guess is that those being furloughed back home are not heartbroken. I can't imagine spending extended time on " The Russian Front ". What a terrible country to work with and place to live. Welcome back to civilization.
2
I think Putin should admit that trump and his campaign begged for help in the election and then spill whatever other dirt they have on trump. It would throw the country into chaos and paralyze the government for years as all the investigations and recriminations are splashed across the media.
Come on Vladimir! Just do it!
Come on Vladimir! Just do it!
3
I think Neildsmith suggests lancing of festering boil.
1
Putin your calling is saving tigers.
Not running a country.
Or playing on the world stage.
Not running a country.
Or playing on the world stage.
1
Russia's population is half of that of the United States. Russia's population is half of that of the United States. Its economy is not even as big as the state of California's economy.Russia is a paper Tiger.
2
“We’re interested in sustainable development of our relations and can only regret that, for now, we are far from this idea.” – Dimitri Peskov
Yes, well perhaps Mr. Putin should have considered how the American people and Congress would react to the multi-pronged effort, including hacking (or entering in the case of the system that was left open) into state election systems, dissemination of propaganda and false stories in social media, trolling in social media, hacking into the DNC and maybe the RNC computers, stealing of files and dispersal to Wikileaks, and setting up feeler meetings with DT Jr (and possibly more), to manipulate the outcome of the US election.
You want good relations (read profitable relations) between our countries? Quit interfering in our elections and get rid of your selfless leader, who now just happens to be the richest man in the world. But he has the Russian people’s best interests at heart, right Mr. Peskov?
Yes, well perhaps Mr. Putin should have considered how the American people and Congress would react to the multi-pronged effort, including hacking (or entering in the case of the system that was left open) into state election systems, dissemination of propaganda and false stories in social media, trolling in social media, hacking into the DNC and maybe the RNC computers, stealing of files and dispersal to Wikileaks, and setting up feeler meetings with DT Jr (and possibly more), to manipulate the outcome of the US election.
You want good relations (read profitable relations) between our countries? Quit interfering in our elections and get rid of your selfless leader, who now just happens to be the richest man in the world. But he has the Russian people’s best interests at heart, right Mr. Peskov?
3
I suspect Mr Putin was also reacting to Wm Browder's testimony in Congess last week (see www.c-span-org), not just those sanctions imposed for invading Ukraine, meddling in the US election, and seizing Crimea.
5
"See what you made me do!" Every abusive spouse says it.
7
The US Congress has shoot the US in the foot and Russia has done the same with this response.
It will not end here.
It is better to live in detent than start another cold war. We should work together on areas where we agree, such as sharing intelligence to combat Islamic terror, a very real threat. I am afraid that this cooperation will also be a casualty of these tit for tat sanctions. Our mutual security will be at risk, it is not worth it to score political points.
Also, why punish 2x for the same offense? That is double jeopardy. Obama already seized their 2 compounds, and now Congress has voted on additional sanctions. In a US court of law, a defendant can only be tried one time for the same offense, not 2x!! How can concept this be lost on law makers?!!
And the EU is not happy either about the sanctions imposed by the US Congress re the North Sea gas pipeline.
It is shoot from the hip and shoot yourself in the foot politics.
It will not end here.
It is better to live in detent than start another cold war. We should work together on areas where we agree, such as sharing intelligence to combat Islamic terror, a very real threat. I am afraid that this cooperation will also be a casualty of these tit for tat sanctions. Our mutual security will be at risk, it is not worth it to score political points.
Also, why punish 2x for the same offense? That is double jeopardy. Obama already seized their 2 compounds, and now Congress has voted on additional sanctions. In a US court of law, a defendant can only be tried one time for the same offense, not 2x!! How can concept this be lost on law makers?!!
And the EU is not happy either about the sanctions imposed by the US Congress re the North Sea gas pipeline.
It is shoot from the hip and shoot yourself in the foot politics.
8
Excellent timing by Putin. Now Trump is forced to think of the consequences of either vetoing the bill or signing it, I think the Russians are sitting on some compromising information on Trump that Trump wants to make sure never sees the light of day. He must make a decision on what he will do, sign a Bill that increases sanctions on Russia and ruins his plans of a great Russian coalition and who knows what else, or veto it and risk outrage at home and perhaps another political defeat is the Congress over-rides his veto.
3
Expel 755 people? Seems like a great opportunity to cut the State Department budget. How many people do we need in Russia?
1
How many people do we need in red states on the government dole?
Just asking.
Just asking.
7
Putin has succeeded in uniting Europe and the U.S. to impose sanctions on Russia and to advance serious military forces to Russia's borders. Of course, this is not success but failure which can only be retrieved by withdrawing from the Donass provinces and Crimea.
Russia's GDP per capita is 67th in the world, just behind Venezuela. For all of Putin's efforts to re-assert Russia as a global power, its power is hollow. There is a lesson for the United States here. You can have a massive nuclear arsenal. You can flex your military muscles and push your neighbors around. But this kind of "greatness" is ultimately a sham and, I think we will see, unsustainable.
Yet that's precisely the kind of greatness the Trump administration is promising. Trump wants to bump military spending by 10% with no clear purpose or justification. He wants an extra Ford-class carrier ($10.44 billion unit cost) just because. Meanwhile, public education falls to quiet neglect. We get no coherent plans about infrastructure improvement. We won't provide public healthcare for our people as every other developed nation does. This kind of "greatness" we do not need.
Yet that's precisely the kind of greatness the Trump administration is promising. Trump wants to bump military spending by 10% with no clear purpose or justification. He wants an extra Ford-class carrier ($10.44 billion unit cost) just because. Meanwhile, public education falls to quiet neglect. We get no coherent plans about infrastructure improvement. We won't provide public healthcare for our people as every other developed nation does. This kind of "greatness" we do not need.
13
"Russia's GDP per capita is 67th in the world, just behind Venezuela." Wrong. Russia is 72nd ($26,100) that is close to Greece, Hungary and Poland. Venezuela is 107th ($15,100). See CIA Fact book
1
Uh, okay...my source is IMF for 2016. But either way, thanks for that contribution. You, uh, really set me straight there.
1
All true on the reality of Purim Russia being at the bottom of the GDP- these old world regimes are very patient- Putin sees a gaping hole in the American government where regardless of day to day disagreements based on partisanship, Americans work together in matttrs of global significance Putin is the Tiger pouncing on what is literally a once in a lifetime change to take advantage of a Presiwnt whose ego and narcissism allows him to be swayed by such experiences Axmen as Purim. Trump buys and sells real estate and thinks he can deal with Putin- Putin was a part of one of the most dangerous government supported groups in history, the KGB, and when they let him down, his goal is to bring back the greatness to Russia, a country that lost its empire. Now he's got the ego and experience and thumb on the trigger and we have the Bafoon they could only dream of ....
OK fellow Democrats you've made Russia/Putin our enemy. Let's see if this new cold war mentality you forced in your effort to get Mr Trump unelected will benefit the USA. Let's see when it doesn't work out you will surely blame? Mr Trump. Congrats to Mr Schumer.
10
Hello? Russia's crime-boss management is our enemy. Anyone who isn't laundering money or cutting oil extraction deals with them realizes this.
4
Oh, what nonsense.
This is far deeper than an election outcome.
Go learn about the history of the Cold War.
Good grief.
This is far deeper than an election outcome.
Go learn about the history of the Cold War.
Good grief.
What connection does that have to the article???
I hope he informed Donald Trump in plenty of time so Trump can use these Russian actions to criticize Congress for their legislation limiting him from lifting sanctions. What'll be next?
1
"Mr. Peskov suggested that Russia had been forced to respond to Congress, and that it was not the Kremlin that was making matters worse."
Similarly, Rep. Steve King of Iowa says Republicans will be forced to reopen the investigations into Hillary Clinton's emails if the Democrats won't follow the lead of Fox and Friends and ignore the daily drip, drip, drip of the Trump administration's entanglement with Russian efforts to debase our democracy. These spurious arguments giving cover to obviously corrupt threats are nothing if not confirmation that truth, justice, and the American way are anathema to Putin, Trump, and Trump’s congressional enablers. The more they squirm, the surer we can be that we are on the right path.
Similarly, Rep. Steve King of Iowa says Republicans will be forced to reopen the investigations into Hillary Clinton's emails if the Democrats won't follow the lead of Fox and Friends and ignore the daily drip, drip, drip of the Trump administration's entanglement with Russian efforts to debase our democracy. These spurious arguments giving cover to obviously corrupt threats are nothing if not confirmation that truth, justice, and the American way are anathema to Putin, Trump, and Trump’s congressional enablers. The more they squirm, the surer we can be that we are on the right path.
4
which sanctions would those be, Vlad? the ones you'd hoped your poodle, trump, would rescind? Oh well. You and your pal donny are fools. And your country is a failed state - has been for many years.
1
So fire the workers at the embassy and shut down the Visa dept. They can wait 30 months instead of 30 days for a Visa.
3
In other news: Now The Donald will have a good reason to tell the 785 "You're Fired!". Think of the money saved on salaries. And if the 785 want to return to the USA, as they won't be federal employees, they'll have to pay their own relocation expenses. Work for another country, not if they have a non-competitive agreement. Most likely they have TSP retirement (vs. older CSRS), so no matching funds when you are gone. I'd say this was a win-win.
2
Both your reading and math comprehension skills need a bit of work. With 934 Russian employees, the embassy does not have to get rid of a single Dept of State employee at all to meet the staffing cut. Putin's definition of MRGA, cut Russian jobs.
"Come into my parlor," said the spider to the fly. Putin now seems to be pressuring Trump to commit outright treason, if he hasn't done so already. As I have never been averse to mixed metaphors, I might even compare it to the "Mephistopheles-Faust Pact" in which Art imitates Diplomacy.
In any case, Trump must surely be aware that his idol Putin is not pleased with him. Trump should perhaps type the name "Litvinenko" into the Wikipedia search-box, as I doubt that Trump has ever read or heard that name previously. If Trump decides to have any further meetings with anyone from the Russian Embassy, my advice to him is "Don't drink the green tea."
In any case, Trump must surely be aware that his idol Putin is not pleased with him. Trump should perhaps type the name "Litvinenko" into the Wikipedia search-box, as I doubt that Trump has ever read or heard that name previously. If Trump decides to have any further meetings with anyone from the Russian Embassy, my advice to him is "Don't drink the green tea."
1
This is Putin schooling Trump on 'draining the swamp'. (As someone else on the message board has already said!)
2
The Russians will play tit-for-tat;
Our diplomats they tell to ‘scat.’
To score extra points
They’re closing our joints
In Moscow and leaving us flat.
Our diplomats they tell to ‘scat.’
To score extra points
They’re closing our joints
In Moscow and leaving us flat.
One way he can have better relations with us and other countries is to treat us better. For example, stay out of our elections. Stay out of our computers, out of our poll databases, out of our polling machines. I know espionage is a longstanding tradition, but lay off it. Go build industries or something for a while. If other countries want to be part of NATO, or want to otherwise chart their own course, don't invade. Go on a nice, peaceful retreat somewhere instead, and meditate on why manipulating trade to force them into kowtowing to your self-serving objectives generates resentment. Think about releasing the fellow Russians you've imprisoned for speaking their minds. And don't kill them. And while I know this one is a real toughie, consider arranging for transparently fair elections, where people vote after having engaged in a free and open debate, including through a free press. But it isn't even necessary to do all that to have a decent relations with Americans (other than 45, of course). Do enough of it. Stop abusing people, to the extent you can bring yourself to do it. It's not really that hard. Most countries can do it, if they want.
2
How many of the 700 were spies?
8
Does Russia even have anything we need? Pretty much their only meaningful contribution to the world has been 19th century novelists. (and vodka - which goes very well with 19th century Russian literature)
3
I believe they still manufacture vacuum tubes, which are used in the amplifiers favored by retro Rock bands.
1
And WWII. Without them, we probably would have lost the European front.
10
You forgot the contributions of the magnificent Russian composers - Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, et al. But then again, that was before the Commies took over and trashed traditional Russian culture.
There are about the same number of so called 'diplomats' from Russia, in the USA so the President should respond by expelling those Russian diplomats in the USA. Game, set and match to the USA.
Now, if this just meant that almost 800 deadbeat government blood suckers will lose their jobs it would be wonderful news!
2
Putin, as do all countries, know about 1/4 of state dept employees in foreign embassies are informants. It's a necessary evil-
That is the real punishment he is handing down.
That is the real punishment he is handing down.
1
There are about the same number of so called diplomats in the USA from Russia. So expel the Russian Diplomats and send them packing...
This is not "a game played with water guns.” Putin is deadly serious, powerful and likely the richest and most corrupt man on the planet. He's dangerous. Bill Browder's widely praised and easily read "Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice" should be on our President's desk in the required reading pile. I know, I know. Good luck with that. But at least the rest of us can read it and remind ourselves that Putin doesn't play fair.
3
You have to figure that in Trump's recent meeting(s) with Putin, that -with great and blustery bravado- Trump assured Mr. Putin that stopping Congress' sanctions bill "would be no problem," and that in due time he would even get the existing sanctions lifted, "believe me."
Now it would seem that Trump's hands are tied and his assurances meaningless, and Mr. Putin still won't regain access anytime soon to all of that money he has squirreled away around the world.
So ask yourself, what value is Trump to Putin now? As a 'useful idiot,' his value is much diminished. He is literally powerless on sanctions, and appears to rapidly be losing whatever influence he might have had on ongoing policy concerns. As an impetuous, destabilizing distraction? That's certainly there, but also possibly losing effectiveness at the current level of tweeting.
On the other hand, if incriminating evidence from Trump's finances started surfacing in the public sphere, that could send us into the next phase of chaos, right? What is the most valuable course for Putin, do you think?
Now it would seem that Trump's hands are tied and his assurances meaningless, and Mr. Putin still won't regain access anytime soon to all of that money he has squirreled away around the world.
So ask yourself, what value is Trump to Putin now? As a 'useful idiot,' his value is much diminished. He is literally powerless on sanctions, and appears to rapidly be losing whatever influence he might have had on ongoing policy concerns. As an impetuous, destabilizing distraction? That's certainly there, but also possibly losing effectiveness at the current level of tweeting.
On the other hand, if incriminating evidence from Trump's finances started surfacing in the public sphere, that could send us into the next phase of chaos, right? What is the most valuable course for Putin, do you think?
6
Putin's threats are hollow since his retaliation is more harmful to Russia. Perhaps he ihad it together during the days of Disco and, like trump, is no longer playing with a full deck either. No wonder he's getting along with Little Lord Trumple-Twit. Why don't they just both retire and share the same bed pan.
1
Can you imagine how much worse our relations with Russia would be if a tape of HRC talking p***y had been 'discovered' in the heat of the election? Of course the elite deep state would tar Russia as the saboteur of our democracy for releasing true dirt we all want to hear. The deep state has a selfish agenda, not an American agenda. I'm worried that the effort to isolate Russia will only drive it into China's arms. If those two countries can sublimate mutual suspicions and find mutual advantage in economic and cultural exchange, then give a few decades and it will be the West that feels isolated. We should be doing all we can to draw Russia toward us, since their attraction to the West is historic. Instead we are forcing them to turn East. Do we really want to find out what a marriage of Russian resources and Chinese manufacturing vigor could deliver? Talk of 'punishing' Russia is stupid given the long term options they have.
8
DMG, seems our politicians may be interested in re-election now and probably care little about what happens when they are out of office. Until money is removed from politics, nothing will change. And since so many benefit from lobbying, nothing will change.
1
"it will be the West that feels isolated"
Which "West" would that be? It's America that will be isolated - the actual West (the rest of North & South America and Europe) will be fine. America under trump is a laughingstock and the longer he is in the WH, the more influence the USA loses. And you give way too much credit to Russia - they're in a huge financial mess (thanks to Vlad and company) and are about as scary as a stuffed toy.
Which "West" would that be? It's America that will be isolated - the actual West (the rest of North & South America and Europe) will be fine. America under trump is a laughingstock and the longer he is in the WH, the more influence the USA loses. And you give way too much credit to Russia - they're in a huge financial mess (thanks to Vlad and company) and are about as scary as a stuffed toy.
They're already married.
Majortrout: "Chess is a game of kings. Trump ain't no king."
Oh, sure he is. Trump is the Nothingburger King! Which brings us back to the question raised at the end of the last Cold War: "Where's the beef?"
He is indeed the #NothingBurgerKing.
Oh, sure he is. Trump is the Nothingburger King! Which brings us back to the question raised at the end of the last Cold War: "Where's the beef?"
He is indeed the #NothingBurgerKing.
1
I doubt that Pence could assure anyone that the sun will come up tomorrow. He simply has zero credibility.
Russia remains a fairly significant player on the world stage, albeit in supporting rather than starring roles. Russia has ties to Iran and North Korea that could benefit us. Russia is active in Ukraine and Syria, which concerns us.
Yet Russia is far from being an enemy of the United States. Russia has the most democratic government that it has ever had in its history (even with Vladimir Putin's faults). Our interests do not collide. There seem to be deals that could be made.
Too bad Congress had to go and blow up the faux fighting into a cold war again. Bellicose behavior may pay off politically in the United States, but not geopolitically in the world.
This Russian hysteria ought to stop. The witch hunt too. Our politicians and our reporters are acting like children. Grow up.
Yet Russia is far from being an enemy of the United States. Russia has the most democratic government that it has ever had in its history (even with Vladimir Putin's faults). Our interests do not collide. There seem to be deals that could be made.
Too bad Congress had to go and blow up the faux fighting into a cold war again. Bellicose behavior may pay off politically in the United States, but not geopolitically in the world.
This Russian hysteria ought to stop. The witch hunt too. Our politicians and our reporters are acting like children. Grow up.
16
If holding the President to his oath of office, and insisting on his adherence to the constitutional proscriptions against receiving emoluments are childish, what behaviors, in your view Sir, would he need engage in to reach your threshold for legitimate adult concern? Clearly, high crimes and misdemeanors, incompetence, and deranged obsession with and need for adulation fall short of that.
1
My visceral reaction to this latest Putin gambit: Bring them all back except a skeleton security staff in the US embassy and consulates and call it a "sick-out." Let Putin take the heat from his business and tourist citizens who won't get their visas.
2
While the impact on Russian and American embassies'/consulates' efficiency is a laudable question to raise, I am saddened that this bill, which has been some time in the making, had not had a wide-ranging discussion as to its international impact and its impact on American government and policy.
The bill limits the President's prerogative to conduct foreign policy. The bill blatantly uses political measures to attempt to force Europe to buy US fracked gas (I saw no outcry among environmentalists about the bill's virtual guarantee of increased fracking). The bill has put into law the policy of economic warfare and regime change. The bill puts into law the concept that American laws having extraterritorial application. In other words, someone breaking an American law in Thailand can be subject to American courts and punishments. Extraterritoriality of American laws completely undermines international law. Yet, no wide-ranging discussion regarding that issue.
The bill gelds Trump and puts into law some of Obama's foreign policy principles. Its near unanimous approval shows that the real battle in our society is not between Republicans and Democrats, but between the Establishment and the people.
The bill limits the President's prerogative to conduct foreign policy. The bill blatantly uses political measures to attempt to force Europe to buy US fracked gas (I saw no outcry among environmentalists about the bill's virtual guarantee of increased fracking). The bill has put into law the policy of economic warfare and regime change. The bill puts into law the concept that American laws having extraterritorial application. In other words, someone breaking an American law in Thailand can be subject to American courts and punishments. Extraterritoriality of American laws completely undermines international law. Yet, no wide-ranging discussion regarding that issue.
The bill gelds Trump and puts into law some of Obama's foreign policy principles. Its near unanimous approval shows that the real battle in our society is not between Republicans and Democrats, but between the Establishment and the people.
6
It has to limit him since he doesn't know anything about foreign policy and he keeps firing people thru a revolving door . The rest of your comment doesn't make sense , just wondering if there isn't some major trolling going on .
Well, their election meddling forced us to respond. Honestly, our response is pretty muted compared to what they did. If both sides didn't have nuclear weapons, that probably would've been interpreted as an act of war...
Wasn't the Election Interference already a Response? What was Russia's excuse for that? I don't believe a word that they say, and neither should those who are trying to figure-out what's going-on. All the better the USA people are out-of-there. Putin will probably be prosecuted for Human Rights Violations by the World Court sometime in the Future. Russian citizens are in need of Rescue. Positive Note: Putin and supporters of Putin are not well-educated. Education is Power.
Russia very well could have had great relations with the U.S. right now. But Putin ruined that possibility by his annexation of Crimea, attacks and encroachment upon the Ukraine, his blatant interference with the U.S. election, his crushing of democracy in Russia and his attempts to de-stabilize democracies in general. Instead of building up Russia into a vibrant economic power, Putin seems intent on re-litigating the cold war. And Russia will lose that war the second time around also.
2
Russia's response is an exercise in self-harm. Many of those 700 are Russian citizens. Moreover, it benefits Russia that the U.S. has a large diplomatic staff in there. But Putin didn't have much choice. With his brazen interference in America's elections, he dealt himself a hand he's now forced to play.
Putin succeeded in stripping Russia of all but the veneer of democracy and, through Trump, had sought to cripple America's democracy in the same manner. Indeed the finally tally of the damage is not yet in. Republicans are responding slowly, minimally, reluctantly to the external threat - but at least they are responding.
Whether conspirators to a rigged election are ever held fully to account might may depend on the make-up of Congress after 2018, and whether Democrats can forestall Trump's plan to discredit and dislodge Mueller in the meantime.
Putin succeeded in stripping Russia of all but the veneer of democracy and, through Trump, had sought to cripple America's democracy in the same manner. Indeed the finally tally of the damage is not yet in. Republicans are responding slowly, minimally, reluctantly to the external threat - but at least they are responding.
Whether conspirators to a rigged election are ever held fully to account might may depend on the make-up of Congress after 2018, and whether Democrats can forestall Trump's plan to discredit and dislodge Mueller in the meantime.
Considering that our intelligence agencies have confirmed Russia interfered with our presidential election last year, it's interesting that Putin thinks he has leverage on us.
Doesn't this, along with Trump's refusal to acknowledge their interference, point to the fact that Putin probably has something on Trump?
Doesn't this, along with Trump's refusal to acknowledge their interference, point to the fact that Putin probably has something on Trump?
3
The House just passed a $700 billion military spending bill. To comprehend the enormity of that sum, it is equal to an amount equal to 50% of Russia's entire GDP and shrinking. And our trade with Russia is negligible, apart from some easily replaceable petroleum products.
7
Advice for Putin: A better way for Russia to respond to U.S. sanctions is to stay out of our elections, stop undermining Ukraine, and get out of Crimea.
66
On the contrary - advice for the deep state, Congress and the lapdog press: stop the hysterical Russophobic warmongering, stop NATO's relentless encircling of Russia's borders, stay out of staging and assisting Ukrainian coups, and acknowledge the reality of the voluntary, 98% VOTE in Crimea to rejoin Russia, due to their historical and cultural origins that have nothing to do with the Ukraine.
5
I suspect when history is written, this episode will be seen as a gross miscalculation by Russia and Putin. If there was coordination, Mueller will find it, congress has acted to punish Russia. Our institutions are strained but holding. What we need now, is focused effort to counter Russian propaganda in the next election, and a proposed but not imposed new round of sanctions and actions that will deter Russia from this conduct in future elections. Spell out what further meddling will cost.
53
I suspect when history is written, this episode will be looked at as American hysteria.
I mean, look what happened. Some hackers who evidence suggests may have been Russian government agents used primitive techniques to hack the Democratic National Committee's emails, and then John Podesta's, and leaked them to Wikileaks.
That's it. The emails embarrassed some people but revealed nothing particularly shocking or even interesting. They certainly didn't sway the results of the election. At least, I can find no evidence that they did.
The fact that this has blown up into the political uproar that it has is the fault of us Americans, not the Russians. The idea that a special counsel would be appointed to investigate Donald Trump because of this seems political posturing at its worst. I thought we were better than that.
I mean, look what happened. Some hackers who evidence suggests may have been Russian government agents used primitive techniques to hack the Democratic National Committee's emails, and then John Podesta's, and leaked them to Wikileaks.
That's it. The emails embarrassed some people but revealed nothing particularly shocking or even interesting. They certainly didn't sway the results of the election. At least, I can find no evidence that they did.
The fact that this has blown up into the political uproar that it has is the fault of us Americans, not the Russians. The idea that a special counsel would be appointed to investigate Donald Trump because of this seems political posturing at its worst. I thought we were better than that.
7
We also need to reach out to Trump voters and EDUCATE them as to the real ways of the world!!!!!!!
Sure, John, and that's the reaction you would have if we were talking about Obama or Clinton, all other other variables remaining constant.
Hilarious.
Hilarious.
I'm surprised that Russia has allowed the US to have 755 more diplomatic personnel in Russia than Russia has in the US. Even-steven seems fair enough.
The main impact is that hundreds of Russians will lose their jobs. Nit so bad. Also that it will be harder for Russians to get visas. That is a shame; the best antidote for hostility is familiarity.
The main impact is that hundreds of Russians will lose their jobs. Nit so bad. Also that it will be harder for Russians to get visas. That is a shame; the best antidote for hostility is familiarity.
1
Apparently in Russia jobless level is historically low. Therefore I wouldn't worry about them. About visas, may be.
Americans do not want relations with Russia to deteriorate. Americans just want Russia to get out of Ukraine and Georgia. Oh, and hey, maybe Mr Peskov, you guys might want to reconsider the cyber war on democracy. It might not work as well now that everybody knows about it.
1
How about America getting out of Afghanistan and Iraq too. Gross miscalculation by the Bush administration ushered in the most hard core of Islamic ideology.
5
What is President Trump's response? Does he stand up to Putin? Does he
apologize and blame Congress? Will he say nothing? Whatever Trump is, he is not a leader.
apologize and blame Congress? Will he say nothing? Whatever Trump is, he is not a leader.
5
When you let Putin meddle in your country, example Poland, and don't show strong opposition you get communistic regime. Remember that each time he tries to buddy up to our leaders, and elected congress. President Obama let him know he wouldn't play ball. Now, and no wishy washy stance , its Trumps turn. Be the man . Be the President of our country. Not bff of foreign imperial leaders. As N. Reagan said, Just say no!
4
Vladimir Putin had to react to the new sanctions, otherwise he'd be admitting tacitly that Russia really did interfere in our elections. Also, he wants to look strong to the Russian people. The Russian economy is in the pits, significantly because of the sanctions already in place, and Mr. Putin needs to attract his people's attention away from that as much a possible.
42
I've read hundreds of article and seen countless interviews...."tacit admission" I've missed that one.
Insert the 'Vlad Putin' for each 'Russia' in every article. Tune in to the bizarro 'RT' where 'up is down' every half hour on the hour. How much more covert $ will flow into North Korea? That he won't have a chance to meet another NFL owner, admire his Superbowl ring and ask to 'see it' and then pocket it and walk away. I'm sure when Muller finishes we'll be hearing a great deal more about Plutonium Putin.
http://www.businessinsider.com/putin-owns-robert-kraft-patriots-super-bo...
http://www.businessinsider.com/putin-owns-robert-kraft-patriots-super-bo...
3
And money laundering.
Alright, expel all Russian diplomats from the US and be done with it. If Putin wants to play, meet him tit for tat.
1
Seems to me kind of obvious that Trump asked his buddy Vlad to escalate now in order to provide a rationale for vetoing the expanded sanctions approved by Congress.
1
Yes. Russia has no qualms about interfering in our elections, and complains when it doesn't get them total submission.
Trump is not only a monster, he is a fool as well. Though I do wish people would realize he owes his success to Putin's oligarchs and is not a successful businessman at all.
Trump is not only a monster, he is a fool as well. Though I do wish people would realize he owes his success to Putin's oligarchs and is not a successful businessman at all.
47
Most people do realize those things. Just not the people who listen to Salem Networks, Sinclair Media and Fox News.
2
"The Devil made me do it "
Enjoy your wretched oligarchy, Vladimir.
And thanks for playing the "Make Moscow Great Again" board game.
Enjoy your wretched oligarchy, Vladimir.
And thanks for playing the "Make Moscow Great Again" board game.
36
This article describes in some detail Russia's response to the sanctions Congress passed last week against Russia but neither this article or any earlier NYT article on the sanctions tell us exactly - or even roughly - what they are. They are described as "strong" and even "harsh" but no details are cited.. President Obama closed the two Russian "estates" in the U.S What additional sanctions have been imposed since? The Times certainly knows but won't tell us. But it should so that we can judge for ourselves whether the Russian response to our sanctions actually escalates tensions or is a diplomatically proportionate response.
RussiaTimes
RussiaTimes
5
The sanctions were in the news:
> 755 US diplomats are to be sent back to the USA
> Russian seizes 2 US diplomatic buildings
> 755 US diplomats are to be sent back to the USA
> Russian seizes 2 US diplomatic buildings
2
Not "755 US diplomats", but almost entirely Russian employees of the Embassy and Consulates. These people will have a seriously difficult time finding new work because no one will hire them, especially in Russia's current down economy, because of their affiliation with the US Embassy.
"The bill tightens existing sanctions around the ongoing situation in Ukraine and imposes new measures including some in response to alleged hacking during the 2016 election and others that target key Russian industries such as the railways, shipping, metals and mining. It would also bring in restrictions on companies doing business with the Russian oil industry." It doesn't sound that bad but Russia is in recession drifting into depression because of low oil prices. This makes the sanctions bite deeper.
"The bill tightens existing sanctions around the ongoing situation in Ukraine and imposes new measures including some in response to alleged hacking during the 2016 election and others that target key Russian industries such as the railways, shipping, metals and mining. It would also bring in restrictions on companies doing business with the Russian oil industry." It doesn't sound that bad but Russia is in recession drifting into depression because of low oil prices. This makes the sanctions bite deeper.
3
You have it backwards. It's the sanctions the US is placing on Russia he is asking about
2
Interesting. The new sanctions forced Putin to respond. How about responding to why the sanctions were are going to be imposed. If feel that Trump is far outmatched in this game that Putin is playing to the US's deficit.
2
Chess is a game of Kings. Trump ain't no king!
Just like the recommendations by Sean Connery in the movie, "The Untouchables" - If they bring a knife to the fight, you bring a gun.
Trump should start to listen to all of the people in the foreign affairs department. All Trump knows are insults, lack of responsibility, blaming others, and tweeting, and these aren't diplomatic skills, especially when dealing with Russia, China, and North Korea!
Just like the recommendations by Sean Connery in the movie, "The Untouchables" - If they bring a knife to the fight, you bring a gun.
Trump should start to listen to all of the people in the foreign affairs department. All Trump knows are insults, lack of responsibility, blaming others, and tweeting, and these aren't diplomatic skills, especially when dealing with Russia, China, and North Korea!
2
While Putin and Trump trade barbs and pretend to be at odds or feign acrimony to deflect attention from their collusion, Kim Jong Un is showing that he is the real winner here. Whether he's just posturing to have sanctions lifted or truly flexing his military muscle to mimic China's military momentum over the last few decades, he's making China, Russia, and mostly the U.S. appear palpably impotent. Who would have thought that a third-tier player on the world stage could, well, 'trump' the planet's most powerful entities?
2
Looks like he's signaling Trump to veto the bill.
4
Not sure normalize applies to Russia. Would letting Russia get away with hacking an election be making America Great Again? Would giving them back the two spy shacks be giving relations a boost? Is letting Putin do what he wants any kind of normal?
I have no more sympathy for Russian voters who support Putin than I do for voters who elected Trump.
I have no more sympathy for Russian voters who support Putin than I do for voters who elected Trump.
23
I just think it is incredible that Putin thought that by placing a Trump in the WH that he could "improve relations"...or rather, improve sanctions. Rather than using diplomatic channels and legal means, he cheated, and the best part? He cheated with an unstable man-child billionaire with whom he and his Russian mob buddies had a long, long relationship with money laundering and other nefarious activities.
The problem for us, now, is that we have a lame duck president six months in and he shows no signs of leaving. No doubt Putin and his cronies are regrouping with a new plan. I'm guessing more election chaos and destabilization attempts.
The problem for us, now, is that we have a lame duck president six months in and he shows no signs of leaving. No doubt Putin and his cronies are regrouping with a new plan. I'm guessing more election chaos and destabilization attempts.
5
If Putin thinks this will make a splash in the United States he is wrong.
Trump doesn't care about diplomatic representation.
The State Department is already so short-staffed they can hardly care
Trump's supporters don't give a fig for this
This will have zero impact.
Release Trump's financials! That will get a rise out of this administration
Trump doesn't care about diplomatic representation.
The State Department is already so short-staffed they can hardly care
Trump's supporters don't give a fig for this
This will have zero impact.
Release Trump's financials! That will get a rise out of this administration
5
I demand more hearings on why Russia is taking more actions against the Trump Administration that other hearings are trying to prove Putin somehow supported in the 2016 elections. These hearings should take up whatever legislative time our representatives can find between the rest of the televised, scripted, "Russia" hearings -- and last until 2020.
What, you think we elect our Congress to do OUR business instead of their political party's? Grow up!
What, you think we elect our Congress to do OUR business instead of their political party's? Grow up!
3
Putin’s masterplan to subvert Western democracies has blown up in his face. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Moscow thugocrat refused to accept that countries were throwing off the shackles of Russian tyranny. Instead he regarded their freedom as a humiliating defeat for Russia. And he laid the blame for this shameful cataclysm at the door of the West and specifically the USA.
Since then he has been obsessed with getting revenge. His plan was to spread chaos, discord, disunity and disorder wherever he could. That is why he decided to launch a cyber war on the USA and the European Union. That is why he poured millions from Russia’s evaporating reserves into media lie machines such as his state propaganda agencies Russia Today and Sputnik. That is why he set up computer gulags in St Petersburg from where his keyboard slaves could pour out “comments” on Western websites and spread disinformation and fake news.
But now the world can see his chaos strategy for what it is and the truth cannot be denied. We all need to face facts: Putin is our deadly enemy. Never, ever, forget that.
Since then he has been obsessed with getting revenge. His plan was to spread chaos, discord, disunity and disorder wherever he could. That is why he decided to launch a cyber war on the USA and the European Union. That is why he poured millions from Russia’s evaporating reserves into media lie machines such as his state propaganda agencies Russia Today and Sputnik. That is why he set up computer gulags in St Petersburg from where his keyboard slaves could pour out “comments” on Western websites and spread disinformation and fake news.
But now the world can see his chaos strategy for what it is and the truth cannot be denied. We all need to face facts: Putin is our deadly enemy. Never, ever, forget that.
7
Putin baits the hook:
"Without mentioning the American president directly, Moscow seemed to be appealing to him to resurrect his campaign promise to try to improve Russian-American relations.
“The will to normalize these relations should be placed on the record,” Dmitri S. Peskov, the spokesman for President Vladimir V. Putin, told reporters on Monday, and the “attempt at sanctions diktat” should be abandoned."
“The will to normalize these relations should be placed on the record,”
I bet Trump vetoes the Sanctions Bill. Because yes, he IS that stupid.
"Without mentioning the American president directly, Moscow seemed to be appealing to him to resurrect his campaign promise to try to improve Russian-American relations.
“The will to normalize these relations should be placed on the record,” Dmitri S. Peskov, the spokesman for President Vladimir V. Putin, told reporters on Monday, and the “attempt at sanctions diktat” should be abandoned."
“The will to normalize these relations should be placed on the record,”
I bet Trump vetoes the Sanctions Bill. Because yes, he IS that stupid.
4
He's has already announced he won't
Actually he has said nothing personally. Ms Conway et al have said he will sign the bill but how reliable is that?
1
Exactly!
1
It's hard not to think this is another instance of collusion -- a coordinated public display of enmity between two bros.
1
I am 84 years old franco-brazilian. I have been a banker and an insurer. I am not a "leftist" although a believe that social issues deserve serious attention. I have been an admiring NYTimes reader for, say, five decades. That being said, I will respectfully suggest that your excellent paper has been downgraded since the end of the presidential elections due to the extremely emotional coverage of the US-Russian affair. In this multipolar age, the risk of nuclear escalation is much higher now than at the Soviet-US conflict. That being said, it is important that a balanced judgement be made as to the fears and ambitions of the two players, so that a constructive understanding be reached. The US does not wish a war, but neither does Russia. Russia is the weaker, and feels threatned by the NATO encirclement. As a result it reacts, or may even overreact. I do not believve that the Times' news coverage encourages a more balanced analysis of this dangerous and complicated times.
28
Why would any US governmental agency have Kaspersky software from a Russian company on it's computers? Whose brilliant idea was this?
84
Thank you, jaquie in iowa, for giving voice to an opinion I have held privately ever since I saw my first Kaspersky ad. When a friend recently told me he uses K's program for his contracting business, I gulped. However, he is not of the same political stripe as I and I did not want to risk being labeled a "paranoiac" (sic).
2
If the Russians hadn't been trying to affect the outcome of our national elections then US sanctions would not have been forthcoming.
Beyond that we don't actually know how successful they were. There is an appalling amount of smoke leaking through the cracks...
Beyond that we don't actually know how successful they were. There is an appalling amount of smoke leaking through the cracks...
20
It's a real pain, that balance of power thing.
4
Will Trump be expelling 800 Russian diplomats to show Putin who is the "real" boss?
5
What, NO money back guarantee ??? Sad.
4
The World Court of the UN in Hague needs to start legal proceedings against the Russian Government for the missile attack on the Malaysia airline over invaded Ukraine territory with a Russian supplied missile system.
All Russian bank assets need to be frozen, credit cards cancelled, and Russian airlines travel to America blocked. The Kremlin succeed in Changing the winner of our elections by illegal hacking and breaking international cyber laws.
All Russian bank assets need to be frozen, credit cards cancelled, and Russian airlines travel to America blocked. The Kremlin succeed in Changing the winner of our elections by illegal hacking and breaking international cyber laws.
30
And the United States will sit right next to Russia. The United States has fought more illegal wars and done more interferings into other countries elections than Russia. Be careful what you wish for.
7
Typical Russian spin. Anybody who knows anything about Russia, knows they're never "forced" into doing anything they don't want to.
9
Aware of Trump's intellectual incapacity and unstable psychology, It sounds as if Putin is threatening Trump by shooting himself in the foot suspecting that Trump won't notice that it's his own foot and not Trump's. Also, knowing that Trump is attracted to him and wants a relationship, he's setting Trump up to avoid future sanctions and become a partner to accomplish the one thing for which Putin strives, Make Russia Great Again regardless what doing that takes.
4
Being clueless to consequences (like sanctions being the consequence of Russia meddling in our democracy) is one of several narcissistic characteristics Putin and Trump uncomfortably have in common. Trying to achieve goals by way of threats and bullying and throwing weight around is another.
9
First, to state the obvious, Trump and Putin and their respective spokespeople can't be trusted. Nothing they say can be taken at face value.
Far more significant are their actions -- and in this regard, Trump and Putin are completely different. Trump, being incompetent and infantile, never has any sort of plan. His actions reflect that and result in policy failures. Putin, on the other hand, wields power more effectively than any leader in Russian history. Putin always has a plan, and his actions reflect that and result in policy successes -- the most recent being the successful interference with the U.S. election.
However, both Trump and Putin suffer from the same weakesses: egocentrism, megalomania, and utter disinterest in being accountable to the citizenry. Their decisionmaking reflects these weaknesses and reflects an astounding shortsightedness. Putin, for example, failed to realize that fellow authoritarian Trump is so incompetent that he is incapable of delivering the policy outcomes Putin had expected.
Putin's decision to cut 755 American diplomatic personnel is more than just a deterioration in U.S.-Russia relations; it's his admission of failure.
Far more significant are their actions -- and in this regard, Trump and Putin are completely different. Trump, being incompetent and infantile, never has any sort of plan. His actions reflect that and result in policy failures. Putin, on the other hand, wields power more effectively than any leader in Russian history. Putin always has a plan, and his actions reflect that and result in policy successes -- the most recent being the successful interference with the U.S. election.
However, both Trump and Putin suffer from the same weakesses: egocentrism, megalomania, and utter disinterest in being accountable to the citizenry. Their decisionmaking reflects these weaknesses and reflects an astounding shortsightedness. Putin, for example, failed to realize that fellow authoritarian Trump is so incompetent that he is incapable of delivering the policy outcomes Putin had expected.
Putin's decision to cut 755 American diplomatic personnel is more than just a deterioration in U.S.-Russia relations; it's his admission of failure.
24
So much going on here: reckless deeds, piled on long time arrogance and complacent expectency. What happened to the kind of long-term strategic thinking, on both sides, that kept Russia and the rest of the West from destroyng each other during the decades of the Cold War?
The fall of the old Soviet State led not to freedom for many millions, but rather rapacious opportunity for the Select Few. The Russian State did not take too long to devolve into a peculiar type of plutocratic oligarchy - a kleptocracy, where the few got exceeding Rich and Powerful, and recklessly ambitious. Ultimately, fleecing Russia alone was no longer enough.
The old Soviet State would never have dared to hack the US elections, or meddle so directly in US elections. Remember, it's not just US elections where hacking was attempted. Several recent elections in Europe were interfered with too, but none as successfully as in the US. Putin is now reaping what he sowed. Mock outrage and shock aside, what did Russia think was going to happen when the hacking was discovered?
The US has its share of blame here. Too much internal ideolgy and distortion on the Right led to years of delberate misinformation of the masses. A campaign aimed towards distrust of government, Reality, and Centrist Leadership, left many open to the wildest fantasies. The Rich and ideologically driven have looked to their own interests for too long, leaving the nation weak and divided.
Consider this a national wakeup call!
The fall of the old Soviet State led not to freedom for many millions, but rather rapacious opportunity for the Select Few. The Russian State did not take too long to devolve into a peculiar type of plutocratic oligarchy - a kleptocracy, where the few got exceeding Rich and Powerful, and recklessly ambitious. Ultimately, fleecing Russia alone was no longer enough.
The old Soviet State would never have dared to hack the US elections, or meddle so directly in US elections. Remember, it's not just US elections where hacking was attempted. Several recent elections in Europe were interfered with too, but none as successfully as in the US. Putin is now reaping what he sowed. Mock outrage and shock aside, what did Russia think was going to happen when the hacking was discovered?
The US has its share of blame here. Too much internal ideolgy and distortion on the Right led to years of delberate misinformation of the masses. A campaign aimed towards distrust of government, Reality, and Centrist Leadership, left many open to the wildest fantasies. The Rich and ideologically driven have looked to their own interests for too long, leaving the nation weak and divided.
Consider this a national wakeup call!
3
While respecting both, I have little use for our President and less for Congress.
4
Give Crimea back, or at least pay for it. Get out of Eastern Ukrania. Give back the chunk of Georgia you stole a few years ago. Then we'll talk.
4
Russia is playing the long game. Never underestimate Putin or the KGB/FSB.
1
I guess it might be time for Putin to out his puppet?
3
I thought Russia was buddy-buddy with Trump.
I read it here.
I guess it's hard to keep your lies straight when you tell so many.
I read it here.
I guess it's hard to keep your lies straight when you tell so many.
6
Oh they are. They helped get him elected, and are disappointed to find there are some patriots left who aren't bought and paid for when it comes to Putin's oligarchs and their manipulations.
8
I think of a playing a game of checkers as being "buddy-buddy." Most people worried about all of this see much more than that.
With any luck (and we don't deserve it because we haven't been very wise ourselves), Putin has chosen a fool who is not useful for his machinations. A useful fool who is not useful in that he is too foolish, and doesn't have any sense of shame. Whether Putin is flattering, bribing, or blackmailing Trump, or most likely all three, Trump is too thick to be able to jump when Putin pulls his strings. Now Congress is keeping Trump around as long as he is a useful fool, and when he is no longer, they will keep Pence around for the same reason. Why not switch to Pence right now? I think the Republicans are aware that two actual lying cheating treasonous impeachments beats lying about a dress stain for being unworthy of governing the leader of the free world.
3
Only approx.300 American FSOs work at the embassy.
The rest are almost all Russian nationals,.
Putin just gave them their pink slips.
Maybe they can get a job in all the coal mines Trump is opening up..
The rest are almost all Russian nationals,.
Putin just gave them their pink slips.
Maybe they can get a job in all the coal mines Trump is opening up..
6
It's kind of strange for me to be really happy that Trump got smacked down hard, yet worried about what this means for our country. The two should not be in conflict, but they are.
10
Putin needs strong reminders that the U.S. will not tolerate Russian attempts to undermine its most sacred political processes including voting. But that may not be possible given how Putin practices governance in Russia. In addition, we have a president who seems unconcerned with Russia's threats to our system of government. I worry where all of this is headed.
1
Perhaps we should consider the same response to many of the countries that influence our elections. I'm betting that Israel is on top of the list.
16
If Putin wants to normalize relations he should start by removing all Russian troops from the Ukraine, including Crimea. Stop doing the things that the sanctions were put in place to punish. But Putin doesn't want to normalize anything. He just wants Trump to help him move the goal post. That's why Russia interfered in the 2016 election in Trump's favor.
11
The first thing the U.S. Mission in Russia should do is shut down all visa operations until the State Department is allowed to restore staffing levels.
In the spirit of reciprocity, the Russians might "retaliate" by shutting down their visa operations in the United States, but I suspect that Russians need to travel to the United States more than vice versa.
In the spirit of reciprocity, the Russians might "retaliate" by shutting down their visa operations in the United States, but I suspect that Russians need to travel to the United States more than vice versa.
Given previous experience with Russia why on Earth would anyone believe any statements from Moscow? Look at what they do in the future not at what they tell you. I would not be surprised to see action in the Baltics or Ukraine as a response.
25
Vladimir Putin is cornered and reacting as such.
President Obama summarized the situation with Russia best when he said, "The Russians can't change us or significantly weaken us. They are a smaller country. They are a weaker country. Their economy doesn't produce anything that anybody wants to buy except oil and gas and arms. They don't innovate. But they can impact us if we lose track of who we are."
President Obama summarized the situation with Russia best when he said, "The Russians can't change us or significantly weaken us. They are a smaller country. They are a weaker country. Their economy doesn't produce anything that anybody wants to buy except oil and gas and arms. They don't innovate. But they can impact us if we lose track of who we are."
152
Let's add that Russia can effectively put our government out of business, which seems to be the case.
1
Actually is not true that Russia cannot change or significantly weaken the US.
Donald Trump and the Republican majority in Congress are working successfully to destabilize and weaken this country daily.
Donald Trump and the Republican majority in Congress are working successfully to destabilize and weaken this country daily.
Putin, like most of us, did not expect any Republicans to stand up to Trump in any meaningful way (certainly Ryan and McConnell are not really standing up to Trump but are rather following their followers).
19
Its a shame for the Russians who will lose their jobs. But this is another indication that Russia stands to lose more than the USA in this argument. Putin's buddies will lose millions going forward, there will be problems with Oil and gas distribution. Once again, I argue that Obama had it right, Russia is a third rate 'power' with very little real power. As Trump has no policy towards Russia, I hope Congress holds firm here, we may even see a slow down in the East European expansion as Russia has less money to spend on it.
8
Trump began the meeting by reportedly saying to Putin, "I'm going to get this out of the way: Did you do this?"
Thank the Constitution for checks and balances that provides the ability to control a would be dictator, i.e. Trump.
Thank the Constitution for checks and balances that provides the ability to control a would be dictator, i.e. Trump.
24
From the article:
"The breadth of the dismissals demanded — 755 people, most of whom will be Russian employees — was stunning even by the standards of the Cold War playbook..."
Next thing you know, they'll be seizing Russian assets of Americans.
"The breadth of the dismissals demanded — 755 people, most of whom will be Russian employees — was stunning even by the standards of the Cold War playbook..."
Next thing you know, they'll be seizing Russian assets of Americans.
2
Part of Trump's desire to be pals with Vlad was due to Gen. Flynn. If you recall, Flynn was removed by Pres. Obama for wanting to work with the Russians to destroy radical Islamic terrorists when the Obama Administration had other priorities (Ukraine, Syria). Being fired by Obama made Flynn a 10-Star General in Trump's eyes.
The other part is Trump's successful business ventures with Russian businessmen. He views Russians as pals and dismisses the thought that we are adversaries.
The other part is Trump's successful business ventures with Russian businessmen. He views Russians as pals and dismisses the thought that we are adversaries.
6
It is evident that Russia sees Trump as a weak and easy to manipulate President. This move is just a tactic designed to sow more chaos into the works. Putin could not have been more successful if he tried.
4
With the parents busy fighting in divorce court, who's keeping their eye on the baby, Syria, at home? Hope someone remembered to get a nanny.
3
Russia knows it can do whatever it wants. Annexation of Crimea, helping al-Assad of Syria destroy whats left of the country and meddle in our elections all while Putin tells bold face lies to Trump.
Sanctions just hurt the Russian people and not the Russian oligarchy who profit and control the government with the help of Putin.
Sanctions just hurt the Russian people and not the Russian oligarchy who profit and control the government with the help of Putin.
2
I'm not buying it. I think Putin knows our congressional process and is publicizing more "fake news".
3
Wrong! Putin caused this by his meddling greed! Big thoughts from such a small mind!
12
As NATO/EU/EZ/America creep and crawl towards Russia Putin sows confusion and conflict one tweet and slur at a time by his carefully cultivated puppet dummy temporarily occupying the Oval Office of our White House.
Neither the 2 1/2 x American demographic population advantage nor the 15x American GDP economic supremacy nor the 9x American military superiority matter as much as Vladimir Putin's managing to fool and flummox every American President from George W. Bush through Barack H. Obama to Donald J. Trump. Bending them one and all to his KGB/FSB/Jiu-Jitsu/gangster streetwise ethnic sectarian Slavic Russian Orthodox nationalist smiling smirking winning socioeconomic political military diplomatic advantage.
Neither the 2 1/2 x American demographic population advantage nor the 15x American GDP economic supremacy nor the 9x American military superiority matter as much as Vladimir Putin's managing to fool and flummox every American President from George W. Bush through Barack H. Obama to Donald J. Trump. Bending them one and all to his KGB/FSB/Jiu-Jitsu/gangster streetwise ethnic sectarian Slavic Russian Orthodox nationalist smiling smirking winning socioeconomic political military diplomatic advantage.
4
Russia should focus on growing its stagnant economy. Putin is obsessed with looking macho -- the Russian people seem to love him for it even as their standard of living continues to lag well behind.
94
That would require Putin to give up some riches, and to acknowledge that greatness of country ascends when iron control by the leader descends. I don't see that happening.
1
Macho seems to be Trump's main asset as well.
I agree
Now substitute the work Trump for Putin in your comment. .
And substitute "Trump base" for "Russian people"
I agree again!
Now substitute the work Trump for Putin in your comment. .
And substitute "Trump base" for "Russian people"
I agree again!
3
Isn't this grand. The two most powerful militaries in the world move closer and closer to confrontation. Time for a reviewing and re-screening of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima stories.
5
Feh. Putin and Trump just want money. There will be no nuclear war between these two. North Korea, run by a nutcase (as we are, but not entirely yet), is more of a threat for triggering nuclear conflagration.
4
Hey, Putin !
Wanted to be treated better ? Then stop acting like a KGB thug ! Stop invading other countries or meddling in their elections.
Just because you have Trump licking your boots, does not mean America is okay with that.
Wanted to be treated better ? Then stop acting like a KGB thug ! Stop invading other countries or meddling in their elections.
Just because you have Trump licking your boots, does not mean America is okay with that.
44
The sanctions against Russia are having the desired effect, as judged by Putin's response.
27
Since the majority of American Embassy workers are local Russian employees, the U.S. should cut a deal with Russian, allowing it to set up a Russian entity that would employ those Russians to work at our embassy. Americans have always been good at subcontracting labor; and Russian don't need to add hundreds of local Russians to its unemployment lists.
2
I'm just finishing the final book of Ken Follett's trilogy, "Edge of Eternity". The three books lay out interrelated politics between the English, German, Russian, Welsh and Americans since royal and financial elite ruled the modern world ("Fall of Giants"), through Hitler's WW2 ("Winter of the World") and now recent history of the societal and power-broker tensions that are causing world upheaval today. One thing that really caught my attention is that Russia has always been concerned that The United States of America would partner with China to destroy Russia. I wonder if that's the issue today and if the financial power brokers who champion China are "at war" with the financial power brokers who champion Russia.
Frankly, I do not care. They can go have duels to figure it out. Leave MY money, MY life and the lives of MY children and grandchildren out of your destructive power wars. I'm speaking to you Koch brothers freaks, The Con Don, Putin and every other member of the Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical religions Good Old Boys Cabal - and your operatives - who think your stolen wealth should rule the world.
Not now. Not ever again. WE THE PEOPLE - 99% of humanity - rule the world and WE do not agree with the one you are trying to create.
Frankly, I do not care. They can go have duels to figure it out. Leave MY money, MY life and the lives of MY children and grandchildren out of your destructive power wars. I'm speaking to you Koch brothers freaks, The Con Don, Putin and every other member of the Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical religions Good Old Boys Cabal - and your operatives - who think your stolen wealth should rule the world.
Not now. Not ever again. WE THE PEOPLE - 99% of humanity - rule the world and WE do not agree with the one you are trying to create.
92
It's time Russia joins the West.
Russia doesn't like the sanctions? Maybe Russia shouldn't meddle in our elections or provide under-the-table loans to real estate moguls with political ambitions.
146
Again, what would hurt more : USA lifting all sanctions looking like nice guys and helping Ukraine get energy independence and look for oil and fracking on Ukraine soil. This would remove any power Russia has left in the world.
2
Waiting for all those loans to be called in immediately..........and a few bankruptcies among White House staff, starting at the top. All those dominoes!
1
Now if only the Secretary of State had said what you did!
Putin is very scared. He sees that Americans are angry with Russia's foreign interference. He knew he'd be exposed as a spent force when the US pushes back hard. We are starting to do that. Putin sees the end of Russian foreign ambitions coming soon.
16
It sounds like the sanctions are hurting various friends of Putin.
51
I didn't see any indication of that in the article, only that congress is doing an end-run around the president's authority to conduct foreign policy.
5
Thank god someone is end-running this inexperienced, ill-advised narcissist.
Did you forget - the US Congress does not actually work for Trump.
They work for us.
Did you forget - the US Congress does not actually work for Trump.
They work for us.
9