The message from those that have issued statements or taken action to expel diplomats is that they believe that Russia is culpable in the poisoning of
Sergei Skripal and his daughter. This will affects Russia's standing in the world in that it is clear it cannot be trusted in anything it says or does.
3
When expulsions happen, what really happens? Yes, people sent home, but what were these people doing that’s not being done, whether it be clandestine or not?
As another great Republican President said "speak softly and cary a big stick . . . and use it when you have to"
Tough leadership is when our guy leans over and smiles at the enemy while our leader's worker-bees stick in the shiv.
1
The only way to really punish Russia is to go after the Oligarchs. But Trump and the GOP would never do that, because Russian retaliation would TARGET THE AMERICAN SUPER-RICH.
2
Trump's apparent desire to buddy up to Putin, despite indisputable evidence that Putin is probably our major enemy in the world, inevitably leads to the conclusion that Putin has some very incriminating evidence about the president. I hope the Special Counsel solves this mystery.
3
If Putin has something on Trump, as you say, why would Trump risk embarrassing Russia by expelling 60 Russian diplomats?
3
There are many alternatives that are better than expulsions and similar measures. In particular, mass expulsions end up being reciprocal, so there is no relative punishment for misdeeds, just mutual punishment. Eventually, both sides just build up their numbers again, as happened after the last round of mass expulsions in 1986. Something asymmetric is needed. Russia's Achilles Heel is its economic weakness, in particular the dependence of its ruling class on Western financial institutions to launder and safely store money in places, like, say, Trump Tower. Cracking down on the activities of offshore banks worldwide, heavy restrictions on Russia's ability to move money overseas, and banning Russian use of the SWIFT system until it can be audited and made transparent, are three possible ways to strike at the Putin regime that will change its behavior. Other possible economic measures would be to limit Russian sales of oil and gas to Western Europe by providing alternate sources of supply. Providing increased military and intelligence assistance to our allies would also help. The problem is that these measures are multilateral, and would require considerably more diplomatic acumen than the Trump administration has currently demonstrated. And of course, when you strike at the Kremlin in this way, you also strike at people like Trump, whose financial well-being depends on the ability to attract Russian investors, legal or otherwise. Still wondering why Trump likes Putin?
3
It's a start in the right direction. It's the good work our agencies and diplomats can do if the President lets them do their jobs. If only we had qualified Cabinet heads to deliver meaningful results like this in a consistent, orchestrated way.
Even a President who doesn't read and doesn't focus on the serious issues of the day can get something right occasionally. I wish, but don't expect, that he would go after the oligarchs because Putin listens to them.
WHAT the Putin and his buddies hate the most is not being able to travel, and not being able to use the world banking system to their advantage. They should be locked out. We have passed the "Magnitsky Act" which Putin HATES! We need more sanctions like the "Magnitsky Act". AND its about time we start responding to Putin's interference in EVERYBODY'S ELECTIONS! Congrats to Teresa May on her marshaling a collective response to the Russians.
1
So, big whoop. Boot a few of their spies. They boot a few of our spies. If you want to get Putin's attention, go after the dirty money in our banks. But we won't nor will the EU. And Putin knows it. So, we go through the motions. Nothing changes.
1
Sounds good, but where are the Chinese spies compromising American technology? Are they allowed to roam free? All you have to look at is their J-31 to know the truth.
No need for proof seems to be replacing the rule of law ion sex and Russia. Having grown up in the Cold War, I studied Russian history and lit, a peacenik eager to avoid nuclear war. The Stone interviews were helpful. Russia won WWII for us, and has survived the complete collapse of government and economy. It’s clear we are about to take the country down by any means that can be devised. Sad to see us so sure we know what’s best for them, and so quick to blame them for our our election. Jingoism,we used to call it. War kills.
1
Not a single piece of evidence offered to support the charges against Russia, charges by UK government that supported the US lies about Iraq's weapons. The question: how often must your government lie to you before you begin to be doubt its word? To quote Bloomberg: I'm a New Yorker, and know a con when I see one.
1
Why would Russia use a chemical/poison that could be used to point the finger bacl at them when there are other ways to take care of an opponent if they chose? The alleged accusation that Russia made this chemical years ago and therefore is guilty would not hold up in a court of law and by any critical thinkers.
1
How about they wanted everyone to know that the did it?
1
Why?
4
Oh, I believe critical thinkers would assign it to Russia. This is simply Russian arrogance and a belief that what they deny is proof.
Wonder if Mr T will ask for NDA's from the "diplomats" before they leave the country? Wouldn't it be interesting if Mueller requested exit interviews of them all?
1
While all this is interesting, what is curious is that the old dictum of analyse, reflect, and then act has been totally reversed. It seems that the decision making process now is act first, then reflect and analyse.
There is a distinct sense of jumping on the "let's expel bandwagon" from all and sundry. Even dubious regimes are getting in on the act to curry favour with those that they hope would notice.
I would suggest that expelling all these "spies" is a bit silly.
If the intelligence community knew who these spies were, they would have been a pretty useless asset. As for expelling them for reasons of "undeclared intelligence personnel" is the justification, declaring oneself as an intelligence operative would be self-defeating.
As if expelling diplomats has any significance in the first part of the 21st Century. It may have meant something during Metternich's time, but today? Diplomats a dime a dozen today so in the final analysis it is a meaningless gesture.
No, this has all the makings of grand theatre, with UK police nonchalantly strolling a few feet away from personnel dressed in the latest chemical warfare gear with breathing apparatus. etc.
Personally I will wait for the inevitable denouement which will come in a few weeks, months, or years. In the interim, my opinion will be guided by the thought of who gains the most from the poisoning and who loses the most
3
To my great embarrassment, I never knew precisely what a diplomat does. So I looked it up and found there are different levels of diplomat. Top level:
"Chief Diplomat. The president decides what American diplomats and ambassadors shall say to foreign governments. With the help of advisors, the president makes the foreign policy of the United States."
Zounds. Under that hierarchy, we might do well to recall OUR diplomats.
1
It is a symbolic punishment. Russia will also expel
the similar number of diplomats from USA and
Europe. From their perspective it would looke like
punishing the west. Confiscation of illegally
earned wealth by Putin's cronies will be better
punishment that will hurt. Russian action of
attempting to kill Skripal and his daughter are
despicable. What do they have to gain by killing
this double agent who was swapped in 2010 and
has been living quietly in a small town causing
no harm to Russia. Expulsion of diplomats used
to be common in the cold war and was mutual.
The real message is that west is united to stand
up to Russian mischief.
1
Even in this Trump is trying to take credit; for organizing European countries to clean house of Russians. Methinks the work was already done by the British Government, and Trump just got on the heels of it because he had little choice. Yet even in this he proves himself a Putin Puppet, because there is no concerted visible or verbal pronouncements coming from his mouth at all for his administration's actions. Trump is just a bystander in this, barking orders and trying to take credit for something that has already been cemented by others. Trying to play both sides as usual.
1
Forgotten in all of this is the murder of Russian businessman, Nikolai Glushkov. He was found strangled in his apartment in London eight days after Skripol poisoning.
3
I am unsure of doing a tit for tat expulsion of spies harms the Russians anymore than it harms us. Seems like a pretty weak response to a state-sponsored murder.
1
No one was murdered, Mr. Skripal and daughter are still in the hospital. The chemical agent must not have been as potent as claimed, in any case, whoever did it, botched the job. Some 130 people they claim came in contact with the poison, they too are OK and had only been told to wash their cloth real good.
1
You want to boycott Russia and send Putin a strong message, start with boycotting the World Cup this summer. Soccer is a big sport in Europe and in most part of the world where people wait 4 years to witness this greatest sporting event, Russia has spent enormous amount of money to build soccer stadiums in different parts of the country for this World Cup.. Europe and FIFA should boycott going to Russia and hit them where it matters.. Can we do that?
4
Team USA did not qualify to participate in this World Cup; let's see how Donald spins this into our boycotting the games.
1
I wonder after this mass expulsion of expatriates from the European countries, will they send their players to represent to Russia in the WC?
Good. Trump finally joins the free world in taking some action against outrageous Russian behavior—not a sign he's become more patriotic, only that Mueller's heat is getting to him.
There are too many "diplomats" allowed into the country from adversary nations, from all nations, actually, including Mexico, especially when we know many of the personnel are just here to hurt us—spying, in the case of Russians, servicing the undocumented in the case of Mexico's multi-sun-belt-state consular offices. And why should the Russian's have a plush property or any presence in Seattle?
Only personnel necessary for diplomatic purposes, and only to a site in D.C. should be permitted when the expulsion ends.
Isnt it odd Trump says nothing about the UK poisoning for an entire week until he speaks with Putin on the phone? This is simply a ruse concocted by Putin/Trump just as the Syria bombing was to take the heat off the Russian investigation. Expelling diplomats isnt punishment. Trump will never do anything to upset Putin because Putin has something on him. Never forget that.
1
I doubt Russia registers its valued assets for expulsion. Pure theater.
1
Like the proverbial joke, "what's 100 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean." "It's a start." These expulsions are a start. But in effect little more than slaps on Putin's wrist.
As others have noted, the thing which really hurts Putin and his oligarch pals the most, is implementing much more stringent economic sanctions to THEM personally. No travel to the West, no access to 'parked' funds, etc.
Concurrently, sources of Putin's ill gotten gains and corrupt practices must be disseminated in Russia (via western media, social media, whatever works). Until the Russian public wakes up to the extent that they've been robbed and played by Putin he continues his reign (and destructive activities). Easier said than done!
Here in the USA, even with an unfettered media, we have 30 - 40% of the population being 'magical thinkers'. Believers in the phony promises of Trump and Republican leaders and the sycophants who go along (to get along).
WAKE up people. Stop listening to Fox and bloviating right wing conspiracy mongers. T H I N K.
Then VOTE Them OUT.
2
How, exactly, is this "punishing" Russia?
Start seizing their assets and bank accounts and give that money to anti-Putin forces in Russia.
2
Hard to be critical when the money for a number of his big deals came from Russa. Also there appears to be more than one shiny disk out there with evedence of Trump's indescretions on it. Putins got the goods on Trump so, currently, a sitting US President is being compromised.
How is that no a national security risk?
Wake up America and get rid of the outside money in poitics and take the country back!
2
What secrets do Russians have on Trump that is not already well known? That he was a playboy, womanizers? That's news? And why should Trump mind? He prides himself on his sexual exploits, even bragging about his physical attributes in Republican election debates. Not even our intelligence agencies gave credence to the "dossier."
1
Why am I reading such dramatic headlines over such a weak response to Russia's 2016 and ongoing attacks on the United States and her allies?
Until we don't aggressively sanction Russia and enforce them (on par or greater than Iran or North Korea), until Trump doesn't vehemently tweet about Russia and Putin like he does against women and minorities, and until the Western world doesn't retaliate with cyber warfare (yes, we must shore up our cyber defenses asap), then this smells like a Putin-concocted-for-the-optics move by Trump.
3
What I don't get about this is why the countries let these people live in their countries to start with, if they knew these people were spies.
2
Oh please. Ousting diplomats means nothing.
To hurt Putin and Russia, you have to hit the oligarchs who launder money via ridiculously expensive real estate in NYC, Miami, and London.
5
None of these expulsions of Russian 'diplomats' by the U.S. and its allies will have any meaningful impact or influence on Russia's ability and efforts to interfere in their diplomacy, elections, infrastructure and military by cyber means.
Vladimir Putin's smiling smirking devilish twinkled eyed face says everything we need to know.
3
Perhaps in the future Putin's opponents will be eliminated using means that allow for plausible deniability, and not use nerve gas with a Russian signature on it.
1
Marching into Iraq # 2.
Who cares that the investigation is incomplete and absolutely secret. Those intelligence cervices "did not" let us down in the case of Iraq, so we all should just trust them once again.
Just once more, at least just this time ...
3
When I heard we were booting out 60 Russian spies, my first thought was that Donald was sending them home before Mueller interviews them. I wonder how many met with Trump operatives?
3
Occupy Government -- what an interesting posit!
1
Trump apparently made the right move but something is bothering me. Over 100 people were affected by an act apparently aimed at one or two people. The Russians have clearly been known to utilize highly lethal means, but they have never been known to be sloppy and certainliy not this sloppy. I hope that the on going investigation is thorough and transparent. The foreign services of all superpowers are highly trained and professional. Something just does not add up.
3
I understand your thoughts and believe they have merit. However, a plot or system is only as good as its weakest link, and there is one in every organization. If there was a personal failure in the execution of the murderous move in London, the fate of the person charged with the mission can only be imagined.
Considering the foibles of the Trump administration and its talking heads who do not know when to stop talking or to whom, we are likely safer without the diplomats.
Indeed it may have been exactly what was needed, finally drawing a line in the sand, expelling spys and sending the strongest message we have sent in some time. It is heartwarming when thuggery and murder backfire on its authors.
Putin now has 100 extra diplomats/spies on his hands. They can not be happy. Imagine if you were one of them: you had finally worked your way up the ladder and had been posted to "the west", where you and your family could enjoy all of those "benefits". Now you get to go back to drab cold Moscow. Wife will not be happy.
1
I dont know. They shut down the Russian Consulate here in Seattle yesterday and Moscow may seem bright and cheerful by comparison:) And Seattle is full of Ukrainians :)
One shouldn't cut off one's nose to spite one's face. Especially when the stakes are so high.
Diplomacy is a good thing. Personally, I think the attack on Mr. Skripal and his daughter were likely the work of the Russian government; nerve agents are usually a state weapon. But this doesn't mean that reducing diplomatic relations is beneficial, especially since it will likely escalate, tit for tat. In general, it's mutually beneficial to have diplomats (real ones) in other countries.
Similarly, I don't thing substantially reducing our diplomatic presence in Cuba in response to alleged mysterious secret weapons used against our own diplomats was a good thing. In my opinion, the alleged secret weapon attacks seem more like mass hysteria. Regardless, curtailing our diplomatic presence in Cuba accomplished little good. The major victims are most likely ordinary US and Cuban citizens, not the Cuban government.
Most of the time we curtail diplomacy at our, and the world's, peril. There are exceptions, make no mistake. But, in general, it's not a good thing.
1
A nod and a wink from the Trump Administration. Yes, the expulsions will annoy the Russians, but they'll just expel some American diplomats and spies in return, and eventually restock their supply of spies on our soil.
More to the point, Putin will take solace in Trump's continued efforts to play nice with him, his failure to slap more serious sanctions on Russian oligarchs and their businesses, his failure to blast out information about Putin's billions in stolen assets and his inaction in the face of ongoing Russian efforts to undermine our democracy and ability to sabotage our power grid.
6
That is right. Those Russians do not deserve fair complete investigation and/or transparent court hearings.
They are guilty just for being Russians.
No actual evidence or prof of wrong doing are necessary.
2
whatever. these stories are just meant for local consumption. Russia will retaliate with its own expulsions. these are just shows.
The classic strength through unity between EU and US has been undermined by Trump's volatile behavior and his tricky situation with Putin. Eventually Russia doesn't care about the diplomats expulsion because Trump is already into Putin's clutches. "Divide et Impera" - Divide and Conquer strategy adopted by Putin is already giving successful results.
1
Before you claim the feckless president has ordered Russians out of the country, show me the signed executive order. Otherwise, this is an administrative decision by the career professionals of the "deep state", and Trump had nothing to do with it.
In order to make sense of what will happen to our country in the coming months, you have to distinguish clearly between Trump, the office of the president, the cabinet appointees, and the career professionals. We're being carried through this historical juncture thanks to the efforts by the career professionals, and they deserve our thanks and sufficient recognition for their commitment to soldier on.
2
It's Kabuki: song and dance, no bite
Ms May excluded targeting any Russian as being unwelcome in the UK (unlike the US that has a no visit list for Putin cronies) , and excluded any measure that would prevent the continuing stash of money by Putin cronies in London, home of the ill gotten gain of Russian oligarchs.
I.e. if you look beyond the head lines is is business as usual. London bankers and real estate will continue to make money from Russian Oligarchs
1
Given Trump's adoration of Putin it is not without possibility that the US President has handed a list of CIA operatives in Russia that will aid in Putin's retaliation. And make the Americans who remain far more vulnerable to punitive action.
An action that only proves the West's eagerness to go war with Russia - an entirely inappropriate response to the assassination attempt at a turncoat spy - even if true = which it is not. Pure speculation whereas Russia's support of the Syrian regime is a fact and is ONE of the REAL reasons for the hullabaloo about Skripal.
2
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in Holland has been looking at the evidence. The posts that there is no protocol are untrue. To the best of my knowledge Teresa May is responsible for rallying support, not Trump.
2
Europeans would do well to proceed without U.S. cooperation to protect themselves from Putin and to augment their security forces on Russian borders. And perhaps that is long overdue.
Under Trump the United States cannot be realistically regarded as a reliable partner in the NATO alliance. Trump has blatantly declared with many statements and actions that he has more admiration for Putin than for NATO, and that should galvanize countries such as Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania. Ukraine already knows too well Putin's aggression, and it appears that Belarus is effectively in Putin's pocket.
When I was a child in the 1960s the Republicans were the ultimate anti-Russians, at least in their rhetoric. Now Republicans through their uncritical support of Trump necessarily extend their allegiance with him to Putin as well. Simply astounding.
4
There is a certain "irony" to this punishment of Russia for allegedly conducting a politically motivated assignation. I say allegedly simply because while Britain claims to have proof that A) the poison was a nerve agent and B) that it could only have come from Russia, their proof has not yet been subject to public scrutiny.
Also, both Russia and Great Britain are signatories to the treaty on use of chemical weapons. The treaty contains specific protocols that are supposed to be followed when a violation is alleged. For reasons yet unexplained Britain has not followed those protocols.
It's also odd that most of the mass media has made no mention of the treaty or the protocols, one of which is to have a non-state affiliated lab examine the evidence. Again, no mention of this in the story.
These would seem to be important facts, both to the story and to the call for collective action by NATO allies. It would also seem key to Trump's decision to expel Russian diplomats. Maybe this is the right action, but again, why not follow the treaty?
Even if internal intelligence analysis has reached this conclusion, wouldn't a finding by an independent non-state affiliated party carry more weight?
These are troubling omissions, and even more so because they were left out of the media coverage. The facts are supposed to lead us to the right conclusions, not the other way around.
3
Poor thing! Are you still laboring under the delusion that fairness, law and truth are still operative? Poor thing!
1
Follow the rubles, and down goes Trump.
5
DJT should pull out the old script, delete the term “Muslim” and insert the term “Russian” and call for his original ban now on all Russians entering the US.
The kremlin interfered in our election and just poisoned a Russian dissident in the UK.
Spin it any way you want, but these are blatant attacks on Western democracy and our allies.
We need an administration that acts like it and has the courage and wisdom to do something about it.
DJT is not that guy!
Where is a good ‘ol GOP town hall meeting when you need one??
4
The UK is in the lead here and Trump appears to be trapped. Theresa May has enough problems at home she could use a distraction. She refuses to produce any evidence as international law requires. Mr. Verheugen, a ret. German minister makes sense. Political actions should be taken based on facts and not on "it could be possible". Russia had nothing at all to gain. The West is waging war with economic sanctions against Russia for years, just as the USA waged economic war with sanctions against Cuba for decades and still does so in Iran and NK and many other nations. Putin is reactive, he would not botch a killing of a former double agent. The killing of the former double agent is so stupid it looks staged.
3
Enough has already been written about how isolated Trump is with western allies around the world. Theresa May has been the driving force in FINALLY taking Putin to task for acting like the Cold War thug he has always been. While it is good that 60 Russian operatives have been expelled from the U.S.; it is crystal clear this was done in spite of Trump...not because of him.As long as there are ruthless characters like Putin; like it or not the world needs a military superpower like the U.S. to stand strong with the free world. It is sickening to hear Trump continue to praise authoritarian dictators as men to be admired. Democracy may be doomed with such idiocy in the White House.
2
No doubt Putin and his trolls will soon be blaming the fire in Siberia on the US...
1
It's fairly bizarre to see Trumpists backing Putin with a whole passel of, "We don't knows," "Hey, we're no betters," and, "leave Russia ALONES and go after China where they're not whites!"
I also enjoyed the classic Orwell dido, of changing the phrase, "nerve gas," to, "poison," as though England had been attacked with a Tide ball. Oh, and I almost forgot the classic, "Well that stuff was all OVER Russia by the end of the Cold War, so we don't really know who used it," which is right up there with Assad and Putin's claims that them rebels was the guys who sprayed chemical weapons around.
Kudos, folks. Though I think you missed a spot: the classic, "No, this was a false flag op carried out by the Deep State at the sinister behest of the Clinton Foundation!"
Point is, Trumpists are not conservatives. They're not even Goldwater Republicans.
14
No, the Trumpists are not conservatives, not even Goldwater conservatives.
The Trump administration's number 1 goal is to aquire as much money and other benefits ( such as first class travel and travel on costly private planes) as they can for themselves without regard to anyone else and without regard to the future of the planet.
This administration's second goal is to destroy the government except for the military which guards their property and other interests all over the world.
I believe that this pretty much the philosophy of Ayn Rand. though I doubt seriously that Trump knows it. This philosophy is also the law of the jungle -- take care of oneself and to heck with everyone else.
5
Funny how the only one defending Putin is Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the UK Labour Party and darling of the progressive left. Never thought Jeremy Corbyn would make Donald Trump look like Putin’s greatest antagonist.
2
I guess Corbyn is just one of few politicians who has a good memory and, therefore, remembers hype about Saddam's WMD that was a basis for reckless policies that brought so much suffering to the people of the ME. Nice to see a responsible politician who want to see the proof before he starts to condemn left and right.
2
Russians may like their Putin, but he is held in ill repute around the wold.
2
Why is that when Israel assassinates scientists in Iran it is always give a Free pass. No condemnation from USA, EU and NATO. No sanctions against Israel. But now all these countries are willing to act against Russia without even waiting for the clinching evidence to come out.
6
That's because Israel is asked to do the dirty work for all the other countries.
1
Because Israel is on "our side" and it's okay. Hypocrisy is not an endangered resource.
1
Clinching evidence? Do you think we would have access to this proof? Israel assassinated scientists? Do you think we would have access to this information as well? Never mind the Iranian scientists were likely working with fissile materials and the Russian nerve agent is a complex product reportedly manufactured only in a certain Russian lab. You are not in the loop my friend, so I wouldn't wait around for the movie to premier.
Not sure how evicting a few dozen people from their apartments when their country is running around murdering people punishes the offending party. That's like a being punched in the face and then letting the air out of their car tires. Your nose is broken amd all they need to do is call AAA.
5
Took your mind off Stormy, didn't it? Let's talk about all the money Trump owes/owed Russian and Azerbijani bankers....did the US pay off his debt so that he won't need to make nice to Putin....too much?
5
In the past the United States was looked to as the leader of the free world. Now however, since January 20, 2017 we are the outsider and pariah with no loyalty to our allies. The interesting and troubling thing though, was that the United States was left out of the discussion. Oh, yes we did follow the Europeans and expelled 60 Russians and are closing an embassy but who made that decision it certainly wasn’t the president. All this shows to us and our allies, is that we no longer lead, we follow. For that we can blame this administration. It will take years to regain our place on the world stage.
4
Why should we not have become a pariah in 2002 when we responded to 9-11 by invading a country (Iraq) that was uninvolved and posed no threat to us? At the same time, we set up a network of torture sites and engaged in kidnap and rendition around the world, holding and torturing many innocents without due process or reparations.
2
When the World stops paying attention to Putin, Oligarchs, and Russia as a whole, it's over. Russia is a small economic force in the world, it's easy to replace the an economy the size of Spain. Russia is 12th in economies, and most of that is exporting gas and oil. Canada is 36th is a population and is 9th in GDP. Russia 9th in population, one tenth of India and 120 million less then Indonesia. It's like the Noah, the Bulls former player said, nobody vacations in Cleveland, include Russia to that list.
2
Interesting diction. Not sure of the meaning of "it's all over." Could you clarify what you meant?
1
Think increasingly so simply? Nuclear weapons, you did not compare with other countries? when you will threaten, ' ll take a look as you will sing?
One thing's for sure -- that although Trump may have issued the order, it certainly wasn't his idea to expel Russia's diplomats. He's terrified of what Russia might reveal about his past activities involving Russia. Perhaps certain revelations from the ongoing Mueller investigation may have had some effect in this regard.
13
Waiting for Mueller’s report is like waiting for Santa.
4
Yes, never disappointing. :)
At last, the administration has taken appropriate action against the Russians and aligned our country with our natural allies in Europe. Expelling Russian officials is, however, ringing hollow in the absence of our president making a confirmatory statement against Mr. Putin's regime.
Recalling how former President Obama took action against Russia by expelling diplomats, his words clearly supported his personal support of the sanctions. President Trump has shown no personal leadership, once again, in facing the Russians' murderous behavior. This contrast between our government's actions and our president's silence confirm the impression that Mr. Putin is holding information that force Mr. Trump to cower in fear. We will get to the bottom of this.
17
You brought Obama up, so let's consider what he did. He told the emissary that he'd be able to take care of things after the election (i.e. reduce nuclear warheads, even while Russia wouldn't) and then mocked Romney when Romney said Russia was our biggest threat. Obama coddled Russia and expelled a few Russians once an investigation proved they were hacking and spying on the US, while living in mansions. Obama was NOT strong against Russia and may be why were're at where we are today. Did nothing as they annexed Crimea and nothing when they shot down a Dutch airline full of citizens.
1
Ah, back to the wonderful old cover story -- It's all Obama's fault. And Hillary's. Perhaps you have forgotten that when Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State, she publicly stated that the Russian elections were rigged. And Putin was so angry at that that he turned loose his cyberteam on the US elections with the help of Trump;s supporters if not Trump himself. Putin thought she was being tough, enough so to retaliate. So just remember that when you compare the Obama Administration to the Trump Administration which has pretty much coddled the Russians until now.
4
Well, if as you say that Obama was not strong against Russia, Trump has proven to be far, far less aggressive. His silence has been deafening. Clearly, Russia has info on Trump that he is terrified will be revealed...therefore, his tendency to remain cautiously silent where Russia is concerned.
2
I just wonder how much Putin cares about the geographic location of a few score Russian agents at this point. What really would hurt him is implementing more economic sanctions. Aren’t the rest of those still sitting in the State Department someplace?
14
Agreed, economic sanctions would have an immediate and lasting effect. They need to pay for their interference in our election process. It goes to the heart of our democracy...Why has Trump been so mute on this particular subject?...Perhaps because people would begin to see his presidency as "illegitimate"...(which it is in my opinion.)
2
I would be way more impressed by a response that harmed Russian oligarchs, or made it harder for them to launder their ill-gotten gains.
27
Great offer especially for London! But, there is a problem - big money is necessary in any even the most democratic country :).
1
Mr. Trump waited until after Mr. Putin's sham election and the anger that was generated by the congratulations call.
7
To quote Alice in Wonderland, curiouser and curiouser.
So the man in the White House cannot manage a single negative word about Russia for the entire campaign and his first year "in office" (if you can call sitting slumped in front of FOX News eight hours a day being "in office," a routine only broken intermittently for tantrums, bullying, and rabid tweeting).
Then Britain responds instantly and forcefully to the poisoning of two of its citizens and the rest of the world highlights the contrast between a forceful response and collusion and Johnny Come Lately FINALLY stirs his stumps.
Let no one mistake this for presidential action, decision making, or a plan. All of those are far beyond the capabilities of this intellectually crippled narcissist. I'm sure there's "something" in this for him.
On another level, this is, needless to say, the wrong approach. Diplomatic relationships are what prevent wars. It's why his failure to fill both State Department positions and embassy openings remains one of the more dire mistakes of the innumerable mistakes that he's made.
The two people who need to be held accountable and expelled are Putin and Trump. Both of our countries deserve infinitely better than these venal, corrupt, and conniving men. They are deadly dangerous.
36
Responding to AhBrightWIngs: Perhaps the United Nations and their power to sanction will be the united global front you seek for punishing Russia.
Here in the United States, we can vote in the 2018 midterm elections to put Democrats into the House of Representatives as the majority vote - which is fundamental if Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller, III has enough material in which to move to impeachment of Trump. The House of Representatives is where that is initiated. We can hope!
2
I am sickened by the constant attempts to rekindle the Cold War just to provide a distraction. This move serves no useful purpose except to stoke anti-Russian hysteria. Why don’t they pay attention to the real threat, China? Our leaders are the weakest in three generations.
4
Oh, you know, they just got all dramatic about Russia's nerve-gassing a couple of emigres and assorted British citizens. Silly, huh?
4
China didn't hack U.S., British, French, Hungarian elections; but there's verifiable evidence that Russia did. China did not use chemical weapons on British residents, in Great Britain; but there's verifiable evidence that Russia did.
1
In what way is Putin's Russia, which is using hybridised warfare tactics to undermine European and American democracy, terrorise Syrian civilians, annex and invade former Soviet countries, reintroduce nuclear brinksmanship, and destabilise the international legal and political order, not a threat to global peace?
Both Russia and China can be credible threats to the post-war consensus that democracy, human rights, and multilateralism lead to less violence, death, famine, and despair.
In order for Trump to maintain any credibility at all, Putin has to allow these so called punishments to go forward. Once Donald has proven he "tough of Russia" he can go back to being Putin's stooge. Being one step ahead of the American media circus is Vladimir's long game.
8
Just more evidence of Trump's cowardice and desperation to avoid conflict. How he justifies expelling diplomats without publicly acknowledging the reason why is bizarre, to say the least. He will not stand before the American public and denounce a dictator who ordered a murder in another country. He tweets insults and threats all day long. When he's on stage at one of his rallies of the faithful, he feels safe to spew all kinds of ridicule and abuse. But, he's quiet and shy with his friend, Vlad, and will not utter even a hint of criticism, even as he tells Putin's henchmen to leave. Without an explanation from some aides, no one would have any idea why a bunch of Russians suddenly left. His reticence to speak against Putin has almost convinced me that there is something to the theories of Russian control of the White House. I'm not quite there yet, but could that be so?
7
i'm amazed that we still have any allies....
9
Name one that matters.
If carrying out assassinations on foreign territory is evidence of rogue nation status, how do NYT readers feel about our ongoing drone programs in Middle East, which DOD own research concluded disproportionately targeted innocent civilians?
Hard to see where Russian state crimes don’t mirror our own. Interference in foreign elections, check. Use of chemical weapons, check (white phosphorus), illegal military interventions, check. War crimes, check. Offensive cyber attacks, check (Stuxnet).
8
Because we are the most powerful hypocrites the world has ever seen.
1
@Frank Haydn Esq
re: "On the other hand, perhaps it is not too early to regard our president as a Russian agent of influence."
Clearly a cover up of immense proportions is being perpetrated by trump himself and his henchmen. It's becoming increasingly obvious that Putin won trump the election and of course expects pay back. There’s a general realization looming on the horizon spreading far and wide that effectively we have a criminal imposter in the White House ... in truth a tragically unprepared and dangerously unprincipled ‘fake’ president who is an unabashed leech and an unrepentant liar.
9
All I can say is what a STUPID thing to do. the UK still does not know who poisoned the couple. The daughter had just returned from Russia. They don't know where the poison was made. The formula has appeared on the internet. The poison was also made by all the Russian Oblasts during the time of the USSR.
There are a lot of questions to answer and "highly likely" from Teresa May i hardly a good answer. The US and other countries are fools to follow May. Wait for a full investigation and don't jump based on what this woman says. She had hardly been the UK's best and smartest PM
7
"Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday, officials accused British authorities of “a prejudiced, biased as well as hypocritical stance”.
The Russians might fall for this line, but in the West we do have a free press and investigative reporting.
You thought you could drive a wedge between the European countries so that sanctions would be harder to implement - well guess what you thought wrong! It is not only the UK who is expelling your diplomats. Try as you may, but this time you will not be able to drive a wedge between us.
We all know that in Russia you kill the messengers, the opposition politicians, the dissidents, the journalists...., but you are brain numbingly unintelligent if you think we in the West will have any of it.
Not even your puppet master can control Trump all the time.
7
We saw how the free press whipped population in supporting the Iraq war based on the fictitious WMD. Why should we believe that this is not another case of the 'free press' rallying support for the Government policies?
2
London is full of these criminal oligarchs, England sold their soul to get them and there stolen rubles back in the 90s and now they are infested with them.
3
Now, if this same coalition would join forces to put effective economic sanctions in place against the Russian oligarch class, it might blunt Russian meddling in elections around the world.
13
By claiming Russia totally responsible for the chemical attack in SALISBURY the scene is now set for a further escalation in this crisis; Russia to return service. Game Set Match; after all this is a game of sorts after all? Unless this is the real thing the final destination for mankind. Russia wants to see the evidence; or hear from the Russian defector when he wakes up; or from his daughter?
We really should be going after the Russian oligarchs close to Putin. That would actually hurt Putin and maybe, just maybe, give him pause about messing with us.
Unfortunately, with Trump in Putin’s pocket, that’s not gonna happen.
22
Maybe, we should go after Russian oligarchs who opposed Putin. Just because they are opposed Putin doesn't mean they are not criminals. How do you think they got their fortunes? By hard labor?
While this is a move that I support I have two thoughts: 1) it should have been done a long time ago; 2) he followed Europe and the others instead of leading.
13
Trump did not follow Europe, he was pushed very hard to comply and thus hasn't uttered one word about this action. Why would he be mute in a condemnation of his "friend" Putin?
Almost universally acknowledged that these expulsions are tokens only.
The only effective deterrent for Putin's aggression and murdering would be severe economic sanctions and the freezing of his and his main Oligarchs' assets and bank accounts.
So far its just theatre.
8
Wait, wasn't Russia winning the election for Trump a year and a half ago? Now he's expelling 60 diplomats and closing a consular office? Heck of a way to show your gratitude!
2
Comrade Trump has reluctantly signed on to the expulsion of some Russians. Along with his congratulatory phone conversation with his handler in Moscow you can bet that Donald gave Vlad a heads up about his intent to go through the motions to make it appear that he cared about the poisoning in the U.K. Trump is on record saying that the US has killers too. Why would he care if his pal Vlad got a little revenge once in awhile?
7
Putin is like Russia's el chapo.
6
U.S. and its allies? Who would they be? Allies do not get get threatened by arbitrary steel and aluminium tariffs.
This was clearly a case of Britain and its allies. It was nice of the U.S. to tag along, but let's not get over-excited. It was probably just time to get rid of some Russians with too much information.
5
Trump wants to ensure that his personal relationship with Putin is above the country's interests. When he leaves, he then has becomes a preferred developer in Russia, and potential oligarch.
10
United Nations sanctions next, please!
3
Liberal media spent an enormous amount of time talking about President Trump’s warm relationship with Putin. Why was the biggest expulsion of Russian diplomats skipped over by CNN last night? Is Stormy Daniels really more important?
2
Correct. Nowadays CNN relegated itself to airing nighttime confessions of the bygone Playmates of the year
2
Any chance Trump cleared this move with Putin, to distract the American public from Russia's meddling in our elections? Then in November, Putin can pull the same stunt with Cambridge Analytica, corrupt our voting again, and give Trump and the GOP another tarnished win?
Nah, that's too far-fetched.
6
Trump expels Russian diplomats for poisoning a former Russian spy...
However...
Trump does NOTHING about Russia’s meddling in our election process
It won’t be long before he tweets “NO COLLUSION” and offers as proof the expulsion of Russian diplomats for acts committed in another country.
8
trump probably called putin to ask what could he do that wouldn't cause him to be upset, I figure putin would be okay with the expelling of people, just don't touch any of his money. both sides can expel people and not really consider that much of a problem.
6
Want to really punish Putin? It's simple- follow the money. Impose harsh sanctions on him and all other Russian oligarchs, seize any assets they have in Europe and the US, and then infiltrate Russian social media with reports of exactly how Putin's looting the country, while the quality of Russian life worsens, and its dirty energy dependent economy plunges. Also let the good Russian people know that their dictator is a weak, ruthless, power-hungry man who is a criminal and a murderer. Then let the Russian people take matters into their own hands. It'll be poetic justice for Putin and his thugs who've waged cyber war against us and attacked the 2016 election. May the same methods prove to be their undoing, may Putin end up just like Mussolini.
8
"...yet Mr. Trump avoided any public condemnation of Russia’s role in the attack."
Stormy's interview is revealing in two ways. Trump does not tweet attacks on those who have the goods on him, Perhaps, that verifies his silence on Putin. Second, perhaps Trump knows that the thugs sent after after Stormy and others can come after him and his family.
3
Trump clearly has made a promise to Putin to steer clear of anything critical of Putin himself.
5
I wonder if any of the expelled diplomats own Trump properties?
5
These 60 Russians need not worry. Anytime Trump makes a move to deport someone the left finds an activist judge to stop it. Or the Russians can go to anyone of the sanctuary cities. And for the Russian being deported that have kids? Well those kids are dreamers. This isn’t their fault. We as a kind nation must find a path to citizenship for them.
1
I’m curious: when does the world kick out American diplomats for, among other things, the now 17-year-long global assassination campaign, targeting thousands, with thousands of innocents killed among the odd terrorist, that was launched by I-Miss-Him-So-Much-and-Like-Ellen-I-Want-To-Hug-Him-For-His-Paintings Bush and Cute-Dimpled-Peace-Prize-Obama, he of the totally awesomesauce iPod playlist and proper educational pedigree now promising to create a million more like himself on the leading edge of human moral progress, a global assassination campaign now turbocharged by 100%-Precedent-Shattering Trump, who, admittedly, likes drones whether they be weapons or his followers?
Just curious. I mean, it’s almost as if we really think that when They do it, it’s wrong but when We do it, it’s nobleness itself. Maybe, at worst, a blundering effort to do good. Never morally wrong.
But, c’mon—what else would you expect from a deeply Christian nation obviously dedicated to Jesus Christ’s version of the golden rule: do unto others...?
4
How much you want to bet Mr. Putin approved the list?
5
If the U.S. really wanted to punish Putin we would expel Trump.
10
Russia interferes with our Presidential election and the reaction is mostly a shrug. Russia poisons one person in another country and that requires an immediate response? Interesting priorities.
12
These expulsions are just gestures. Only economic sanctions make a difference.
7
The Russian plant in the White House still needs to be removed.
Rampant Russian Trolling of comments sites in all our media continue to be assaulted.
The issue is that the GOP thought nothing of bringing in Cambridge Analytica and from that accepting a Russian backed asset provided he be "Republican" and favor the 1% with lots of corruption on the side is the central issue, not the porn stars, and certainly not the token tit-for tat expulsion of diplomats.
Russia is seeking that Trump engage in a war with Iran that will drive up the price of oil and help drive its price above the $100PPB level Putin needs to cover for the $200B in assets he stole. That's it. That's what this whole games about.
The objections to "sanctions" is that they make it inconvenient for Putin to access his money. But, the anger of the Russian populace can only be bought off with an economy there with sufficient money sloshing around that it spills over the bathtub of inherent corruption to the general benefit.
83
jwp-nyc: Many folks would suggest that it is Israel and Saudi Arabia that are pushing many of our elected officials into attacking Iran, not Russia, an idea you seem to be promoting.
1
Israel and Saudi Arabia have long advocated aggression toward Iran, but they do not stand to benefit materially from the results of such an attack. They would only stand to benefit materially from Iran negotiating settlements or withdrawing other hostilities in exchange for forestalling such an attack.
Russian on the other hand has never publicly stated any desire to see Iran attacked, and publicly evinces itself as Iran's greatest ally. But, it would be Russia that would stand to benefit materially from an actually war between Iran and Saudis.
Such a war would be catastrophic and disruptive to the Middle East, but it would also spike the price of oil products by materially restricting its gross availability from the Middle East, while leaving the flow from the Russian territories and northern routes unscathed.
So you are correct. My analysis is based on who stands to strategically benefit, not who is seeking political leverage.
3
This action by the White House is purely political. Donald Trump has not condemned the poisoning with the nerve agent in the UK himself. These 60 Russians will go out of the country and a new batch come back in. Putin will just laugh this off. "whatever."
5
Let me first say I did not vote for Trump and I believe he's an embarrassment to the country.
But our political hypocrisy never ceases to amaze.
President Obama waited many many months before retaliating against Russia for meddling in our election and the action he took was to expel 35 Russian 'intelligence officers.' He was applauded for taking action but criticism of the fact that it took several months has been muted.
For nearly two years The Left has confidently and vociferously advanced their theory that Trump was doing Russia's bidding either because he was being blackmailed or deeply in debt to shady oligarchs or desperately wanting to --- or had done -- various business deals in Russia.
Trump has enacted a new round of sanctions on Russia and just expelled 60 'intelligence officers' (the most we've expelled in over three decades) and The Left seem to be unable to reconsider their theories.
Turn off MSNBC and Fox News. Deactivate Facebook and Twitter. Think for yourself
8
Trump expelled Russians for crimes committed in another country. He has NOT done diddly squat about Russian interference in our election. It’s so bigly it’s a uge difference!
2
Trump has enacted a new round of sanctions
I thought that Trump had refused to enact the sanctions passed by Congress?
1
Failing 45 did too little, too late, is hiding behind the skirts of the likes of Sweden, and has never criticized Putin.
Anyway, he did not disclose or divest. Everything is tainted, nothing can be trusted.
In the article:
QUOTE
"Michael Anton, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said Mr. Trump deserved credit for organizing the joint response and expressed frustration at the perception that the president had not been firm enough with Russia.
“No matter what we do, it’s like, ‘You guys are soft on Russia,’” he said. “What do we have to do to show that we’re tough? We just coordinated a 22-nation action and kicked out 60 Russians.”
END QUOTE.
What has to be done, Mr. Anton, is for the PRESIDENT of the United States to face the cameras himself and tell the truth about the Russian government and its kleptocratic, murdering, scheming, anti-democratic, reporter killing, political opponent blocking, election meddling president.
Not delegate that to his love blind puppies, such as yourself, Mr. Anton.
But America does not have a President loyal to America. It has a huckster on Putin's strings loyal only to himself - to the exclusion of his wife.
6
"What do we have to do to show we're tough on Russia." Protect our elections. Acknowledge Russian interference and actually do something to stop it.
7
"With a Wave of Expulsions, U.S. and Allies Punish Russia"
Am I the only one who hears invisible air-quotes around "Punish"?
5
More distraction- Trump pretending to be tough on the Russians. I wonder if he coordinated with Putin?
4
I really wonder how Russia will respond to this.
2
I am so very proud of Britain and its Intelligence Agencies leading a coalition against Russia for murdering a spy because it suggests to me that British Intel is in no way trying to hide the same methods and ways that Putin used to hide this attempted murder in Britain’s possible past or in British Intel’s current. Britain is also going some public in the Intel world.
It may be that if Putin is using taking advantage of some of the worlds secret Intel ways to cover-up committing his national and international crimes, that even his own country may want to hide, legally, that those ways are starting to come to an end in the Worldwide Intelligence Community.
With CIA analysts in American corporate media saying that because of the worlds new modern communications, governments do not need to put as many agents in fatal risk to collect information, these old unnecessary and ugly ways of governments past, perhaps, Russia’s own KGB past, are becoming less necessary to hide as classified.
The number of expulsions from the US is surprising. More than British and more than EU combined. It sends a very clear message, not that much to Russia, but to Britain. Britain has been undergoing a mini identity crisis since their Brexit vote 2 years ago. They also are gradually realizing that Europe is not where their destiny is. With this, we stand shoulder to shoulder. I suspect the trade agreement between US/UK is in the works and will be signed off as soon as they finalize their Brexit. US made the right move just at the very right time.
1
Since Donald Trump has as yet not mentioned in public anything about the expulsion of 60 Russian "diplomats", who actually made the decision and how were they able to overcome Trump's instinctive support of Vlad Putin? With no NSA chief, no Secretary of State etc, who was in charge of this action? An interesting story here that seems to be left untold by most reputable media.
19
What a great deal: after blatantly attacking America and shattering our democracy, Russia's diplomats and spies can now go back and relax in Mother Russia.
What a deal, Donald !
Time to expel the Matryoshka-Doll-In-Chief.
45
Readers will be interested to learn that the Russian Embassy in Washington (in photo accompanying this article) is situated on the highest point in the city, thereby allowing the cluster of antennae on the roof of the Embassy to intercept all manner of communications in the city below with great facility.
This was just one concession we made to the Soviets decades ago in the hope that they would behave in a civilized manner. Of course, it did not have the desired effect.
Expelling 60 Russian "diplomats" will hinder, but certainly not prevent, continued Russian espionage against the USA.
As for Mr. Trump's silence with respect to the expulsions: I would not read too much into it, other than the fact that Mr. Trump has laundered Russian money in the past and does not want to further irritate the mob in Moscow or his oligarch friends.
On the other hand, perhaps it is not too early to regard our president as a Russian agent of influence.
29
Trump kicks out 60 Russian's included shutting down their Seattle based consulate and NYT still can't write a possitve article?
I do not agree with President Trump on many things but you at least have to give some credit where credit is due. Who cares if he Tweets about it. Actions speak louder than words. The administration took a stand against Russia.
18
This is a news article, not an opinion piece. It isn’t favorable or unfavorable. It reports the news, with context. If you want an opinion piece, check the menu,
Or Fox News.
4
Giving credit when due is one thing, but we also have to look at this in context. Trump has engaged in a pattern of blatantly pro-Russian behavior, and the fact that this expulsion came on the heels of Stephanie Clifford's 60 Minutes interview leads me (and others) to believe this is an act of desperation to deflect attention from other areas.
Was this a good thing to do? Yes. But it will take more than a little effort on the cat's part to assure me he is suddenly pro-mouse.
7
A pretty weak one. Expulsion sends a message but Putin can easily shrug it off, especially after his "election" victory. If they wanted to hit where it hurts they'd go after assets.
4
Trump's going to make his Russian Master angry by doing this....
9
You really don't get it, do you? Do tell us what Mueller has found so far.
1
...or is it all smoke & mirrors. Perhaps those “diplomats” are carrying intel to Putin from Trump.
...or maybe I read too many espionage novels ;)
I highly recommend Robert Ludlum...to date no one is on a par with him in this genre!
Not really.
It is quite common to see the current situation of mounting tension as a sort of second-coming of the Cold War. In fact, it more closely (and disturbingly) resembles the run-up to the First World War. That was an interimperialist conflict, and it took only a small incident (the assasination of the Archeduke) to set it off.
I think anyone should look with a suspicious eye at this alleged Russian assasination. British intelligence services are among the best, if not the best, in the world. Could they have let this happen or even done it themselves because it was politically useful?
Independently, of the cause, however, it would be crazy for ordinary people in Britain, Germany, the US and Russia, to let their countries go on with this mad drum beating and ultranationalist behaviour, over something that has little to do with their real interests such as employment, peace, personal development and well-being.
12
Francisco - it is easy to see that Russian intelligence has been knocking off a lot of Putin's enemies, all Russians opposed to him are the ones who have been assassinated and all with methods the FSB and before them the KGB are notorious for. This latest with a nerve agent only Russia possesses, so, your suggestion sounds a bit preposterous, and a bit "suspicious" to a fault, itself.
7
You should pay more attention to your home country. It needs some attention.
2
Big deal. Seize their money laundering condos. Freeze their assets. Then I'll be impressed. Hit Putin's lapdogs where it hurts.
61
Putin's lapdogs have been inconvenienced by the sanctions. But, they are still in their yachts and villas. Putin is still in power. A few diplomats from Russia have been shuffled and our State Department is a shambles with Bolton - a war monger for starting a global conflict with Iran rolling in, and Trump is still being allowed to run as a Russian Agent from the White House.
11
EXACTLY..... But....
Russian retaliation would target the American Super-Rich. Can't have that!
1
Just like they didn't brazenly cheat at the Saachi Winter Olympics. Still can't trust the Russians.... What a dysfunctional nation.
18
and your country is not dysfunctional? comon!
2
I'm sure he called first to apologize to Putin and promise that he'll make it up to him. "Just gestures, dude. Gotta keep the "looks" up. You know what I mean. But, don't worry, you're still my BFF".
67
Agree, Karla, but the grand geste was the appointment of Bolton who is has always wanted what Putin wants but, can't publicly admit, a big war with Iran. Russia will benefit the most, in oil price and arms sales.
5
Putin will start to drip out the evidence he has of Trump's liaison with women who look like his daughter.
It's too creepy for words.
Since the leaders of the western world can't solve--or won't solve--any of the enormous problems facing their countries, they can blame Russia, throw out its diplomats, and fail to talk with Russians at a time of growing tension.
Nice job!
5
And, Russia, will stand to benefit the most, in oil price growth from a war between U.S. allies and Iran, and the world wide disruption in oil markets. So to complete your thought - the western world's frustration is that America seems unable or unwilling still to see that Trump is a Russian asset in place - falsely elected, corrupt beyond description, and now with the appointment of John Bolton, hurtling into a war with Iran, which has 1,000,000 troops and is by far the largest military presence in the Middle East.
18
So you're all for murders on foreign shores going unpunished?
5
The Russians are just being themselves. They suffer delusions of grandeur. They always have. They are overbearing and in many ways a sadistic lot. The West is not a blameless lot, but they are not of the evil empire the Russia constitutes.
5
An appropriate response by the US in support of it’s allies.
17
Each and every 'ally' has a US military presence on their soil. Some allies, sure.
It’s a win-win for Trump and Putin. Trump gets to appear “tough” on Russia even when there is so much clear evidence of collusion, and Putin gets to use this action as fodder for propaganda that the world is out to get Russia.
75
And, with war between Saudi Arabia and Iran all be assured through the appointment of Iran-Hawk, John Bolton, Trump gets 'plausible deniability' that he is a Russian agent, when he is doing exactly Putin's bidding, as a war with Iran has always been the strategic goal that would return Russia to a thriving $100+ Price oil per barrel economy - though Putin as Iran's 'great friend and ally' can never publicly admit this.
11
Suppose one has to be either clueless or really glib. And either one of those traits is NOT what is needed in the current times.
"...so much clear evidence of collusion,"
And what are your top three pieces of "evidence"?
1
Mr. Shah, Trump’s propaganda man, outrageously claimed “the president took a proactive role in speaking with foreign leaders and encouraging others to join the efforts.” . Even if Trump doesn’t read, the rest of the more educated world knows the joint action on sanctions was organized last Thursday by May, Macron, and Merkel. They agreed to announce it Monday at 3 pm. Trump is lying through his mouthpiece that he organized it; in fact he obviously felt forced to go along with it. Even so the announcement t was made by the White House and not Trump and no Twitter comments from him either. What rank hypocrisy exists in this President and his little minions.
114
Recall Baghdad Bob, was it? Who vociferously denied any military action was taking place in Iraq even as bombe were seen going off in the background? Our lyin' eyes and ears, Trump?
Evidentiary material?
Wrote and surprised.
2
Following the lead of other countries, in other ways acting a bit more rational, no comment about Stormy. What could be going on? Oh right! Election coming up in November!
3
Sorry, but Trump isn't running in November.
If Trump and other western countries wanted to hurt the Russians where it mattered they would demand that oligarchs prove the legitimacy of their funds used to buy all that expensive property in NYC and other cities.
18
Wow.
Putin has absolutely neutered Trump.
Not a peep.
Done by underlings, without even a tweet in the defense and support of the United States.
Is it possible for Trump to continue his silence as Mr Putin now rants on the world stage?
Where’s Mr Tough Guy now?
He’ll pick on heroes, statesman, and entertainers, but when our country’s democracy, and our allies’, is threatened, nothing.
He needs to talk to the American people about his message to Mr Putin for his actions around the world.
Today.
26
No, Trump needs to resign as traitor. He won't be any less of one pretending he is other than a Komprimat controlled puppet to Putin with over $1.5 billion in Russian funds propping up his papered over money laundering scams. With China having loaned Trump and the Kushners $1.25 billion collectively ($700B to Trump and the balance to Kushner), this puts the Trump clan $2.75B in the Sino-Russian pockets.
9
I'm somewhat puzzled. We're throwing some spies out and slapping a few sanctions on Russia, but they are stealing parts of countries, supplying arms and probably troops to their proxies, intimidating and killing journalists and regime opponents at home and blatantly murdering people in other countries. Can this really be considered "getting tough"? Seems the Russians are using hammers and we're using powder puffs.
112
Russia and China are both delighted to have dolt Trump still securely in place entertaining the media with his porn star antics while John Bolton readies global war with Iran that will only benefit Russia.
15
Al: Seems you missed the limited coverage on our role in overthrowing the elected( Russian) President of Ukraine, a country on Russia’s doorstep, (comparable say to someone overthrowing Canada) and inserting Poroschenko whose ties are much closer to Israel and the Israeli oligarchs who plundered the country than to the majority Russian /Ukrainian citizens. My point being we have been up to the same mischief and much worse as we have started one war after the other fighting “ communism “, for the last sixty years, we have been murdering people in Central and South America since the Reagan/ Friedman days, with impunity, “fighting communism”, In the meantime the biggest Communist country China has risen from the ashes to second largest economy in the world with an evolving middle class through trade relations, hard work and spending their money on infrastructure rather than war, since the fall of the Soviet Union there template has been a western model, when you actually look at how their citizens particularly the younger ones they are barely distinguishable from the kids in Silicon Valley, turning factories into lofts, rock bands etc., whose the aggressor? The old warriors and neo cons in our country and the M.E. want war with Iran and Russia and they don’t care what the cost is to the citizens, unfortunately we will probably get the wars they want. China will slip into the role of world leader after the carnage. Time for the neo cons and old warriors to go.
4
Forcing missile defense systems Into Ukraine and other countries bordering Russia is another one of our lovely peace gestures.
4