ZitatAs Russian President Vladimir Putin deploys his military forces to Ukraine, the Obama administration continues to wonder just what the benighted dictator is thinking. Understanding that the best strategy for countering military action is undoubtedly faculty lounge-style condescension, the Obama administration has responded with its full array of resources: scorn, sneering, and bemusement.......
Meanwhile, the tanks roll through the Crimea.
So, why exactly does Putin think he can get away with rolling tanks into Crimea without serious American response? History.
The Reset Button. In 2008, Putin’s Russia invaded neighboring Georgia after Georgia threatened military action against one of its provinces, the disputed territory of Abkhazia. Russia quickly poured troops into Abkhazia, and the United States responded with tepid language asking Russia to “reconsider some provocative steps.”..............
“Flexibility.” In March 2012, as Obama ran a hard re-election campaign against Mitt Romney, he sat down with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. With the microphones still hot, Obama stated, “On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this can be solved, but it’s important for him to give me space,” Obama said of Putin. Medvedev said, “Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you…” Obama continued, “This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.” Medvedev responded: “I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir."........
Syria. With his re-election effort complete, Obama moved quickly to create space for the Russians in the Middle East. After foolishly drawing a “red line” with regard to Syrian use of weapons of mass destruction, Obama blinked, calling in Congress for approval on the use of military force. When Kerry went on national television and implied that a deal could be in the offing if Assad disarmed, Putin saw his opportunity, and proposed a faux deal offering just that....
Iran. Russia has been Iran’s strongest ally in crafting its nuclear weapons program. So when the Obama administration cut a deal with the Iranians over their nuclear program – a deal that would lower sanctions based on the promise that Iran will not continue forward with its nuclear program – the Russians celebrated........
The Hollowing of American Capacity. The Obama administration began with an apology tour in which President Obama expressed his heartfelt belief that American influence in the world should diminish in favor of a multilateral internationalism. At home, Obama quickly went to work implementing that vision, unilaterally slashing nuclear weaponry in order to “move beyond Cold War nuclear postures,” and slashing the military to the tune of 30%.
In short Putin knows no one will stop him. Based on Obama's "Flexibility" statement, it may even be payback for campaign donations and he knows Obama won't do anything.....so he can.....and he is.
As conservgrampa said last night night at dinner: Its matching a former KGB agent against a pothead community organizer. Who do you think is gonna win?