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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBeware: Putin the wounded animal
This would be something worthy of extreme vigilance for the U.S. government and investors alike even if Russia were a true democracy governed by at least semi-responsible leaders. But it's worse. Much worse.
Vladimir Putin has always been a lot more like a petty Latin American dictator than a statesman. Think about it: He made his bones in the secret police, consolidated his power with a ring of super wealthy backers, and he claps political opponents in jail at a moment's notice.
In short, Putin is like a Augusto Pinochet or a Juan Perón but with much more steely resolve, a massive military, and nuclear bombs.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/102273192
Time to make a deal? Full withdrawal from Ukraine, including Crimea, Putin steps down and there are new elections under Western supervision, in exchange for the ending of sanctions, economic assistance, and possibly amnesty for Putin and his top lieutenants?
MADem
(135,425 posts)He'll blame Obama for his troubles--hell, everyone else does! He'll play the victim and lie about his level of support amongst the rank and file. Any one who pipes up gets the back of his hand. Or worse.
Comrade Grumpy
(13,184 posts)Nye Bevan
(25,406 posts)Like I'm a clown? Like I'm here to *%%*ing amuse you? Tell me! Tell me what's funny!
snooper2
(30,151 posts)He is the great bear that will rebuild the empire and challenge those stupid western democracies!
chrisa
(4,524 posts)Then, there are the rabid right wing nutjobs that think Putin is Hitler, and we should start bombing now.
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)I don't think amnesty or free elections are a relevant part of Putin's vision of Novorossiya.
ladjf
(17,320 posts)pscot
(21,024 posts)ladjf
(17,320 posts)pscot
(21,024 posts)JaneyVee
(19,877 posts)Agnosticsherbet
(11,619 posts)I agree with the resemblance to dictators, but what threat do we hold. Neither he nor his Corporatists buddies seem to be inconvenienced.
I am not eager to try to fight a modern version of a war lost by both Napoleon and Hitler. We have nothing to make him come to the table.
edhopper
(33,580 posts)over his own power and ambition?
elias49
(4,259 posts)Oh, it's to laugh.