US Opinion and Commentary

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The U.S. Can’t Ignore Russia, or its Increasingly Horrendous Behavior

Posted July 6th, 2016 at 11:26 am (UTC-4)
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The White House and State Department believe the only way to make progress in Syria is to work with Moscow, even if that means setting the isolation effort aside. That makes some sense, only if Russia actually honors its agreements in Syria and makes progress resolving the Ukraine crisis. But neither of these things is happening.

Why the West Misunderstands Russia’s Challenge

Posted June 14th, 2016 at 10:34 am (UTC-4)
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Rather than contemplating the actual nature, real risks and final purposes of Russia’s demonstratively aggressive posture, NATO’s generals are fighting the last war – the Cold one – over again….NATO’s/EU’s resulting incomplete and misconceived rebuttals are serving, rather than containing, the Kremlin. And they are increasing insecurity in Eastern Europe, rather than decreasing it.

A Whiff of Panic in the Kremlin as Russia’s Economy Sinks Further

Posted February 5th, 2016 at 2:52 pm (UTC-4)
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President Vladimir Putin has gone so far as to blame Soviet Union founder Vladimir Lenin for Russia’s current difficulties….Signs of panic and dysfunction are everywhere. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has demanded yet another round of 10 percent budget cuts….The Russian government really has no good economic options other than hope.

Russia’s Ruling Regime Must Modernize or Face Collapse

Posted January 22nd, 2016 at 12:35 pm (UTC-4)
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In 2016 the Russian authorities will have to shift their focus away from shaping the world order and toward putting their own house in order. Otherwise, they will not survive.

Why Waiting for Russia to Collapse is Terrible Ukraine Policy

Posted September 1st, 2015 at 2:49 pm (UTC-4)
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In one narrative, the declining economy will galvanize widespread public opposition to the Putin government, as hundreds of thousands of Russians are set to fall below the poverty line … It seems quite dangerous, however, to base policy towards Russia on assumptions of a forthcoming economic disaster.