No patriot wants their country to fail. It should not give
anyone joy to celebrate the failures of our nations' leaders. But as
members of the participatory sport known as the US democracy we must
examine, as well as hold our elected accountable, for failure and
foolishness.
Speaking of which, there have been a fair amount of idiotic policy
approaches and comments coming out of the White House and those who are
working for Obama over these last 4 plus years. Take for instance the
recent comment during the latest Putin adventures (Ukraine) that ‘global
events are not a chess game.' Really?! Add to this the willing
suspension of disbelief Secretary Kerry would like us to exhibit, as he
suggested we should not interpret recent events, like the Russians going
on a field trip to Crimea, as a return to the Cold War. Of course not!
Just because Putin repeatedly has lamented the decline of Russia as the
Soviet Union fell, and has made no secret about trying to position his
nation to global preeminence at all cost, why on earth should we be
concerned about his latest military camping trip into a sovereign
country?!
, describing how Putin is still winning. During that time Russia invaded Georgia.
And over the years I warned, and have been proven right time and time again, that
is not a man to be underestimated. He is not a shoe pounding oaf like
his predecessors. He is a well educated, accomplished, and dangerous
man, committed to restoring the Russian Federation (RF) to Cold War
status as one of the primary global powers. The loss of Soviet
prominence at the hands of Ronald Reagan and the United States is an
insult he has pledged to remedy, and avenge. He thinks strategically.
The world is his chess board, and a game is being played for every arena
- energy, money, territory, natural resources, influence and power.
Against whom? The United States. And
is playing it very well. Not that he has to. Against Obama, Vladimir Putin could send in his "B Team" understudy.
,
North Korea, and other competitor nations think long term, unlike
Obama, and much of the United States which think in terms of quarterly
reports, ratings, opinion polls, sound bites, and our latest paychecks,
forgetting that the size of our income, our safety here and abroad, and
the likelihood of our children enjoying a better life than we do, are
all intertwined with world affairs, and how well our leaders address the
complexity of a global economy.
put a target on our back - attacking our economy - currency, trade,
debt, innovation, using cyber and patent attacks, as well as undermining
our global interests and spheres of influence. It is indeed a global
game of chess, and we are playing it badly.
The latest gauntlet Putin has thrown is the Ukraine. And apparently
the only folks shocked, and stunned were the occupants of 1600
Pennsylvania Ave, and the sycophants on POTUS' payroll. It reminds me of
a scene in the film ARGO where the Iranians, who have just taken over
the US embassy in Tehran (under another Presidential failure in foreign
policy - Jimmy Carter), claimed the facility was a den of espionage.
Upon hearing that, the President's Chief of Staff opines (I'm
paraphrasing a bit) - "den of espionage, an intelligence gathering
center? The CIA has 3 agents, and no one sees the revolution coming? I
call that something other than a den of intelligence!" Not picking on
the CIA - an enterprise I have great respect for, since we must remember
Jimmy Carter imposed Stansfield Turner upon that venerable spy agency.
It was an organization he hated, and did a great job of degrading its
capabilities. Obviously, not only did the Iranian Revolution occur, but
Russia invaded Afghanistan on Carter's government watch. Fast forward to
2014 - no one in the US saw the Ukraine incursion coming? Russia rising
and no one notices? Seriously?! Can someone please send a map to the
President and his team?
And why shouldn't people approach Putin Inc? No option is ever off
the table with him. Ever. And that includes military as well as
diplomacy, in addition to using brute force or gentle persuasion. Do I
admire his tactics? No. Do I admire his resolve to position his nation
as Number 1? Absolutely. It is refreshing. I keep wondering who our
President is working for? The Shiites during the Arab Spring? The Muslim
Brotherhood? The Palestinians? The North Koreans? The welfare
industrial complex? George Soros? The weather underground?
And what does President Obama do to send Putin quaking in his boots?
Warn there will be consequences if Russia goes into the Ukraine. What
consequences? Talk therapy? President Obama is only tough on
Republicans. Anyone else, he talks a good fight - but that's about it.
On the wild assumption that Obama would actually back up his threat,
more than merely saying "stop that Mr. Putin" - something to act tough
to his followers who are still trying to get the rest of us to believe
he is a strong leader on the world stage (stop laughing...
actually believe it), I looked at the domains in terms of what can the US under Obama's leadership actually do?
Economic sanctions - really? What percent of US Treasury instruments
does Russia hold? Lest we forget, the Chinese and Russians are helping
to prop up the US economy and own a not insignificant amount of our
financials. Not to mention lots of industries, and real estate is owned
by Russian shell companies if not outright named corporations. We can
ignore the Russian Mafia, at least for the moment, but they are
certainly influential, as well. Will we impound Russia's assets? It
works both ways, and there are more than a few dollars invested in
Russia. Maybe impose sanctions? We saw how well that worked in Iran and
elsewhere. Stop buying Russian goods you suggest? OK, except for the
watch I'm currently wearing, just how many products do we purchase with
"made in Russia" stamped on them? Unlike China, Russian goods are not a
staple among US consumers. Well we could encourage our allies to stop
buying Russian. That worked well for Europe a couple winters ago.
Hmmm, guess the economic option is not a winner. Let's try something else.
Military options! Really?! Are we really going to do a slugfest with
Russia? Obama was too squeamish to do the job right in Afghanistan, or
Iran, let alone take on a super power. We can joke about Russia all we
want - their craftsmanship in question in terms of cars, and housing, or
the fact that they opted to use a pencil to write in space while the US
invested millions of dollars to create a pen that could work in zero
gravity. But the reality - they have not mothballed their military. And
no one joked in Georgia or Chechnya.
On the other hand POTUS and his military advisors are planning on
forever fighting the wars of 2003 to the present, thinking this is how
future wars will be fought, and planning on cutting defense spending.
Hillary hit the "reset" button with Russia, so we'll be singing
"kumbaya" in the Roosevelt Room any day now. Especially since Russia
didn't fight us in Iraq or Afghanistan, they must be our pals at best,
or not a threat, right? In the process Obama Inc. ignore the never
broken cycle of preparing to fight the last war, instead of taking note
of the world's leading threats and recognizing a few noble truths about
playing full check in the big leagues. First and foremost in any
competition the fundamental truth - perception is power. The Russian
hockey team pretty much always vanquished their opponents. Well at least
until the 1980 Olympics. Why? Because they projected they would win.
Power perceived is power achieved. The US is a paper tiger, with an
overstretched military, led by a reluctant if not inept (or fully
adversarial to all things military) leader.
This administration is opting to spend more money on cell phones for
career welfare recipients instead of investing in our military. It is a
bad message to send. And it is much akin to a failing business cutting
inventory and shortening operating hours. However, unlike the US, our
two primary competitors, if the term ‘adversaries' is objectionable to
you - Russia and China - they are increasing their military spending at
unprecedented levels, on everything from space based technology to
ships, tanks, and other weapons - for conventional and asymmetric
warfare. They are expanding their global capacity to project national
interests, defend their borders, and initiate war. It is not subtle.
Seeing the Chinese Navy put into ports that it had never visited in over
fifty years since Mao created the Communist Dragon, well that sends a
powerful message. Seeing Russia rebuild Syrian ports tells the rest of
the Middle East that there is a new sheriff in town.
And as an aside, what technology has given the vaunted Israeli
Defense Force (IDF) a wakeup call? The Russian RPG - and other Russian,
as well as Chinese air defense systems, and antitank weapons for
starters. And who has them? Terrorists, Iran, insurgents, and well, you
get the idea.
OK scratch a show of force with Russia, what about galvanizing the
UN, or consolidating European, and world opinion against Putin? For
starters, does anyone think Putin cares? Secondly - everyone, including
countries, has a short memory. All was forgiven concerning Georgia. Why?
Energy, money, fear, trust, loyalty, to name a few motivators.
The last time Europe cried ‘foul' at Russia, Gazprom turned off the
heat. A few winter nights without petroleum can change your opinion, if
not your commentary. So while Europe may have a couple options to
circumvent Gazprom, let's not forget that Russian interests control the
pipelines even if they don't control all of the products piped in them.
Can we play the petroleum battle with Russia as punishment for
Ukraine or expansionist appetites? Several years ago I started writing
about the growing threat the Red Navy posed to the
Arctic,
a region that holds great promise for the US petro-economy, as well as
the Eastern European region, the Middle East, and eventually North
America. In spite of estimates that the US could become an energy
hyperpower if not superpower, the EPA, environmentalists, the White
House and other influence groups try to derail an industry to would make
the US nearly independent of the Middle East, while creating high
paying jobs, and providing a silver bullet to take the US economy
forward, something Obama et al, seem reluctant to do. There are few
areas in the world with new or established oil/gas reserves that Russia
hasn't positioned itself to participate in - whether as driller,
pipeline, shipping, LNG developer, supplier or refiner. And the US does
what? Tries to eliminate the fossil fuel industry.
Already Russia is an energy superpower - something we could be as
well, if the United States had the same kind of leadership the RF does,
and was willing to drive our nation to greatness, instead of dividing it
towards mediocrity. Alas, our president seems disinclined to promote US
interests at all costs, including pandering to polar bears, compared to
Putin, who
will do anything to promote Russia.
I sometimes imagine that if diplomacy was tossed out the window, what
Russian leader Putin would like to say to President Obama, if the
conversation was held in strict secrecy. It would be educational, and
Putin would have to work hard at trying to hide his contempt at POTUS'
foreign policy incompetence, and hide his laughter at our President's
silly pronouncements and hollow tough talk threats. Truth be told, Putin
is probably already exhibiting great restraint on the world stage in
terms of his comments towards the United States.
First Putin would give Obama a geography lesson, and place a Russian
flag on every region, island, atoll, and country where the RF is gaining
influence or is outright the favored ally. From South America to the
Arctic, Russia has or is increasing influence. From a military
perspective, Russia continues to create alliances. Cuba, for starters.
Add Venezuela, Mexico, and more South American countries in the future.
Not surprisingly Russia has positioned itself in our backyard quite
well. Of concern, China and Russia are warming up to each other towards
closer alliance. Cold War anyone?
And what does Obama do? Talk about wage inequality, foment class
warfare, blame the GOP for everything, proclaim progress in the Middle
East after the Arab Spring, and how he has restored America's reputation
on the world stage since he took office. Obama brags about greater
friendship with Mexico - a country that exports illegal aliens, criminal
cartels, drugs, and black market weapons into the United States, and in
return, gets US welfare dollars imported as a revenue stream. There's a
diplomatic victory. Oy!
Funny that inconvenient truth about polls - with approval ratings in
the 40's and opinion growing that Obama is not respected or trusted by
many Americans, let alone other countries - it is hard to say, unless
you are intoxicated on liberal ideology, that the US is considered the
same protector or ally it was under Bush. The world may not have liked
Bush and his "US first" philosophy, but they respected his conviction,
and probably feared him a bit, too. US interests were better served
under the Bush doctrine than under the Obama doctrine (whatever that
currently is). On the global stage, fear is not an unhealthy thing to
inspire among your friends and adversaries. The bully rarely picks a
fight with someone who fights back, especially if the target fights to
win.
So let's eavesdrop on the Putin/Obama chat. Here's a brief excerpt from their diplomatic encounter -
Putin - "Mr. Obama, you are wrong! Your advisors are wrong. The world is a giant chess board,
my chess
board, and I am winning. And, you, Mr. President, are making this just
too easy. You are giving me no competition at all, and as a sportsman it
is embarrassing to even play against you. Let us look at the chess
board called "the world" and let me show you how I have outplayed you on
many strategic fronts.
Comrade, let's talk about the Arctic. I have tied up much your heavy
oil drilling capacity with industry collaborations between Russian
companies, US and global petroleum corporations. Even if you wanted to
follow Mr. Bush's strategy of Arctic exploration, you cannot compete
with Russia. I also have an Arctic military force that can wipe out your
pitifully inadequate cold water navy, obliterate Canada's new northern
response team, decimate the Scandinavian defense collaborative - oh
yes, we have known about these for years. Over 10% of my countrymen live
in Arctic conditions. A greater percentage of Russia's GDP is involved
in manufacturing than your nation. Yet isn't that how you build a middle
class? When I capture the Arctic, and I will, you neither can or will
even try to stop me. Your failed attempts at alternative fuels make it
less attractive to grow food than biofuels, and your solar, wind and
other "green' approaches are years from ever cost effectively
transitioning the global economy to a petroleum alternative! The world
needs and runs on fossil fuels Mr. President, and Russia will be the
supplier for the next 30 years! "
Obama - "OK Solendra wasn't such a good start. But we'll beat you in green energy. You just wait and see. "
Stifling back the laughter, Putin then says "I bet you didn't even
know, or bother to read my graduate thesis which discussed how to
position an energy and resource rich nation into becoming a super power.
What book did you write? Oh yes, some blathering memoir about an
anti-West father who abandoned you, and yet you somehow try and emulate
him, even following his philosophy by destroying your own country. How
that prepared you to run a super-power, or inspired your country to
support your election escapes me, and I am an expert in propaganda!
Nyet?
Obama counters "yes but my book inspired a nation of community
organizers - it made me rich, and made me President. Who read your
thesis?"
Putin ignoring that pin prick of a response continues. "Speaking of
the current fuel supplier - the Middle East, I am now the "go to" honest
broker in that region. Not only are America's enemies my friends Mr.
Obama - Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Algeria for example, but even countries
- allies under your predecessors - such as Israel, Turkey, and Jordan -
they are now looking to me for friendship. I went to Israel, and met
with Mr. Netanyahu before you did, Mr. Obama. What does that tell your
Jewish friends? He and I have worked a deal, actually many deals - among
them Russia will get some very desirable Israeli technology, and in the
process I hold off supplying Iran with air defense systems that are
among the best in the world. Benny - that's what I call Prime Minister
Netanyahu, trusts me more than he trusts you. I wonder why that is, Mr.
Obama?"
Obama "Israel knows they can count on me. My track record speaks for itself."
Putin "Your record? Are you kidding? Almost every neutral or pro US
country in the Middle East - certainly Sunni nations, is at risk because
of your inaction. Israel is more vulnerable because of your supporting
the Arab Spring. You allowed Egypt to fall into radical hands, and
opened the door for terrorists to supply Gaza, which imperils Jews. You
are openly hostile to Tel Aviv, and openly sympathetic to Palestinians.
Is that your record which Israel should trust?"
Obama "the seeds of democracy in the Middle East were sown because of
the United States. Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Libya -
they are all better off because of our example."
Putin "Al Qaeda and Iran's proxies are emerging in all those
countries, along with Moslem Brotherhood, and other radical groups. I
don't know how long I can hold the balance of power to protect Israel
since you, Mr. Obama have abandoned the Jews. The Mediterranean no
longer belongs exclusively to NATO and to your US Navy. My fleet now
enjoys the port of Tartus and more shores along the Middle East are soon
to become Red Navy ports of call. These countries historically have
preferred American friendship, but are now seeking my help. Ask yourself
why?"
Obama "we hit the reset button - now the world knows both our
countries are friends, have common ground, and because of me, Mr. Putin,
you are now trusted. See what my imprimatur can do for you?!"
Putin, stifling a laugh, continues. "Syrian President Assad protects
Christians. Did you know I am a Christian Mr. Obama? What are you doing
for Christians who are being murdered in almost all the Arab Spring
countries, as well as Iraq? Aren't Christians your people, too?"
Obama "I believe in separation of church and state."
Putin "So did my predecessors, and they left us a country without
God, which is a soul-less enterprise, subject to moral decay. It will
take decades to undue that damage to my people. I attend church. We have
reopened our churches. And yes, Assad may be monstrous, but he is
useful, and I support those who are useful to me. Can that be said of
you? You have abandoned the Middle East - Bahrain, the Emirates, Saudi
Arabia are all at risk for Shiite uprisings - something you could have
quashed, instead of cheering the Shia on as populace movements towards
democracy. That is a foreign concept to an ancient people. Only a fool
ignores history. "
Obama "who are you calling a fool?"
Putin "would you like to wrestle me for an apology? If it makes you
feel better, I will tie one hand behind my back, using one of my black
belts."
Obama "if you have to resort to violence, you have already lost."
Putin "I've read Sun Tzu - but the difference? I know my enemy better than he knows me, and I will win."
Obama - "I was right about the Arab Spring - you can sense the democracy in the air"
Putin "And you were so loved that as an act of gratitude the people
of Libya allowed your ambassador to be killed? Mr. Obama you had your
chance to depose your enemies in Iran, and failed the uprising. The one
movement in the Middle East during the years 2009 - 2011 that the United
States could have, and should have intervened, and you sat impotent.
The one revolution that at least remotely resembled a democratic
uprising, and you let it fail. Yet the revolts of 2011 which you and
your vapid supporters named the Arab Spring, as if wishful thinking made
things real, well they have undermined your influence, emboldened your
enemies, and allowed me to emerge as far more influential across the
region. Not because I am beloved, but because I can be feared. If I tell
an adversary I will do them harm, they will believe me. When I tell an
ally it is not a good idea to do something, they do not do something.
When I tell a friend I will protect them, I will protect them. Can that
be said of you?"
Obama "I got a Nobel Peace Prize, so there!"
Putin "For which no peace has ever been accomplished under your
leadership. Your nation is faltering. Russia's GDP growth is better than
yours. Iran, thanks to your diplomatic blunders, and cowardice, has
resulted in their economy growing, given permission to European
industries to pursue investments, and allowed the Shiites to again brag
that they have outplayed the United States. Not that the sanctions
needed to be lifted. Iran did not purchase nuclear technology, weapons,
rockets and missiles on credit. You foolish, foolish man. If I didn't
know better, you were trying to weaken your country. You want the United
States to be just like any other country. I want Russia to be the
most powerful and influential nation in the world. And because of that,
your allies don't trust you, your enemies don't fear you."
Obama "I've made the US beloved!"
Putin "You've made the US weak. So please do not threaten me or tell
Russia what to do in the Ukraine or anywhere else on the map that I
intend to annex, invest in, invade, collaborate with, co-opt or become
an ally of. Europe is a big customer of Russian interests. They will
remain so, and I will provide reminders of the consequences for
supporting competitors. The Middle East is important to my energy plan. I
intend to undermine your influence in every region that the US cares
about, and that becomes vulnerable. There are many from Asia and Africa,
to the Americas and Europe. And unless you get your financial,
intelligence, and military in order, and decide to play chess with me as
a grown up, do not whine when I outplay you Mr. Obama.
And let me remind you the Red Army has more tanks than NATO. Our Red
Army can overrun any of your installations in Europe, unless you resort
to the nuclear option. Which you won't! So you can see, your hollow
threats are meaningless, whether telling me that I should leave the
Ukraine, or stop intervening in Syria or discontinue Russia's
relationship with Iran - or avoid places I think Russian interests are
best served, well we both know you will not back your words up - they
are theatre for your followers and meaningless. "
Well that was a happy dialogue. And it only scratches the surface. It
didn't mention the links (tentacles) between Russia and the Russian mob
in the US - a good portion of which is made up of former KGB and FSB
members. Putin didn't mention the neighborhoods where Russian
enterprises are plentiful - legitimate and illegal, like banks, gas
stations, prostitution, protection, and real estate - in other words, a
formidable fifth column from Mother Russia.
Moreover, Putin is correct. Obama's threats are theatre. The
perception of him on the world stage is as brilliant orator, charismatic
performer, weak leader, and not trustworthy. The US deserves better
from our leadership. The world is a dangerous place, and a global chess
game is underway. It is being played by very strong, savvy and dangerous
players who believe in winner take all. They may not be savory,
admirable, or likable. Putin is charismatic, and ruthless. He is a
patriot, probably a killer, a father, an educated man, a fighter, a
diplomat, an invader, a businessman, a spy, and a deadly opportunist.
Thank you, Mr. Putin, for the brief recap on Russian ‘diplomacy.' I couldn't have done better myself
Putin to Obama - "it
is a chess game!" The game is afoot! And we cannot wish away our adversaries. We can, however, listen to and learn from them.
Dr. Robin McFee,
MPH, FACPM, FAACT, is medical director of Threat Science - and
nationally recognized expert in WMD preparedness, who consults with
government agencies, corporations and the media. Dr. McFee is the former
director and cofounder of the Center for Bioterrorism Preparedness (CB
PREP) and bioweapons - WMD adviser to the Domestic Security Task Force,
numerous law enforcement and corporate entities after 911, as well as
pandemic advisor to federal, state and local agencies, and corporations
during the anthrax events, SARS, Avian and swine flu epidemics. Dr.
McFee is the former chair of the Global Terrorism Council of ASIS
International, and is a member of the US Counterterrorism Advisory Team.
She has delivered over 500 invited lectures since 9-11, created
graduate level courses on WMD preparedness for several universities,
authored more than 100 articles on terrorism, health care and
preparedness, and coauthored two books: Toxico-Terrorism by McGraw Hill
and The Handbook of Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Agents, published
by Informa/CRC Press.
Read more:
Family Security Matters http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/detail/putin-to-obama-it-is-a-chess-game?f=must_reads#ixzz2vBqNVSUi
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