PLANE EXPLODES OVER UKRAINE: Russian apologists have swarmed the media, especially in Europe, with denials, accusations and conspiracy theories. Meanwhile, Ukraine issued a simple statement blaming terrorists for a missile attack, and later released audio of intercepted calls of separatists bragging to their Russian intelligence handlers about the shoot-down and then discussing ways to lessen the PR damage. None of these facts (above) tell us who did it--indeed, it might not even be a missile at all--but those facts tell us two things: Western opinion still matters to Russia and that the Russians fear the fallout of being blamed for this attack. Barack Obama has a opening here, if he wants to take it. Russia needs to look like a good guy today and Obama needs to look like he is taking action... so if Obama insists that Russia turn over its intelligence officers allegedly linked to the attack for civilian trials in the U.S. (as Libya ultimately did with the Lockerbie bombers), Obama might prevail and Russian adventurism might slow. Will Obama do so?
Posted on: Sat, 19 Jul 2014 13:11:40 +0000
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