Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Vladimir Putin's top aide Vladislav Surkov mocks US sanctions: 'The only thing that interests me about the US is Tupac, and I don't need a visa' for that
Here's another article dealing with the conflict in the Ukraine and Russia's occupation by Crimea. Russia has laughed at us and our sanctions in recent developments. Putin and his officials are throwing slander and threats that as Clinton said in Heller's article could incite "another Cold War." What are everyone's thoughts on this conflict? What might come of it? How effective our are foreign policy actions we've taken so far? Are these sanctions accomplishing anything but scoffs? What solutions do offer?
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The Russian officials have shown themselves to be the embodiment of evil in the world, just as the former Soviet Union represented an “evil empire” during their time in existence. Many of their comments show that they couldn’t care less about diplomatic relations with the United States (or about preventing another Cold War). Whether we like it or not, we are no longer the irrefutably most powerful nation in the world. The question remains, however: what are we going to do about it? Are we going to take a leadership role by selling Europe natural gas (which would tank the Russian economy), while also boosting our economy? I cannot stop thinking to myself this one, tragic truth: if Mitt Romney were in office, none of this would be happening.
ReplyDeleteAndrew's tragic truth is nothing more than a tragic opinion. Romney would be handling the situation differently, but he wouldn't have been able to prevent what has already transpired. Surkov's comments are awfully juvenile. I don't think Russia is going to be backing down anytime soon. If provoked, Putin will not hesitate to engage in war. Like I've said before, I don't think the US should get involved. We would just be biting off more than we could chew.
ReplyDeleteThe statements made by the Russian officials are by far the most immature statements involving foreign policy I have ever heard. They are clearly trying to egg the President and his officials on. I hope the Obama administration will keep a clear head and continue to stay out of Russia and all their issues. We definitely do not need another war.
ReplyDeleteAt this point I'm not sure if Russia is still just talking to talk or if they have really become serious about starting something with the US. I still stand with my opinion that we shouldn't get involved, but it's starting to sound like there's no choice. With the sanctions that we have placed on Russia, we made the first offensive move to conflict. I'm anxious to see what happens next, and I'm hoping that it's something to stop all of this nonsense.
ReplyDeleteI think the comments made my the Russian officials are just plain stupid and were said due high tensity situation in order to appear unafraid to the Russian public. I highly doubt that any of those officials would enjoy the reprocussions of attmepting to turn the US "into nuclear ash" . It's just generally stupid and dangerous to make jokes like that and I hope none of them are actually in charge of the button that launches their nukes.
ReplyDeleteWell it seems to me that Russia is digging themselves into a deeper and deeper hole here. They are obviously the "Bad guys" in this situation. There is no puzzle to that. And like Andrew said, we are the best country on Earth so eventually we have to deal with it. No one wants war, so it will definitly be an interesting quarrel.
ReplyDeleteI think that Russia will continue to scoff at any economic sanctions we place on them. At this point, Putin won't just hand Crimea back to Ukraine. As far as he is concerned, Crimea is now a part of Russia. I see Andrew is spewing typical Republican slander, blaming President Obama for anything and everything. Putin is the one at fault here, don't forget that. In terms of military power, America is the strongest country on earth. That does not make us the best country. Blind patriotism and nationalism really are terrifying. Anyway, I can see this conflict carrying on for a long time.
ReplyDeleteOn one hand, I feel that we shouldn't involve ourselves in foreign matters such as these, but if we are the strongest country on earth as Dan says, then we should help those that are weaker. i am torn. When it comes to Russia finding our sanctions humorous, i find myself laughing at them. They aren't ready for the repercussions that would come their way if they were to take any action.
ReplyDeleteEven though I am completely against getting involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, I know that the United States will be getting deeply involved at some point. Russia mocking our sanctions is a big mistake; Putin is really underestimating our power and I think he is doing this to basically force us to get involved. It will be interesting to see how this conflict unfolds over the next few weeks and months.
ReplyDeleteWell I would expect Russian officials to be confident and calm to make the world thing they need no one, but this takes it to a whole new level. The United State would never just freeze Russia out completely all at once. We made a statement to show Russia cannot continue this way. I think further action can and should be taken if the current sanctions do nothing. Maybe then Russia will realize they need the United States for things other than Tupac.
ReplyDeleteWhile comments like these are certainly frustrating and anger-inducing, I don't think we should use them to justify taking aggressive action without first carefully considering the consequences. Economic sanctions are probably the best way to deal with Russia at the moment, but the United States needs the rest of the world's powers, mostly Europe, on its side before doing anything drastic.
ReplyDelete