Staff Reports
Once again, the United States is ready to dive even deeper into the vast geopolitical ocean by approving yet another billion-dollar arms sale to Ukraine. This package generously includes long-range missiles, all while Russia continues its spectacularly bad impression of diplomatic resolutions with massive aerial attacks. Apparently, Moscow isn’t fond of subtlety—its recent assault tragically killed 20 people and even took a shot at a European Union building. One might wonder if they’ve ever heard the phrase “actions speak louder than words.”
The President, reportedly less than thrilled, expressed shock mixed with just a dash of predictability about these developments. Both sides, it seems, are dragging their feet when it comes to even pretending to want peace. Perhaps world leaders enjoy endless meetings or simply have a thing for the dramatic tension of unresolved conflict?
U.S. Navy Captain and now-diplomat Brent Sadler believes it’s high time for a change in strategy. The traditional “talk it out” sessions with Putin are as effective as trying to sell umbrellas in a drought. The plan? Hit him where it hurts by altering the battlefield dynamics and turning the financial tap off for his war machine. Cut off the cash flow from oil-hungry nations like India and China by making their ongoing business ties, shall we say, economically unattractive.
Despite an orchestra of sanctions playing since the beginning of Putin’s escapades, his economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Are our current sanctions the equivalent of a sternly worded letter? One might say Europe, once petrol-buddies with Russia, got cold feet when considering other oil sources. Meanwhile, under current administration policies, using American petroleum as an alternative isn’t enthusiastically on the table.
In another bout of deja-vu, France, Germany, and the UK have decided to reapply pressure on Iran, dusting off those old sanctions related to its nuclear ventures. It appears a little déjà vu isn’t all bad if it involves preventing a nuclear nightmare. While these moves may take the wind out of Iran’s sails, one can hope they’re also awakened to the reality of having their less-than-friendly endeavors thwarted—again.
