Intervene!

From the Guardian:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/29/obama-us-foreign-policy-isis-syria-iraq-ukraine

Obama on US foreign policy: principled realist or failed isolationist?

In a week that has seen the president sucked closer towards military engagement in Iraq and Syriaoba, Obama’s verbal gaffe suggests even he is not sure of the overarching plan

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Quote from the article:

"The trouble is not all of America’s opponents seem as willing to play by the rules of this new world order. Economic sanctions on Russia, painful as Obama claims they are, do not seem to be deterring Putin from invading Ukraine. In the time it has taken the US to apply political pressure in Iraq, Isis forces have captured up to a third of the country."

Interesting observation: while the good guys waffle, the bad guys move. Obama's reluctence to use military in favor of diplomacy and sanctions is honorable. But also shows its limitations in these situations.

1. The Ukraine debacle is about Nato and Putin/Russia's sense that Ukraine is slipping away into the grip of Nato. Putin couldn't care less about the rebels or eastern Ukrainian land. It's the western encroachment upon Russia that is in principle troubling to their anachronistical sentiments. Hence, he grabbed Crimea while he could; while the west was snoozing, caught by surprise. Now, he's more concerned by making a point; as ugly as it is being made.

Europe needs to step up: a strong, united, unequivocal position by the west (and others) is what's needed to get Russian attention. On all levels!

2. The IS is an easier issue. No concern or respect for their wellbeing is needed. Through their actions they have placed all moral rights with military intervention. Europe and Obama (and others) must coordinate the intervention.