Krauthammer’s Take: Obama Tells the World We Aren’t Going to Do Anything About Invasion of Ukraine

National Review Online ^ | February 28, 2014 7:08 PM | NRO staff

[Candor7]

As reports are coming in that Russia has placed 2,000 troops in Crimea, within the borders of Ukraine, President Obama said that “the United States will stand with the international community in affirming that there will be costs for any military intervention in Ukraine.”

Charles Krauthammer responded on Special Report tonight saying, “The Ukrainians, and I think everybody, is shocked by the weakness of Obama’s statement. I find it rather staggering.”

Krauthammer thinks Obama’s statement is about “three levels removed” from actual action. He explained: Obama said “we will stand with the international community — meaning we are going to negotiate with a dozen other countries who will water down the statement — in affirming that there will be costs — meaning in making a statement not even imposing a cost, but in making a statement about imposing a cost — for any military intervention.”

“What he’s saying is we’re not really going to do anything and we’re telling the world,” Krauthammer said.

.

[rey]

But did he issue another stern warning to Uganda on their homosexual policies?

[Joe 6-pack]

"Last week it was reported the Swiss Airforce works 8 to 5 only and then only during the week. So, they were unavailable to intercept an incoming hijacked plane relying upon two other nations to do it for them! The only surprise is it was not the USAF doing it."

The only time Obama would scramble US fighters to intercept a civilian airliner is if he thought Ed Snowden was aboard.

[Joe 6-pack]

"The Ukrainians, and I think everybody, is shocked by the weakness of Obama’s statement."

I doubt Putin was shocked by it; I'm guessing he was banking on it.

[AdmSmith]

Russian S-400 AIR DEFENCE heading to UKRAINE

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=c62_1393673617

Perhaps plans for more than Crimea?

The real purpose of Russian troops in Ukraine is to undermine the credibility of Nato
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10669826/Ukraine-Putins-Crimea-aim-is-to-make-the-West-look-weak.html

[therightliveswithus]

Palin was right all along

[444Flyer]

[AdmSmith]

Laura Rozen:

7 unintended possible effects of Russia invasion of Crimea:

1) Could cause EU, US Congress to open their minds to the strategic benefits of an Iran deal (including as an alternative gas supplier to Europe)
2) Could give boost to KeystoneXL gas pipeline in Obama White House (see above, alternative energy supply)
3) Could drive nail in coffin of foundering US efforts to cooperate with Russia to seek political solution on Syria
4) Could it cause Iran, anxious about preservation of sovereignty, to cool to Putin, warm up to possible improved ties with West?
5) Could it push Iran to further effects to seek to directly to defeuse regional tensions with Saudi Arabia, etc. over Syria
6) Could cause friction between China & Russia
7) Could cause US, EU3 to be more willing to declare Syria in violation of Syria CW deal

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1s0obdh

[nuconvert]

Ha. Got a big laugh out of #1 and especially #4

[varmintman]

Linked from Drudge under the heading 'Putin calls bluff'

Did anybody actually think that Vladimir Putin was going to just sit there and watch George Soros, Monsanto, the US state department and Bork Obunga walk off with the Ukraine???

I mean, everybody who reads FR knows that our media is garbage and that the picture they present to us of domestic affairs is garbage; why would anybody think that the picture they paint of events in other lands would be believable??

[metmom]

Charles Krauthammer responded on Special Report tonight saying, “The Ukrainians, and I think everybody, is shocked by the weakness of Obama’s statement. I find it rather staggering.”

I expected no less from that commie sympathizer.

Of course he doesn't want the Ukraine succeeding. It might give us the idea that we can do it too. It would be encouragement for us at home when HE acts.

[Patriotic1]

Charles Krauthammer responded on Special Report tonight saying, “The Ukrainians, and I think everybody, is shocked by the weakness of Obama’s statement. I find it rather staggering.”

I'm shocked that he's shocked. I'm shocked that ANYONE is shocked. Where have these people been for the last 5 years?

[plain talk]

Certainly Putin will do what he will do without any regard for what Obama says or does. However Obama’s comments may have made it worse. This is now at least a two-fer for Putin. He can send in troops and control the situation while also embarrassing Obama by reaffirming again how weak he is.

[dfwgator]

Be fair what should we do?

Way back in 1992, anyone with cursory knowledge knew if the issue of the Crimea wasn’t settled it would one day rear its’ ugly head.

[444Flyer]

Russia’s not about to sabotage its relationship with Iran.

http://neftegaz.ru/en/news/view/98591

Or China.

http://www.gazprom.com/f/posts/59/990512/map_altai_eng.jpg

[Patriotic1]

I don't pretend to know what to do - I'm very torn. But how these people who get paid to pontificate can admit to being shocked is beyond me.

Besides, we all know that this is Palin's fault with her coded messages telling Putin what to do!

[ryderann]

I believe Putin told Obama how it was going to be a long time ago.

[RedMDer]

March Madness

Less than $5.1k to go!!
Git-R-Done!

[Alberta's Child]

The underlying story here is that Russia will simply not stand by while Western countries pursue a course of action with Ukraine that is aimed at ultimately having Ukraine brought on board as a full-fledged NATO member with U.S. missile shield assets inside its borders.

[AdmSmith]

As both have secessionist movements within their territories, they are against dividing a country.

[Lockbox]

Obama can’t stop the illegal border crossing of his country, what makes anyone think he can stop Russia?