[tcrlaf]

Reasons such as this are why the sanctions will have little effect. They will have real repercussions on the West, too. Russia isn't some third-world craphole with an isolated economy, this is one of the world's largest economies, one which currently has cash to spend, unlike much of the West.

[1rudeboy]

For the record, France has a larger economy than Russia.

[Cowboy Bob]

It was mentioned on the television today that 45% of automobiles manufactured in Europe are sold to Russia.

[Sacajaweau]

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-03-18/u-dot-s-dot-sanctions-prompt-business-concerns-over-retribution

[Viennacon]

No problem. France’s economy couldn’t get any worse at this point.

[kiryandil]

It's not FAIR that Meanie McMeanpants Putin is doing this to President MomJeans ("The Catcher") during March Madness!

How is MomJeans supposed to concentrate on his tournament picks?!!?!!

Barry, STFU unless the subject is something you know about, like dope, other guys' peepees, or basketball...

[sinsofsolarempirefan]

They should take the carriers for themselves instead. This Crimea episode is a wake-up call to the west to boost defence spending to at least 4.5% of gdp.

[bert]

Sanctions are not really the point.

The point is talking about sanctions and appearing to be doing something.

Putin is free to do what ever he wants. He has Crimea.

He won’t go further if the talk of sanctions ceases.......

Everybody wins

Except Obama. Putin saw his sanctions and raised by forbidding Boehner from traveling to Russia. The Putin joke kicked Obama’s ass. Boehner laughed like Brer Rabbit in the Briar patch.