While Kissenger eventually managed to strangle Rhodesia in 1976, by threatening to cut off its oil, such a strangulation would not be possible with Russia,
Putin has a real opportunity, here. Whether he seizes it or not, I have no idea. The tip-off will be if he starts having weekly fireside type broadcasts to the Russian people, illustrating their progress towards better allocation of resources, while helping their neighbors with the unfortunate side effects of the present currency debacle.
But it is a text-book opportunity.
Meanwhile, Obama sashays along, undermining American self-sufficiency & pride in accomplishments.
William Flax
Putin is not a good guy.
Russia has taken full share of social and other problems, including a large islamoNazi Enemy Within But anyone thinking o underestimating the “ bottom line” resolve of the Russian people may wish to review history. Starting perhaps with WW 2.