He misread Putin and the realities of armed might in international relations. Even in hindsight, war has a way of changing people’s perceptions.
Angela Merkel and Barack Obama are two leaders whose legacies have taken a hit as a result of the conflict in Ukraine.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel held her nation hostage to Russian energy, misunderstood Vladimir Putin, and committed far too little to NATO’s defenses.
In less than a week, her successor has renounced her legacy.
Mr. Obama, on the other hand, should be remembered as the President who refused to supply Ukraine deadly defense weaponry, even after Mr. Putin grabbed Crimea in 2014.
He wouldn’t even sell Javelin anti-tank weaponry, which are currently assisting Ukraine’s forces in slowing Russia’s invading army.
That was terrible enough, but his reasoning betrays his ignorance of both Mr. Putin and global events.
Here’s an example from Mr. Obama’s 2016 interview with the Atlantic, which often functioned as his Boswell: “‘Putin acted in Ukraine in reaction to a client state that was ready to slip out of his control.” And he innovated in order to maintain authority there,’ [Mr. Obama] said.
'He did the very same thing in Syria, at huge cost to his own country’s well-being.
And the concept that Russia is in a better position today, in Syria or in Ukraine, than they were before they invaded Ukraine or before he had to commit military troops to Syria is completely flawed.
True power is being able to get what you desire without resorting to violence.
Mr. Obama went on to say that Ukraine “is going to be vulnerable to military domination by Russia no matter what we do.” Clearly, Mr. Obama underestimated the Ukrainian people and leaders, who have shown they are willing and able to defend themselves if they have the weapons.
Throughout his presidency, Mr. Obama also failed to recognize that the “nature of power in global affairs” still involves military force.
Mr. Putin definitely believes this. Mr. Obama inflicted great damage to American strength and interests over the course of eight years, and the cost is still being paid.
Read more by Jai at CommentaryByJaiKrishnaPonnappan.com
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