It is depressing to think that after all the bloodshed of the past three years, we may end up not really solving anything and too afraid of Putin to really insist that the 1991 borders need to be respected. I don't think we will actually sell Ukraine down the river but it may feel like it.
Almost all discussion of foreign policy in the US is predicated on the assumption that the US is the indispensable nation, and must play a central role in the settlement of any dispute in which it is involved.
But in both the Middle East and Ukraine, the US doesn't have enough leverage on either side to impose an agreement. For domestic reasons, US can't break with Israel no matter what Netanyahu does. And it has nothing to offer anyone on the Palestinian side.
Similarly while ending arms supplies to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia would make things much worse for Ukraine, it wouldn't be enough to compel a surrender, which is what Putin wants. And it would be an abject defeat for the US.
Best hope for a settlement is that the loss of Syria will lead Putin to conclude he has to cut his losses.
It is depressing to think that after all the bloodshed of the past three years, we may end up not really solving anything and too afraid of Putin to really insist that the 1991 borders need to be respected. I don't think we will actually sell Ukraine down the river but it may feel like it.
A very interesting, engaging and enjoyable read.
Almost all discussion of foreign policy in the US is predicated on the assumption that the US is the indispensable nation, and must play a central role in the settlement of any dispute in which it is involved.
But in both the Middle East and Ukraine, the US doesn't have enough leverage on either side to impose an agreement. For domestic reasons, US can't break with Israel no matter what Netanyahu does. And it has nothing to offer anyone on the Palestinian side.
Similarly while ending arms supplies to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia would make things much worse for Ukraine, it wouldn't be enough to compel a surrender, which is what Putin wants. And it would be an abject defeat for the US.
Best hope for a settlement is that the loss of Syria will lead Putin to conclude he has to cut his losses.