Blowhards, Bluster and Backbone

Vladimir Putin must be shaking in his shoes. On Monday, President Barry announced that he was calling for stiffer sanctions against Russia because of its continued meddling in Ukraine. He claims that the European Union is standing with him.

Really? 

Is Vlad afraid of Angela Merkel? Or David Cameron? Nah... I don't think so.

In Monday's late online edition of the Los Angeles Times it was reported that Barry believes he was able to convince Britain, Germany, Italy and France to go against their national interests and potentially destroy their weak economies to follow him down the Primrose Path.

I realize that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with active Russian support for the rebels, is not looking too good right now for Ukraine, which has an economic affiliation with the European Union, while not actually a full member or partner. This is at the heart of Russia's interference in Ukraine's battle with alleged Russian separatists.

The bringing down of Malaysia Airlines MH17 is the reason for renewed calls by Barry for stiffer sanctions. It is a valid reason, a strong case for sanctions. But, Vlad doesn't care. He believes, based on past events, that there is no long-term resolve on the part of Barry or the European leaders.

It is all talk with no action by this group of 2014 leaders. Why? Because there is not a leader among them. They are all full of hot air, blustering like a balloon, and Vlad is cunning and smart enough to know this. He spent four years in the shadows of Russian government as Prime Minister observing each of them from a bit of a distance and figured them all out.

Now, he knows that this coalition is fragile and will break sooner than later. He also knows he will win this battle of wits with each of them because he treats them all as nit-wits.

And finally, he is patient. He believes, as the consummate geopolitical chess player that he is, he will out-strategize his opponents.  The sad part is, they are all too naive to see it.

All because they all want to be the loudest kid on the block, acting tough, but with no backbone. The only one who has one is Vlad. He knows it and will act on it when the time is right.

The "coalition of the foolish and naive" will fall apart and Vlad will again emerge victorious, with the sovereignty of Ukraine lost as a result. It is just a matter of time.

We will be witnesses.