Just a Thought

This thought below is my {Diane Sori) thought alone, and does not necessarily represent the views of blogspot.or google.com

      

[[[ I know I've said it before, but it's well worth repeating again, especially after Trump keeps heralding his anything but success...there has been NO what must be full "surrender" let alone even a "capitulation"...in regards to Iran. Remember, the great Ronald Reagan brought down the entirety of the Soviet Union...a fully nuclear armed Soviet Union...and ended the 45-year long "Cold War"...while Trump still has yet to bring down the single nation that is Iran, and shows NO real sign of being able to anytime soon. And that, I'm sorry to say, is the saddest thing of all. ]]]

Copyright @ 2026 Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor / All Rights Reserved.  

Just a Thought

The thought below is my {Diane Sori) thought alone, and does not necessarily represent the views of blogspot.or google.com  

 

[[[ Very unsettling times, for while we have inflicted much damage on Iran we have NOT by any means won this what was to be a "few weeks war," with proof positive being that Iran is still able to keep fighting back  

Wars are not won by threats, repeated albeit limited military actions, ceasefire proposals that fail time and again, nor by negotiating with the enemy...in this case an enemy who is an avowed terrorist regime. And economic sanctions do not win wars for history itself has shown that many times sanctions actually become the conduit by which a war-hurting populace starts reuniting with its leaders against those they once begged for help.  

It's time for us to win this war even if it means some "boots on the ground" for if "boots" was never an option what do we train our military for...to be "occupiers" ...I think not.

We need to throw these time wasting deals and negotiations into what is history's garbage heap, for if things keep going on like this...especially with the newest round of supposed "toughest sanctions ever"... Iran will find a way now, as it has done in the past, to circumnavigate said sanctions courtesy of third party players. 

Lastly, and with all due respect, I believe that President Trump needs to at least start thinking of a possible "exit strategy" if we ever do need to exit fast to "save face." Remember, the great Ronald Reagan brought down the Soviet Union and ended the "Cold War"...right now all we seem to be doing is boxing Iran in while forgetting that a caged animal has usually planned for such a contingency and probably does have a well planned, waiting in the wings to be used, "tangible" and not pretty possible means out...and it  sure 'aint courtesy of a deal. ]]]

Copyright @ 2026 Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor / All Rights Reserved.   

Op-ed:

Channeling Reagan...A Maybe Solution

By: Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor

This article is the authors opinion alone, and does not necessarily represent the views of blogspot.com or Google.   

 

...And here I think it would be so wise for both President Trump, and all said advisors, to look at how President Ronald Reagan not only combined what was a well thought out strategic approach with military strength, but then he also fine-tuned the diplomatic negotiations to the point where what was called the “Cold War”...aka the “nuclear arms race”...did see in victory the ultimate collapse of the Soviet Union.

Simply, striving to make deals with the enemy when military engagement has itself not ended the war being fought only seems to work successfully when the people...when the government...you are dealing with actually does want a deal to be made...does want said war to end. And this is something, I now believe, Iran does not want to see happen.

Why so...because the theocratic dictatorship that has been Iran's reality since the “Islamic Revolution” of 1979, would rather see Iran totally being destroyed...down to every last man, woman, and child...then their having to betray their core ideology via deals being made even with fingers voluntarily being crossed behind their backs...deals they and we know will not be honored let alone be kept...Read entire article here.

Op-ed: 

Channeling Reagan...A Maybe Solution

By: Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor

This article is the authors opinion alone, and does not necessarily represent the views of blogspot.com or Google.   

 

Let me start by saying that I totally support both President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in their decision to go to war with Iran. It was the right thing to do on so many levels as Iran, the leading state sponsor of terrorism, had to be stopped, most especially in regards to their wanting to become a nuclear power. And while our and Israel's combined military forces were successful last summer in negating Iran's nuclear ambitions...for now anyway...what I have a problem with is the timing, the resulting ramifications, and who is advising who.

Why so...because, in my opinion, we and Israel together should have finished the job last summer as Israel wanted to do, but Trump did not as he still wanted to give the diplomatic route a try. And while his intentions were honorable Trump forgot two cardinal rules with the first being we do not negotiate with terrorists, and the second being that any deals made with terrorists are done so with terrorist fingers crossed behind their backs.

However, should have is but a mute point now, as our “Operation Epic Fury” and Israel's “Operation Roaring Lion” did not commence until February 28th of this year. And while we have been extremely successful militarily, as has Israel been in taking out the Iranian regime's hierarchy, we are still in somewhat of a negotiation stage with terrorists...that is if you count the back and forth proposal rejections from both sides as being negotiations.

Remember, Trump gave Iran extension after extension to “make a deal” to end the war on the basis of our strategic military superiority along with our now having basically collapsed Iran's economy. How so...simply by our imposing a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, thus destroying Iran's oil revenue...it's prime source of income...as the Strait is where Iranian purchased oil is shipped out from.

And while many see this as a good thing, forgotten is the fact that when military victory is secured with it should immediately come strategic surrender. But obviously this is not the case with Iran for the regime, while greatly weakened, still is fighting back to some degree, and doing so mostly against its own Arab neighbors.

Also, just as important, is the fact that history has shown, more times than not, that while the victor was successful in collapsing an enemy's economy it's the victor who usually ends up helping to rebuild the economy of the very nation they helped to destroy, and that sometimes it is at the expense of the victor country's own taxpayer dollars.

However, even when diplomacy remains the chosen path to help end a war, the diplomats involved must have an understanding of who the enemy really is. And herein lies a key issue regarding the war with Iran for I do not believe that President Trump and his advisors truly understand who the enemy really is, and what must be done to secure not just victory but lasting peace.

And here I think it would be so wise for both President Trump, and all said advisors, to look at how President Ronald Reagan not only combined what was a well thought out strategic approach with military strength, but then he also fine-tuned the diplomatic negotiations to the point where what was called the “Cold War”...aka the “nuclear arms race”...did see in victory the ultimate collapse of the Soviet Union.

Simply, striving to make deals with the enemy when military engagement has itself not ended the war being fought only seems to work successfully when the people...when the government...you are dealing with actually does want a deal to be made...does want said war to end. And this is something, I now believe, Iran does not want to see happen.

Why so...because the theocratic dictatorship that has been Iran's reality since the “Islamic Revolution” of 1979, would rather see Iran totally being destroyed...down to every last man, woman, and child...then their having to betray their core ideology via deals being made even with fingers voluntarily being crossed behind their backs...deals they and we know will not be honored let alone be kept.

And this is why we are still having trouble...yes trouble...bringing Iran down to her increasingly bloodied knees. Remember, when one engages in the “game of war,” when one is facing what will surely be military defeat, both sides must understand that any deal being brokered is but political window dressing and posturing at best.

And when dealing with a conventional enemy, “to the victors will go the spoils of war,” yet the fact remains that both sides must accept reality over what has become lifelong indoctrinated ideologies. Both Reagan and then Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev knew this to be true in regards to the “Cold War,”  the regime in Iran simply does not. And that probably is the reason why no lasting deals with Iran will ever be made, or should be, made without Iran's “unconditional surrender.”

Remember, Gorbachev actually wanted reform in the Soviet Union to take place...he wanted a change in communism's oppressive ideologies...especially when faced head on with Reagan’s strategy of not only “peace through strength,” but with the economic pressures being imposed on the Soviet economy courtesy of the “Cold War” added to its economic instabilities and inefficiencies. After all, building and stockpiling nuclear weapons is a very expensive endeavor most especially for a nation that is under communist rule.

The “Cold War” could well have ended in nuclear war but did not thanks to President Reagan himself being not only an effective diplomat with fine tuned oratory skills, but saw those skills...when coupled with his openness to a one-on-one dialogue...resulting in intermediaries only having to be used quite sparingly.

Simply, Reagan wisely chose to speak for himself. And it was this stance that showed the world both his and our country's strength, which in turn inspired dissidents within the Soviet bloc to rise up against what Reagan called the “Evil Empire.” And it was this very action that helped to both position the United States as the leader of the “free world” while also seeing the Soviet Union officially collapsing as the “Cold War” basically came to a definitive end with President Reagan's now immortal words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”

I truly believe that President Trump needs a “Reagan moment” to help end the war with Iran. Trump needs that “Reagan moment” to show the Iranian people...to show the protesters and the freedom fighters, some of whom are still being executed...that he has not forgotten them or their quest for freedom nor demoted them to second place behind a war whose prime focus...at least for now...seems to be who will be in control of Iran's oil supplies and distribution.

President Trump needs a “Reagan moment” to rethink how and exactly who should be handling any and all diplomatic talks with those still hell bent on wiping both the U.S. and Israel off the face of the map. And if negotiations are to continue...negotiations which I still believe should never have taken place...remember that Gorbachev wanted to reach a solution, those who are now left running Iran do not...thus it should be Donald Trump himself...coupled only with our great Secretary of State Marco Rubio (and possibly Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu)... who should sit at the negotiation table not his old real estate buddy, his son-on-law, or our vice president who sadly has no true diplomatic experience at all.

And might I add that the “extensions “ must not only end, but no more extensions must be given. Threats do become useless unless a set-in-stone timeline is given, but more importantly is that said deadline must be followed up with promised actions taken.

Simply, if President Reagan could bring down the Soviet Union and end the “Cold War,” President Trump can...likely with Israel's help...bring down Iran. All that's needed is for tangible and sensible actions...including military actions...to replace both the bravado and the threats currently being unheeded. Case closed.

Copyright © 2026 Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor /All rights reserved.

************************************************************************************************** For more political commentary please visit my RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS partner Craig Andresen's blog The National Patriot to read his latest article, The Mullah’s Madness Unmasked.

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RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS...LIVE! 

Tomorrow, Tuesday, May11th from 7 to 8:30pm EST, RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS Craig Andresen and Diane Sori discuss 'Channeling Reagan...A Maybe Solution'; 'The Mullah's Madness Unmasked'; and important news of the day.Tune in to RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS on https://rspradio1.com Click 'LISTEN LIVE.'

Just a Thought...

Op-ed: 

Peace Cannot Exist When Problems Remain Unsolved 

By: Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor / Right Side Patriots / Right Side Patriots Radio

The article posted here is the authors opinion alone, and does not necessarily represent the views of blogspot.com or Google 

...And that which I just stated is what I believe Putin's war with Ukraine is really all about...as in permanent oil access. plus the eventual rebuilding of the old Soviet Union.

But being as arrogant as he is, Vladimir Putin truly believes that not only will he eventually be victorious in this his ultimate legacy endeavor, as there remains the possibility that Putin has all along been cloaking himself in talking of wanting peace while the KGB trained agent within him tries to play both Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy in the same way that Hitler did Neville Chamberlain almost 100 years ago.

And why do I say this...because last Wednesday, Putin warned that Russia should hold “veto power” over any security actions to assist Ukraine after a peace deal is reached, rendering planned Western security guarantees for Kyiv moot at this point. A setback in peace talks already involving the logistics of the “land grabs” currently on the negotiating table for if Putin were to acquire “veto power” regarding Ukraine's security it equates to more than just “appeasement” as it opens the door for Putin's...Read entire article here.

Op-ed: 

Peace Cannot Exist When Problems Remain Unsolved 

By: Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor / Right Side Patriots / Right Side Patriots Radio

The article posted here is the authors opinion alone, and does not necessarily represent the views of blogspot.com or Google  

  

“Both sides are going to have to make concessions to end Russia's war in Ukraine.”  

- Secretary of State Marco Rubio

The now 3-1/2 year old war between Russia and Ukraine is a war primarily stained by the blood of innocent civilian lives lost while also, not so surprisingly, being a war engulfed in “Cold War” aspects as well. How so... because like the “Cold War” of the 20th century, this war has all the hallmarks of being able to spread...whether just verbally or more way likely tangibly...if some kind of workable and lasting peace deal is not reached anytime soon.

What started as a territorial dispute between Russia and Ukraine could well expand into neighboring NATO nations, thus directly drawing the U.S. into it as well. And with a somewhat altered version of NATO's “Article 5” protection now on the negotiating table even minus Ukraine being a NATO nation, this war could unfortunately continue on no matter Putin's smiling face at the Alaska summit with President Trump. Why so...because when one deals with Vladimir Putin anything is possible, most especially when Russia's leader needs to counter last Monday's theatrically staged and ever so successful optics of Europe's leaders descending on Washington to show their united support for Ukraine's President Zelenskyy...worldwide televised egg on Putin's face for sure.

So while Putin continues to claim numerous military victories of sorts while standing strong in his demands for absorbing what are large parts of Ukraine into Russia, Russia's economy is still struggling as her defense budget has now reached $142+B per year, which is more than double the monies spent on defense before Putin started the war with Ukraine. And this war does affect the now war weary Russian people themselves for monies used to fund Putin's war machine were taken away from the Russian people and their needs. And know Russia's rank and file military has also grown weary of war...a war that pits brother against brother, as Russians and Ukrainians basically do share the same genetic roots.

A somewhat modern day version of our own Civil War if you will, yet a war vastly different in both mode of operation and outcome for Ukraine's President Vlodymir Zelenskyy, the once deemed underdog by all accounts, has stood his ground against not only the world's number two superpower, but against Vladimir Putin himself, with the added bonus being Zelenskyy's having united the nations of Europe together in his and Ukraine's just cause. Quite an achievement I'd say as this new camaraderie...this new alliance of sorts...has not been seen since the days of WWII.

So as to the offensive player that is Putin's Russia v. the defensive player that is Ukraine, Zelenskyy and his cause are also being supported and cheered on in the “court of public opinion,” while at the same time the still in effect Western sanctions have had a cumulative effect on what is now Russia’s full time war economy, And know that many more sanctions are to come, as per both President Trump and European leaders, if Vladimir Putin continues on in what he hopes to be his “legacy” defining moment.

And if that be the case, Putin's legacy could well be a legacy of failure if he thinks Russia could take on NATO, let alone the U.S. under President Trump. Remember, NATO has had new life and relevancy breathed into it courtesy of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while at the same time Ukraine's forces, as ragtag as they are, have been able to fend off defeat that according to Putin should have taken Russia but a mere two weeks to achieve. And whether Putin's failure to accomplish that objective has been due to the funding and equipment NATO and the U.S. has given to Ukraine or not, the fact remains that Ukraine and her people are still standing strong...as is Zelenskyy himself...while Putin tries to publicly “save face” by making nice to President Trump with fingers probably crossed behind his back.

Now here is where it gets interesting for after the “smile for the camera” show Putin put on at the Alaska Summit, the fact remains that Vladimir Putin still wants to “grab” roughly 30% of Ukraine's lands to be officially recognized as part of “Mother Russia” whether the now said lands are currently occupied by Russian troops or not.

And Russia's quest for Ukrainian land started when in 1994, Bill Clinton played a key role in negotiating the terms of the “Budapest Memorandum”...the agreement which forced Ukraine to give up its nukes in exchange for security assurances...and culminated in 2014 when Obama foolishly gave Crimea to Putin, as he had little access to its desperately needed 1.5 billion barrels of oil reserves save for a thin bit of peninsula access that does not really allow for needed heavy transport.

However, in Putin's now demanding not only the oil fields but the Dzhankoy and the Kerch Peninsulas...as well as the Dunbas region which he claims is needed for Russian “security purposes” ...something Zelensky is rightfully fighting against...know that Ukraine itself has lost access to 80% of oil and gas deposits in the Black Sea, and a significant part of the Crimea port infrastructure due to Obama's allowing the Russian annexation of Crimea.

And that which I just stated is what I believe Putin's war with Ukraine is really all about...as in permanent oil access. plus the eventual rebuilding of the old Soviet Union.

But being as arrogant as he is, Vladimir Putin truly believes that not only will he eventually be victorious in this his ultimate legacy endeavor, as there remains the possibility that Putin has all along been cloaking himself in talking of wanting peace while the KGB trained agent within him tries to play both Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy in the same way that Hitler did Neville Chamberlain almost 100 years ago.

And why do I say this...because last Wednesday, Putin warned that Russia should hold “veto power” over any security actions to assist Ukraine after a peace deal is reached, rendering planned Western security guarantees for Kyiv moot at this point. A setback in peace talks already involving the logistics of the “land grabs” currently on the negotiating table for if Putin were to acquire “veto power” regarding Ukraine's security it equates to more than just “appeasement” as it opens the door for Putin's war to actually expand.

Remember, Chamberlain truly believed that by conceding to Hitler's first few “land grabs”...that his acts of “appeasement”...would help to prevent a full blown European war from happening, but the fact is that while Chamberlain was busy “making nice” to Hitler, Hitler continued to strengthen, bolster, and add to Germany's military capabilities. Now substitute the names Trump and Putin here for not only does Trump know Putin well enough to not take anything Putin says at face value, but Zelenskyy knows that no concessions of any kind, especially involving Ukraine's security, will be reached without his approval. And so the continued to be spoken words that “a lot of progress has been made” towards peace is anything but reality, that is until peace itself sees pen being put to paper while arms are being laid down.

But even with that said, I'm sure President Trump has accounted for the old adage, “give them an inch and they'll take a mile,” as he's not an easily fooled man. Remember, as previously stated, I still believe Putin's ultimate goal, no matter his public words to the contrary...is not to ceremonially rebuild “Mother Russia” to her former glory, but to rebuild...and I cannot state this enough...what was the old Soviet Union by starting with Ukraine and then ultimately reabsorbing all the former Soviet satellites now independent nations...some even NATO member nations...back into the Russian fold.

Simply, Putin's current quest to take over 30% of Ukraine is not only “land grabbing” on steroids, but is his not so secret attempt to lay the very foundation for what could eventually turn into World War III if he does not get his way. A legacy in waiting, cleverly crafted by a madman along the same lines as Hitler's legacy of “land grabs” is remembered today.

So even with all of Vladimir Putin's talks of wanting peace...even with what might be an agreed upon implementation of what I'm sure in the end will turn into but a temporary peace...one must remember that it's not in Putin's make up, or in what he deems to be in his or Russia's best interests, to accept what would be a peace deal garnered by Russia's having, in one form or another...veiled or not...to admit to defeat. And besides, I see what's being offered by Putin in exchange for peace as being but a diversion to help keep the world's prying eyes off him and Russia...thus giving Putin the time needed to regroup, rearm, and only then logistically move forward against Ukraine yet again.

So in Putin's appearing to take a page from Hitler's “land grab” playbook...as in never give up until either ones wanted goal is achieved or until one is stone-cold dead... it's obvious that Volodymir Zelenskky will not be playing into Putin's threats of give up the land he wants or else, as he has laid down his own unwavering “red line” being that, “The positions are clear. A real peace must be achieved, one that will be lasting, not just another pause between Russian invasions.”

And with those words of President Zelenskyy basically echoing President Trump's words posted on 'Truth Social' that, “It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.” we find these two men on the same page...two men well aware of famed Russian “treachery” once again coming into play as peace negotiations remain on going...at least as I write this.

But one thing I do know for certain is that neither Europe's leaders nor even President Trump have a right to give away or to force President Zelenskyy to give away any of Ukraine's land without it being agreed to by Zelenskyy himself and the Ukrainian people. And this is especially true when all concerned know, as fact, that not only does Putin want Ukraine for its oil, but even more so that he wants Ukraine as a base from which to first reabsorb its former satellites back into the fold, and then expand Russian style communism outward into eastern Europe from there.

It seems to me that Volodymir Zelenskyy knows well all that I just stated along with something many others involved do not, and that is that while peace might stop the killing for a given period of time, peace itself does not always solve the problems that started said killings in the first place. Simply, unless all underlying problems between the two nations are resolved at the core level, any peace that might now be reached will be lost sooner rather than later.

Remember the old saying, “The devil wears black”...well the new saying in today's ever hostile and volatile world, where talks of Ukraine/Russian peace still appear to be but words ongoing minus much needed tangible actions taken, instead should be, “Beware of the little Russian man draped in Communist red.” No need to say anything more...case closed. 

Copyright © 2025 Diane Sori / The Patriot Factor / All rights reserved.  

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For more political commentary please visit my RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS partner Craig Andresen's blog The National Patriot to read his latest article, The Fling Heard Around the World.

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RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS...LIVE!                                                  Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 26th from 7 to 8:30pm EST, RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS Craig Andresen and Diane Sori discuss 'Peace Cannot Exist When Problems Remain Unsolved'; 'The Fling Heard Around the World'; and important news of the day. Hope you can tune in to RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS on https://rspradio1.com Click 'LISTEN LIVE' starting at 6:50pm EST, show begins at 7pm EST.

Op-ed: 

Putin gains by Obama's inactions
By: Diane Sori 

“You can’t send in tanks and at the same time hold talks. The use of force would sabotage the opportunity offered by the four-party negotiations in Geneva.”
- Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Deshchytsya

Point blank...Ukraine is on the brink of war...and while Vladimir Putin and his Russian forces are the aggressors...Barack HUSSEIN Obama is a willing participant in that aggression by his very inactions.

And as America's allies throughout Eastern and Central Europe worry about their future sovereignty because of Obama's inactions, Putin sends unmarked special forces into Ukraine. And he does so at the same time he accuses the Ukrainian government of pursuing an "anti-constitutional" path by using force against the pro-Russian demonstrators.

Now once again as the memory of our wondrous leader sitting back and doing NOTHING when the Iranian students protested against their dictatorial islamic regime starts to surface, Obama's inactions in regards to Ukraine further denigrates our great nation in the eyes of the world.

And as Obama looks away as pro-Russian separatists raise the Russian flag on Ukrainian army armored vehicles in eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian defense ministry issued a statement saying that the troop carriers now in Slovyansk, are guarded by "people in uniforms who have no relation to Ukraine's armed forces."

Simply...WAR has 'unofficially' been declared on Ukraine as Barack HUSSEIN Obama outright ignores this escalating and dangerous situation...ignores it as an international crisis grows for Obama has made it clear that he is NOT willing to take America to war...NOT over Ukraine anyway. The man who will send troops, weapons, and our taxpayer dollars when his muslim brethren are in 'supposed' trouble has turned his back on a nation wanting to become part of the European Union... turned his back on a nation wanting democracy and freedom.

Par for the Obama course I'd say.

And what is Putin doing as Obama looks away...he's pushing the world towards something far more dangerous than just another Cold War...the man who called the break-up of the old Soviet Union the "greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century"...is starting on his quest to rebuild the old Russian Empire...the whole damn empire...one country at a time. And know that Vladimir Putin will NOT be happy with just Ukraine...he wants all the old Soviet Union satellites in his empire... just ask the 59% of the Polish people who believe Putin's Russia is threatening their national security as they further integrate with Europe.

And all this because of Ukraine's wanting to follow Poland's lead and move towards the European model of economic and political competition and away from Russian-style communism. Putin knew he had to act and act now out of fear that this move by Ukraine would spread to Russia at some point. And so Putin believed Ukraine's baby steps towards freedom had to be “liquidated in its cradle.” Crushing the Ukrainian revolution by discrediting that very revolution in the hearts and minds of the Russian people, Putin is using the justification that what he is doing is bringing Ukraine back to the 'motherland' where he believes they rightfully belong.

But NO matter what thought process Putin uses in his wanting to redraw the Russian borders, it is indeed something that Obama should be concerned about... should be something that he must address if for NO other reason than Putin's expanding nuclear arsenal is on the ready while Obama continues to reduce ours. And with political instability engulfing the entire global front, Obama cannot allow Putin to run unchecked...as in it's time for Barack HUSSEIN Obama to put on his 'big boy' pants... that is if he has any...and be the very catalyst to put a stop to this.

But sadly we know he won't.

And addressing Putin's aggression does NOT mean adding even more useless sanctions into the mix for sanctions have long proven to be NOTHING but actions that encourage defiance. And Obama's freezing the bank accounts of roughly two dozen of Putin's banking and oil buddies just feeds even more into Putin’s ambitions...and with us having little trade with Russia to use as a bargaining chip, Putin in all reality is freely running around unchecked.

Russia also has veto power at the U(seless) N(ations) that allows them to halt any proposed UN military action against them. So while NATO might continue to talk the talk of standing with Ukraine the truth is that they can only act up to a point. And with Obama NOT willing to consider military action and intervention on America's part...with Obama NOT willing to stand strong with our treaty allies...Obama has basically released the U.S. of responding to Russian aggression. Translation: for all intents and purposes, NATO has been rendered impotent as a military alliance... rendered impotent to militarily help Ukraine...or any other country for that matter.

And those very NATO allies are rightfully worried the U.S. won't be there for them if Putin continues his nation grabbing. Even Saudi Arabia worries that Obama's inactions will spread to their part of the world as it seems that Obama is more than willing to allow Iran to become a nuclear power and to control the game in Syria. Also, the Israeli Defense Minister recently stated that Israel can NO longer rely on the U.S. to deal with Iran...to deal with the Palestinians...to deal with anything involving the Jewish state.

So as Vladimir Putin warns Ukraine that it could NOT sustain an armored offensive in its eastern region, talks on defusing the situation are due to start in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday, and the European Union and the U.S. will take part in those talks. Let's just hope that John 'Swiftboat' Kerry does NOT take part in them for we all know how well his intervention in the Israeli/Palestinian affair turned out...and like his boss Barack HUSSEIN Obama, Kerry is NO match for the likes of Vladimir Putin...NO match at all.

Op-ed: 

Ukraine vs. Russia...Putin vs. Obama...one and the same

By: Diane Sori

“We’re imposing sanctions on more senior officials of the Russian government.”
- Barack HUSSEIN Obama 3/20/14

Useless...totally useless for in order for economic sanctions to work one needs to sanction an entire country NOT just target specific individuals, but when one does NOT understand basic economic premises, let alone how they work or don't work, what can you expect.

And while some suspect that Crimea is all about Vladmir Putin wanting to restore the former Soviet Union as the world's number one superpower, the fact is he wants even more...as in Vladimir Putin wants to restore the glory days of the Russian Empire complete with Czar Putin the First.

Also wanting to be the political foot hovering over the backs of the economies of Europe without actually crushing them, Putin knows what 'red lines' he can and cannot cross. Starting WWIII is NOT in Putin's plans for at heart he wants wealth...personal wealth and power.

Territorial acquisition by force is indeed Putin's goal as he strives to rebuild the 'motherland' and his personal fortune with Crimea being rung one on his ladder to implied success on all fronts. And knowing that what Putin wants Putin usually gets, our 'fearless' leader does NOTHING but slap useless sanctions on a few rich Russians who could care less.

Thinking he's putting pressure on Russia with sanctions that include denying visas, freezing assets, and barring those sanctioned from doing business in the U.S. along with being unable to conduct transactions in American dollars anywhere in the world...he's putting them on a very small group of wealthy individuals. Sanctioning wealthy individuals including Putin’s chief of staff Sergei Ivanov, lifelong friends Arkady Rotenberg and Russian oil billionaire Gennady Timchenko, whose companies have amassed billions of dollars in government contracts, along with 17 others individuals as well as freezing the assets of Bank Rossiya, Putin's private bank owned by personal friend Yuri Kovalchuk, is Obama's idea of standing up to Putin.

And what does Putin do in response as the European Union joins Obama in expanding the number of people they're targeting (including pro-Russian Crimean secessionist leaders, 10 leading Russian lawmakers who have endorsed the annexation of Crimea, and three top Russian military commanders) along with threatening to cancel an EU-Russia summit...Putin counter-sanctions Obama's and the EU's sanctions by imposing entry bans on American lawmakers like Harry Reid and John Boehner, and on senior White House officials like Obama's senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer and his deputy national security adviser, Ben Rhodes. And playing tit-for-tat Obama signed an executive order that would enable him to penalize key sectors of the Russian economy, including their energy businesses. An executive order that Obama could act on if Russian forces move into other areas of Ukraine...like any of Obama's executive orders would ever stand in Putin's way.

But until this happens...and there is NO guarantee it will ever happen as we all know how Obama loves to hear himself bloviate but NEVER acts on his bloviations...the 'Russian Bear' has again checkmated Obama as he marches forward with even more force and determination. So while Obama continues to declare Russia's incursion into Crimea a violation of international law, and while Ukrainian officials vow NEVER to accept Crimea's annexation by Russia, Putin signed a decree that recognizes the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Crimea at the same time the Russian parliament starts the legislative process of annexing Crimea back into the 'motherland.'

And know that NO matter how loud Obama squawks Putin will NOT give up Crimea, and will manipulate his way into other areas of Ukraine with pro-Russia populations as well. But this time he may do it with political upheavals and financial sabotage instead of with troops and tanks...as in do it by encouraging ethnic Russians into committing acts of public protests...do it by waging a well-crafted cyberwar...do it with visa restrictions...do it by financially crippling Ukraine by raising natural gas prices...and do it by demanding immediate repayment of billions of dollars in debts and loans.

"We offer peace, and Russia offers war" said Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk who still hopes for a diplomatic solution to the turmoil that is engulfing his country all while acknowledging that there was "a strong possibility" of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

So while Crimean lawmakers have approved legislation to make the Russian ruble the official currency in Crimea along with the Ukrainian hryvnia, and while on March 30th, Crimea will move to Moscow Standard Time, a partial mobilization of Ukraine's armed forces has started...armed forces that really are NO match for Putin's forces. But no one...NOT Obama or Ukrainian officials...can overlook the fact that that most of Crimea's population, with the exception of the Tatar minority and some ethnic Ukrainians, are more than happy to return to what they have always regarded as their ancestral home...'mother' Russia.

And this serves Vladimir Putin well for the man who wants to return Russia to her long ago imperial glory works his will and his wants...as all bullies do...through intimidation and strength...while Barack HUSSEIN Obama shows weaknesses and ineptitude on the world stage. And Obama's weakness will indeed be the cause of Ukraine's ultimate downfall as a community organizer is NO match for a 'Russian Bear' with a heart of steel whose NOT afraid to get blood on his hands.

And know that when this is all said and done there will be blood on Putin's hands...blood on Obama's hands...and it will be innocent Ukrainian blood and that is the saddest thing of all.

Op-ed:

Putin vs Obama...and the U.S. and Ukraine are the losers
By: Diane Sori

"Military action would be completely legitimate because it was at the request of the President Yanukovych." - Vladimir Putin

"I am Russian. I don't need protection." - Russian protester living in the Ukraine opposed to Putin's efforts to retake the Ukraine

And so as Russian forces encircle Ukraine with Russian fighter jets having entering Ukrainian air space...and with Russian troops having seized control of Crimea including surrounding Ukrainian military installations all while regaining a much wanted warm-water port...Barack HUSSEIN Obama still does NOTHING to stand strong while Putin sends warships into the Black Sea.

Bottom line..Putin has won this round of the chess game against America's cowardly wimp that is our president. And while Obama and his shills continue to bloviate meaningless words a new...or should I say a 'reborn' old super power has emerged...damn you Obama...damn you as this is indeed all of your doing.

All of Obama's doing because he does NOT have the guts or courage to stand strong against Vladimir Putin...albeit a communist Putin proves once again that he is more of a man than Obama will ever be.

And while Obama administration officials called the deployment of Russian troops to Crimea an "uncontested arrival" rather than an invasion, Putin said his troops were deployed as a response to an "unconstitutional coup." Claiming that the pro-Russian former government in Kiev was illegally overthrown and that President Yanukovych (the man Putin regards as Ukraine’s legitimate president) asked him for military help, Obama does NOTHING but waste time questioning if this has any ring of truth to it all while Russian troops continue to settle into Crimea. But the question remains will the Russian troops move north into Kiev...a city free from Russia's orb for years, sadly now on the verge of again falling within it...or will Putin be happy with just retaking Crimea.

Something tells me NO for Ukraine has always been a hot button issue for the Russians ever since the breakup of the Soviet Union more than two decades ago. And when you add in what was an administrative turnover of Crimea to Ukraine in 1994, Ukraine is and will always be thought of as the 'cradle' of Russian civilization ...the 'cradle' that must be returned to the motherland.

Remember also that in the all-important power game between nations... especially between old Cold War foes...Russia is but a single country without Ukraine but with Ukraine the Russian empire is indeed reborn.

Putin knows this and he is now flexing his muscle against the U.S and specifically against Obama...who he knows has NO backbone or will to stop him. Putin has played his hand cleverly and calculatingly and is now saving Russian 'face'... rebuilding Russia as a superpower to be feared...to be respected...and is doing so while Barack HUSSEIN Obama bloviates about useless economic sanctions... economic sanctions that simply do NOT work.

A case in point is Iran, a country economically sanctioned for many years now. And while Obama and crew claim it was these sanctions that brought Iran to the negotiating table, the truth is that Iran, with their strings being pulled by Putin, had Putin turning the disarmament game in his favor by his using Syria as a deflection tactic to keep American eyes focused on the Middle East while he successfully implemented what was always his main goal...bringing Ukraine back into the fold. And know that what Putin wants Putin gets...one way or another and that he will keep what he conquered, because for Putin to give up Crimea now would mean the end of his presidency, as it would mean 'the Bear' backed down and former KGB colonels do NOT back down...ever.

So are we on the 'Eve of Destruction'...the start of WWIII perhaps...I don't think so for when all the bravado and chest pounding is stripped away on all sides this incursion into Ukraine is primarily two-fold...first, Putin is trying to secure his warm-water naval base and destabilize Ukraine's government NOT actually trying to set the stage for a total annexation or invasion of Ukraine...and second, Putin wants to control the European and global economies...as in energy prices and the prices of equities. And by accomplishing this, as an added bonus Putin gets to rebuild Russia as the world's number one superpower stepping over Obama and the U.S. in the process for he knows that Obama will NOT stop or deter him.

And those who think Putin doesn't have Europe by the throat right now are horribly mistaken for more than 33% of the gas used by Europe flows from Russia through 18 Ukrainian pipelines into Europe...translating into he who controls the pipelines controls the income that goes along with them. Couple that with the growth of Russia's economy because of oil and gas exports into Europe, and Putin can now manipulate a more aggressive foreign policy as he economically holds Europe hostage, especially when it's played against one who will NOT oppose him.

Remember back when these infamous words of Obama's were caught off mike in March 2012..."After my election I have more flexibility..." as in did Obama know that Putin was planning this maneuver two years ago (this was NO last minute decision on Putin's part as it required careful planning) and was a deal made for the U.S. to look away. Obama's response or lack thereof leads one to believe there is more to this than simply meets the eye for how did our intelligence community miss this...I mean they had to know Russian naval ships were moving into position.. they had to know Russian troops were amassing along Ukraine's border...these are NOT things that can be hidden...they had to know but were they ordered to look away...with this administration anything is possible.

And we all know that Obama orchestrates foreign policy NOT in America's best interests but in the best interests of the enemy and if that means selling out to Putin to manipulate confrontations in the Middle East...especially confrontations with Iran and Syria...if it aids in Obama's oh-so-wanted sell out and elimination of Israel in the process than so be it.

And while yesterday NATO and Putin agreed to hold talks on the Ukraine on Wednesday, Putin continues to insist he is doing what needs to be done to protect Russian citizens living in Ukraine, but in a sign that he might actually be trying to defuse tensions to some degree, Putin has ordered troops conducting military exercises near Ukraine's border with western Russia to return to their bases.

And Putin's doing this all while he claims there are NO Russian troops in Ukraine or in Crimea, but pictures say what words lie...and the games continue with Ukraine's people the losers.