The White House LIED about Benghazi - 2nd Term Blues

CNN - Politics: Reports on recently released White House emails that show that the Obama White House pushed the link that a US Ambassador and three other Americans were killed due to foul video, the article notes the following, " New documents obtained by conservative watchdog Judicial Watch reinforce that the White House strongly argued that an anti-Muslim video was the reason for the deadly 2012 terror attacks on U.S. compounds in Benghazi. ".

Lets Get Real:

Thus we have reality, that the deaths of four Americans in Libya was a terrorist attack, while the Obama White House was more concerned about covering the backside of the President, he was arguing in the 2012 Presidential race that he had the terrorist enemies of the US on the run, well these deaths showed that was LIE, so the Obama White House will the help of the LIBERAL press covered up the TRUTH.  Only few reporters and Fox News have bitten at the shoes of the White House, thus we gain more information.  It is fair to say that President Obama and his National Security Team should offer an apology to the US voters, they lied and have now been caught with their emails. 

US vs. Russia and the Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis Latest 2

Guardian: Reports on the following remarks by US Secretary of State John Kerry, " US intercepts Moscow's calls to spies in Ukraine, report says..US secretary state reportedly tells private meeting recordings disprove Russian denials about involvement in separatist unrest ".

Lets Get Real: 

There is an old World War 2 saying, lose talks sinks ships, the Secretary should have a reformed one, lose talk can sink a US Secretary of State, thus the Russians are informed that that the NSA and other US Intelligence networks are listening to their on the ground movements, they will change the code or how they communicate with Moscow.  As stated in previous post, Secretary Kerry is a lose cannon, it is about time someone took the blame for the failure of the President Obama's foreign policy, the President never will, thus he should sack Kerry and get a new team, get some Russian/Soviet experts in, old hands who understand the Russian bear.   Putin will push and push, he sees history ahead, while Obama is just looking forward to the 2014 Mid Term Elections and the hope of keeping the US Senate, one might ask who has the better strategy. 

East Ukraine OUT of Control - Ukraine Crisis Latest

BBC News: Reports the following, " Ukraine's acting President Olexander Turchynov has admitted his forces are "helpless" to quell unrest driven by pro-Russian activists in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. ".

Lets Get Real:

Thus history will record that the New Russia or the former Tsarist Empire was reformed under President Obama, it does not matter if Russia takes the Ukraine by force it has regained ownership of its former land, this will be seen as a great victory for Russians after the fall of THE USSR,  history written in Russia in the years ahead with have praise for Putin, while Western historians on the whole will argue that Putin has bought Russia out of its political blues after the end of the USSR.    It can be argued that the one person who will not get any credit will be President Obama, in a recent new conference the President stated that he did not want to make ANY mistakes, thus the lack of action, but by not doing ANYTHING of real substance over Syria and the Ukraine, the President will be on the same level as Jimmy Carter, and that is not a level ANY US President wants to find himself after eight years. 

41% Job Approval for POTUS - ABC News/Washington Post Poll

CNN - Politics: Reports the following on a new ABC News/Washington Post Poll and its effects on the 2-14 Mid Terms, " ..during a midterm election year, the approval rating is constantly under the national spotlight, as it's considered a key indicator of how the president's political party may fare on Election Day. ".

Lets Get Real: 

If your a Democrat in a tight race you throw the Oval under the bus, you make yourself the constant pain in the backside of the Oval, in fact you spout Republican polices and make them your own.  When it comes to ObamaCare, if you voted for it, you say you were lied to by the White House, that you want to reform it, its your only argument, if you didn't vote for it, you say that you are open to major reform, amend not repeal, it keeps your liberal base on board and they should understand.    When it comes to foreign policy, you CALL for tougher action, sound more Kennedy/Reagan than Jimmy Carter or Obama.   Then after the 2014 Mid Terms we see the start for the 2016 Presidential run, expect in the new year for Clinton and Bush to formally enter the race, they can not wait to long, they need to road test their campaign and see if they have the right staff for the internal fight and the general election.   A lot of polls what fun. 

Kerry's FAILURE in the Middle East - 2nd Term Blues

Guardian: Reports on the US reaction the failure to get a Middle East Peace Deal, " Officials predicted that the end of the talks would prompt the US to withdraw from efforts to mediate, as both sides attempted to "minimise damage".

Lets Get Real:

Thus Secretary Kerry must be viewed as a major failure as US Secretary of State, this blog did warn the Oval that Kerry could be a lose cannon, one can assume in private that he thinks he should be President, War Hero, Lt Governor, Senator, 2004 Nominee for President, while he has to deal with President Obama, who makes Neville Chamberlain look tough, that is saying something when discussing foreign policy, Kerry has marched the US troops up the hill for a strike on Syria and his boss bottles the actual decision.  In the Ukraine the US economic sanctions look 2nd rate.   While Obama talks tough, the Russia Bear has taken over the Crimea and is heading to take over the entire Ukraine, while the West just spins hot air.   Then of late Kerry has connected Israel to the apartheid South Africa, the Israeli Lobby is not happy and so this is the chance for Obama to throw Kerry over the side and get who he wants as Secretary of State, Kerry has BEEN A DISASTER. 

The END of the Middle East Peace Talks - Obama Failure

BBC News: Reviews the failure of the recent peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, the article notes the following, " In many ways, Israelis and Palestinians are further apart than they were when the peace process started. ".

Lets Get Real: 

The two State solution is DEAD, it never had a chance, the simple fact is that there are good people on both sides who want a solution, but they tend overlook the political ramifications for both Israel and those that lead the PLO in the West Bank and Gaza.   When you get in to the details the best deal that the PLO had was in 2000 under the Clinton Administration, it would have given the PLO a STATE, a real State, but the leadership would not make the compromises need for Israel to go for the idea.    Thus time has move on, the idea was noble, but its time has gone, there needs to be new thinking, there is always a solution, it could happen tomorrow or long after this blogger is blogging from on high.   It is a age old question, peace or honour, sometimes you can not have both, and in the real world of diplomacy words flatter but if your people are not behind you, then are very much alone and out of office, or even dead in the Middle East. 

The Counter Revolution in Egypt, Do the ENDS justify the MEANS ?

The White House: Statement by the Press Secretary on recent mass trials and verdicts in Egypt, " The United States is deeply troubled by the continued use of mass trials and sentencing in Egypt, and particularly by today’s death sentence against 683 defendants.  Today’s verdict, like the one last month, defies even the most basic standards of international justice.  The Egyptian government has the responsibility to ensure that every citizen is afforded due process, including the right to a fair trial in which evidence is clearly presented, and access to an attorney.  While judicial independence is a vital part of democracy, this verdict cannot be reconciled with Egypt’s obligations under international human rights law.  Egyptian leaders must take a stand against this illogical action and dangerous precedent, recognizing that the repression of peaceful dissent will fuel the instability and radicalization that Egypt says it wishes to prevent.

We urge the Egyptian government to end the use of mass trials, reverse this and previous mass sentences, and ensure that every citizen is afforded due process.  Since the January 25 Revolution, the Egyptian people have aspired to be represented by a government that rules justly, respects their dignity, and provides economic opportunities. 

The United States supports these aspirations and wants Egypt’s transition to succeed.  A fair and transparent criminal justice system free of intimidation and political retribution is an important part of any democracy, and the Egyptian people deserve no less. "

Lets Get Real:

This blog has been tough on the Obama White House went it is doing the wrong thing, that is most of the time, but on this it is right, this blog supported the counter revolution against the Muslim Brotherhood and the violent clean up operation after, in this case and for good PR the new Cairo Government should show charity, kick the trouble makers out, one assumes someone will take them, external exile is as old as the hills, one assumes the US will pick up the cost.  When you have won, and it seen you have won, you can show mercy to the opposition, killing hundreds through legal means is JUST WRONG, and Egypt is better than that, so advice to Cairo, so mercy and get some good PR and throw the trouble makers out. 

Russian Thuggery IN East Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis Latest 3

Guardian: Reports on the following incident from East Ukraine, " An unknown number of people were injured in the eastern city of Donestk when a pro-Russian group wielding clubs attacked people marching in a pro-Kiev rally....A US official said OSCE observers have been subject to abusewhile being held in the state security service building in Slavyansk, and that Russia has done nothing to help them. Germany has asked Russia to use its influence to secure their release. "

Lets Get Real: 

The Russians must be wondering how they LOST the Cold War to such weak characters as the EU and the US, they put some of their special forces in and then pretended  that its locals that have taken over, very military looking locals with the latest weapons.   No has suggested so far sending in Troops to defend the Ukraine, but what about using covert forces to attack covert forces, as the Russians have said they are not there, why not use that against them, send in the US and UK Special Forces to CLEAN HOUSE or buildings.    Then bring in Ukraine special forces to take over when the TV news turn up, lets start kicking some Russian backsides, show them why the West WON the cold war, fight fire with fire or at least send small arms to help the Kiev Government. 

Russian BEAR LIES, - Ukraine Crisis Latest 2

BBC News: Reports the following from East Ukraine, " ..the mayor of Kharkiv, a city in eastern Ukraine, was shot and critically wounded.....Monday also saw pro-Russian separatists seize a local government building in Kostyantynivka, a town in the eastern Donetsk region. ".

Lets Get Real:

The Russians are spitting in the faces of the leaders of the West, they see Obama as weak and the EU unable to to the real hard stuff as Germany needs Russian gas for its economy, thus its only a matter of time before Russia either takes East Ukraine with troops or by its use of special forces it runs the East.   This is a short term victory for KGB Ptuin, this will force the West to support the West, as it is a real basket case in economic terms now, if it losses the East it will be in further trouble.   Of course Putin could be MAD and takes the whole of the Ukraine, then its a New Cold War 2, in a odd way this blog would be happy back in the Cold War, at least one knows the enemy, its the Russian Bear and its outreach claws. 

Further US sanctions on Russia - Ukraine Crisis Latest

The White House: Statement by the Press Secretary, " The United States has taken further action today in response to Russia’s continued illegal intervention in Ukraine and provocative acts that undermine Ukraine’s democracy and threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.  At the contact group meeting in Geneva on April 17, 2014, Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and the European Union decided on a number of steps to deescalate the situation in eastern Ukraine, including refraining from further violence or provocative acts.   Since April 17, Russia has done nothing to meet its Geneva commitments and in fact has further escalated the crisis.  Russia’s involvement in the recent violence in eastern Ukraine is indisputable.

The United States made clear it would impose additional costs on Russia if it failed live up to its Geneva commitments and take concrete steps to deescalate the situation in Ukraine.  Consequently, today the United States is imposing targeted sanctions on a number of Russian individuals and entities and restricting licenses for certain U.S. exports to Russia.  The Department of the Treasury is imposing sanctions on seven Russian government officials, including two members of President Putin’s inner circle, who will be subject to an asset freeze and a U.S. visa ban, and 17 companies linked to Putin’s inner circle, which will be subject to an asset freeze.  In addition, the Department of Commerce has imposed additional restrictions on 13 of those companies by imposing a license requirement with a presumption of denial for the export, re-export or other foreign transfer of U.S.-origin items to the companies.  Further, today the Departments of Commerce and State have announced a tightened policy to deny export license applications for any high-technology items that could contribute to Russia’s military capabilities.  Those Departments also will revoke any existing export licenses that meet these conditions.

The international community has been unified in its position that Russia must cease its illegal intervention and provocative actions in Ukraine.  The United States, working closely with its partners, remains prepared to impose still greater costs on Russia if the Russian leadership continues these provocations instead of de-escalating the situation, consistent with its Geneva commitments.  The executive order signed by the President on March 20, 2014, authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to impose sanctions on individuals and entities operating in key sectors of the Russian economy, such as financial services, energy, metals and mining, engineering, and defense.  If there is further Russian military intervention in Ukraine, we are prepared to sanction entities under this authority. "

Lets Get Real:

President Putin has admitted the sanctions will hurt, but Russia will get through it.  As history shows the then USSR got the nuclear bomb faster than people expected, it used foul means, but it got what it wanted, thus expect Russia to trade on the international black market from what it can not get from the West.   Putin is using the Ukraine to divert the attention of the people from the economic mess that is Russia, its a Country being kept afloat by OIL and its supply to West Europe.   The EU needs to create it own gas stream, what ever the green lobby states, it needs to cut Russia off at its knees, time to show the Russian bear that the honey bottle can be produced in other areas, that its time the Bear went back in to hibernation. 

Afghanistan Front News - Afghanistan Theatre

MOD:  Has announced the names of the Armed Forces Personnel killed due to an air crash in Afghanistan on 26th of April 2014, they were " Captain Thomas Clarke, Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan, Warrant Officer Class 2 Spencer Faulkner, Corporal James Walters and Lance Corporal Oliver Thomas ".

Lets Get Real:

Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 453 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 404 in combat/hostile action, while 49 have died due to illness, accidents or other incidents.   Lets hope they are never forgotten, that Afghanistan and Iraq do not fall in to the category of another Korea, Wars that are finished without a real solution even after the treasure spent  and men and women lost. 

The West vs. Russia - New Sanctions ?

The White House: The latest readout of President Obama's calls to EU leaders, the statement is as follows, "Today the President spoke with President Hollande of France, Chancellor Merkel of Germany, Prime Minister Renzi of Italy, and Prime Minister Cameron of the UK to consult about the alarming situation in eastern Ukraine.  The leaders noted the positive steps that Ukraine had taken to move forward on the actions to which it committed in the April 17 joint statement by Ukraine, Russia, the European Union, and the United States – including proposing an amnesty law for those who will peacefully leave the buildings they have seized in eastern Ukraine, supporting the work of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and committing themselves once again to a process of constitutional reform and decentralization.  The leaders also agreed that Russia had not reciprocated – including by not publicly supporting the Geneva accord, nor calling on armed militant groups to lay down their arms and leave the government buildings they’ve occupied – and had in fact continued to escalate the situation through its increasingly concerning rhetoric and threatening military exercises on Ukraine’s border.

 

The President noted that the United States is prepared to impose targeted sanctions to respond to Russia's latest actions. The leaders agreed to work closely together, and through the G7 and European Union, to coordinate additional steps to impose costs on Russia. The leaders underscored that Russia could still choose a peaceful resolution to the crisis, including by implementing the Geneva accord. ".

Lets Get Real:

If your President Putin your shaking in your bear boots NOT, this is the typical weak rubbish we have heard for weeks from the West, Moscow does not want a peaceful resolution, it wants to win and rub Obama's nose in that fact, how the West does not get that point is shameful.   The EU is just to weak, Germany needs the gas from Russia, as do other former Warsaw Countries.  The US IF it lead could force the EU to move to tougher sanctions, but with Obama he wants to be liked by Europe, he does not want the US lead, he wants nearly anybody else to lead, from the EU to the UN.   This will be seen as a green light by Moscow to take action, this weekend should be interesting. 

Jeb Bush for 2016 - The Bush vs. Clinton rematch

CNN - Politics: Reports from inside the Bush clan on the prospects of Jeb Bush running in 2016, the article notes the following, ".....in an exclusive interview with CNN, Jeb's brother, Neil, made it clear that his dad -- George H.W. Bush -- wants his son to run, ".

Lets Get Real:

So that is the choice faced by US voters, either a President Bush or a President Clinton.  This blog has come around to supporting Jeb Bush for the Republican Nomination in 2016, Governor Christie seems to have burned his bridges, sorry to easy a joke to miss, thus we are left with Jeb Bush, he is seen as the smartest of the Bush boys, the one that Bush 41 wanted to be President, the question that he will be asked on the campaign trail is what he thinks of the record of Bush 43 when it comes to Foreign Policy, while Clinton will have to deal with being Secretary of State in the 1st Obama Administration and its failure with Russia, and what if anything she achieved while in that post.    Also lets not forget that it was on her watch that the US Ambassador to Libya and three others were killed by terrorists, what was her role in D.C that night, why had she not placed more troops in Libya.   One wonders how the good relationship between President Clinton and Bush 41 could carry on in a tough Presidential fight, family is family after all, and you take power with the support of the voters. 

Pro Russian Protesters HOLD Hostages, - Ukraine Crisis Latest 2

Guardian: Reports the following from East Ukraine, " Pro-Moscow separatists...were holding a group of European military observers in the city of Slavyansk on Friday night, claiming they had been travelling with a spy for the Kiev government. ".

Lets Get Real:

The pro Russian separatists are either playing for higher stakes, or this was a mistake and the observers will be released, IF there is plan to take hostages this would be way for Russia to play the good guy, it would state in public they oppose such actions and get the hostages released, on the other hand taking hostages has been known to cause problems for the Oval Office, from Carter to Reagan.   In this case there are NO Americans but EU Capitals will be fearing this is a ploy to pressure on them not place more economic sanction on Russia.   One does recall when the Serbs in mid 1990's took UN peacekeepers as hostages, not the best day for the UN.   The result of this action will be interesting. 

Russian Jets ACTIVE in Ukraine Airspace - Ukraine Crisis Latest

BBC News: Reports the following on the developing crisis in the Ukraine, " The US says Russian military aircraft have entered Ukrainian airspace several times in the past 24 hours, amid rising tension in the east of the country. ".

Lets Get Real:

The Russians are testing, they are seeing how much they can get away with before the air force of the Ukraine reacts, they could be pushing the air force of Ukraine to take a shot, then use that as a reason to take the East of Ukraine, if NOT the whole of Ukraine.  Putin might not be in total control of the pro Russian protesters in the East of Ukraine, he would not be the first leader to lose control of an action once it has started.   This weekend will be interesting, the US, UK, France and Germany could impose tougher sanctions, of course this would hurt Russia and Western economy, will Russia wait or will it go in, the troops on the Russian and Ukraine border must be getting bored with the constant alert, Putin has a choice, either use them or lose the edge that Russia has at this moment.  The West could be holding its breath this weekend. 

How Mistakes in a Crisis can lead to conflict - Ukraine Crisis Latest 3

Telegraph: Reports on Russian aircraft close to UK airspace, " RAF Typhoons scrambled to Russian bombers..Quick-reaction fighters were scrambled to investigate two Russian military aircraft north of Scotland ".

Lets Get Real: 

Lets hope the Russian military is fully under the control of the Kremlin, one does not want to see some hotshot Russian airman try something while in the air and this can be miss read by a Western fighter, it could lead to serious mistakes and lead to another Cuban Missile Crisis. This is the risk that Putin is taking, the more he pushes the chance of something going wrong either on the ground or in the air, the West will react if A NATO Country comes under threat.   One would assume that Obama and Putin have a back channel envoy that they both trust who can tell the other that there are REAL red lines, otherwise a crisis in the Ukraine could get out of hand quite fast, there are native Russians in the Baltic States and Poland. 

The Russian Bear and its VIEW of the West - Ukraine Crisis Latest 2

Guardian: Reports the following from the Ukraine, " Russia warns it will respond if interests attacked in Ukraine...Russia accuses Ukraine and US of distorting deal in Geneva to defuse crisis as Moscow announces military exercises ". "

Lets Get Real:

It is interesting in the BBC Drama 37 Days, on the events leading up to WW1, the British Foreign Secretary states the World order can not work if the players can not even agree on night and day, no this blog is not stating we are heading for that end, one doubts that even Putin is that crazy or Obama has the backbone if it got there, but what we face over the next few days and weeks or years is the growing isolation of Russia, the return to a new Cold War 2, the policy of containment for the USSR WILL get a upgrade for Russia, the question is not what the West will DO, is what Putin will do, how will he react to the isolation, how will the international economy, will Russia cause problems in previous joint co - operation schemes with the US, such as Afghanistan and Space.   The BIG question is WHAT kind of action will Putin take in the Ukraine, will he go for the entire Country or just the East, how will the US and EU react, the Great Game just got a new round, interesting. 

New Russian Threat to the Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis Latest

BBC News: Reports the following, " Russia will respond if its interests in Ukraine are attacked, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said, drawing a parallel with the 2008 Georgian war. "

Lets Get Real:

The Kremlin might be following a policy of boring people to death with this subject, either Russia gets off his backside and follows through with its constant threat or backs off, the Russian troops on the border between the Ukraine and Russia must be bored rigid with the on going alert, it is as if Putin is not quite sure of the reaction, he was sure that the West would not react with the Crimea, the Ukraine would be another matter, the World order after the fall of the USSR would become in to question, also this would bring Russia very close to Poland, an age old enemy, who happens to be part of NATO.   Even a limited strike on East Ukraine could backfire, the West of Ukraine would come under the protection of the West, thus moving the West closer to Russia, something Putin does not want, lets hope the master chess player has not out played himself in this case. 

Foul Murder in East Ukraine, Linked to Russian Protesters - Ukraine Latest

BBC News: Reports the following from the Ukraine, " Ukraine's acting president has relaunched military operations against pro-Russian militants in the east after two men, one a local politician, were found "tortured to death". ".

Lets Get Real:

The Geneva agreement is DEAD, the Russians are not leaving East Ukraine, President Putin sees this as his chance to reform the old Russian Empire, or a more limited USSR, he wants to go down in history as the man that bought back the glory to Russia after the fall of the USSR.   Thus it can be argued that Putin does not care about the sanctions of the West or what the Western media call him, he runs the media in Russia, that ALL that matters to him, the Oval does not have the backbone to help Ukraine and the military forces of the Ukraine are never going to be strong enough to defend its homeland.   Thus Putin has gained the Crimea and now East Ukraine all under the watch of President Obama, one wonders what history will say of the Obama Era. 

The Obama Strategy on Russia - Ukraine Crisis 3

The New York Times: Reports that President Obama is looking to follow a new policy of containment mark 2 when it comes to Russia, the article notes the following, " by cutting off its economic and political ties to the outside world, limiting its expansionist ambitions in its own neighborhood and effectively making it a pariah state. ".

Lets Get Real:

The article gives the impression that President Obama has no interest in Foreign Policy, its almost a bore, that he wants to in the last two hand half years if Office deal with other areas, if this is the TRUTH of the article, then the World is in BIG trouble, AN American President might want a lot of things, the World is does not wait for POTUS to get his finger out, also Putin is not just going to accept what Obama wants, he could cause problems in Afghanistan, with Iran and Syria, and since the US does not have Space Shuttle any more what if Russia says no to taking Americans in to Space and other joint co - operations end, Obama can not go deaf because he wants too, Obama really needs his own Leo ( West Wing ) someone who he trusts but also can take the bark off, someone who can tell him some home truths he might not like to hear. 

End of the Geneva Deal on Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis Latest 2

Guardian: Reports the following on the Crisis in East Ukraine, " The tentative Geneva deal.....is hanging by a thread after as many as five people were killed in a gun battle near the volatile eastern town of Slavyansk early on Sunday. ".

Lets Get Real:

The Russian Bear has  either lost control of these pro Russian protesters or it has opened a box it can not control, either KGB Putin can bring the pro Russian protesters to the DEAL or the world will know his and Russia's word is no good,   The question does Putin want to the protesters to STOP, this is chance to being back part of the old USSR.   If this happens President Obama will not have a good historical record after 2017, the old World order that stopped with the demise of the old USSR would be bought back or a more limited scale but it would be back, the idea that the old threats were over would require serious review, those old Kremlin hands would have their jobs back at the Universities, at least Putin is not a Communist, also this blog has seen TV footage of him with his mother in a Cathedral, so Putin is a man of faith, depends of course if he has gone nuts, if that is the case then ALL bets are off. 

Incident in East Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis Latest

BBC News: Reports the following from East Ukraine, " Russian state media reported that five people were killed in a gun attack on a checkpoint manned by pro-Russian activists near the town of Sloviansk. ".

Lets Get Real:

This has the smell of a set up, the Russians were playing the West at the Geneva meeting, they are going for a policy of annexation of East Ukraine, then the entire Ukraine, the West, and this means the US and the EU have to impose harsh sanctions on the Kremlin, it has to get the message, this is not the days of the old Cold War, Russia is NOT a super power as is the US and a growing EU, its a Country will the oil, if not much else, IT lost the Cold War, POTUS might be right, its ONLY a regional power, who is fighting above its weight, time it grew up and its people got a backbone and threw OUT Putin. 

What does Putin want in Eastern Ukraine? - Ukraine Crisis Latest

Guardian:  Reports on the fate of the Geneva deal on the Ukraine in Eastern Ukraine, " International attempts to de-escalate tensions.....were floundering on Friday as separatist groups in the east declared that they had no intention of leaving occupied buildings and accused Kiev of violating an agreement reached in Geneva on Thursday. ".

Lets Get Real:

This is Russian testing the US and the EU, the Kremlin is waiting to see if the West has the bottle to place painful sanctions on Russia, if not then the Kremlin will see it as the green light to take the whole of the Ukraine.   The Russians have one ACE, they supply gas to Germany and other close States, if they turn the tap off then these Countries will suffer on the economic front, the long term loser would be Russia, a break of gas would force these Countries to get other supplies or start to produce their own, its a one shot deal for Russia, if the West calls its bluff then Russia  might be the biggest loser. 

US and the UK on the Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis Latest

The White House: Readout of telephone call between President Obama and PM Cameron of the UK, " The President and Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom spoke today regarding their deep concern about the situation in eastern Ukraine.  The President commended the government of Ukraine’s approach to today’s discussions in Geneva, where it put forward constructive proposals to expand local governance and ensure the rights of all Ukrainians are protected.  The leaders stressed that Russia needs to take immediate, concrete actions to de-escalate the situation in eastern Ukraine, including by using its influence over the irregular forces in eastern Ukraine to get them to lay down their arms and leave the buildings they have seized.  As the President has said, we will look for the Russians to quickly follow through on their commitments in Geneva in this regard.  The President and the Prime Minister agreed that the United States and Europe are prepared to take further measures to impose costs on Russia if this de-escalation does not occur in short order. ".

Lets Get Real:

The EU main players, Germany, France and the UK, have to take action if Russia fails to get its supporters to leave the buildings they hold in East Ukraine, the EU could forbid EU companies from doing business in Russia, also freeze the assets of rich Russians who have residence in the EU.   The Putin Regime can be bought  down, the EU and the US have to have the backbone to get REAL, take the economic pain and force Putin to face the results of his actions, otherwise the EU and NATO will have to safeguard its Eastern Allies with troops. 

Is the Geneva Ukraine DEAL, DOA on Arrival - Ukraine Crisis Latest

BBC News: Reports the following from Donetsk, East Ukraine, "..protest leaders occupying government buildings in eastern cities such as Donetsk said the interim authorities in Kiev must step down first, as they had taken power in what they said was an illegal coup. ".

Lets Get Real:

If the pro Russian protesters in the East of Ukraine do not give up the buildings they have taken and give back the guns they stole then we know that Russia was playing games in Geneva, of course there could be an internal struggle between the Kremlin and its Foreign Office, it would not be the first country to have that problem, it has happened in the UK and the USA.  President Putin does not come across as a guy that likes his orders questioned, thus one has to assume that it was a Kremlin play to get the West to back off, thus the agreement by the Russians to the Geneva Agreement, pure PR, the Russians want the entire Ukraine.   Thus WHAT NEXT, the West has to be serious, thus more sanctions, the kind that really hurt, ban US business from Russia and also EU Countries will have to accept pain, Putin has to be bought to heel and fast. 

Obama on Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis Latest 2

The White House: Reports on a readout of a telephone call between President Obama and Chancellor Merkel of Germany, the subject was the Ukraine, " The President and Chancellor Merkel of Germany spoke today regarding their deep concern about the situation in eastern Ukraine.  The President commended the government of Ukraine’s approach to today’s discussions in Geneva, where it put forward constructive proposals to expand local governance and ensure the rights of all Ukrainians are protected.  The leaders stressed that Russia needs to take immediate, concrete actions to de-escalate the situation in eastern Ukraine, including by using its influence over the irregular forces in eastern Ukraine to get them to lay down their arms and leave the buildings they have seized.  The President and the Chancellor agreed that the United States and Europe are prepared to take further measures if this de-escalation does not occur in short order.  The leaders also stressed their support for Ukraine’s May 25 presidential elections. ".

Lets Get Real: 

The readout of the call has a tone that suggests that neither the US or Germany TRUST the Russians when it comes to the Ukraine, they have been burned in the past by Russia, there is a difference between what Russia states and what it does, Putin is a skilled manipulator, he gets his Ministers to say what the West wants to hear then he does something else, as noted in his talk today the Russian President stated that he still had the authority to take action when it comes to a threat to Russians.   This weekend is VERY important, will the pro Russian protesters give up the buildings they have taken, and give up their arms, will Russia keep its bear nose out of the Ukraine, we should know by Sunday. 

Kerry on Geneva Ukraine DEAL - Ukraine Crisis Latest

Telegraph - Ukraine Live: Reports the following in its 5.50pm post, " John Kerry, the US secretary of state, says the Ukraine deal represents a "good day's work," but words must be turned into actions. ".

Lets Get Real:

The above is the point, do pro Russian protesters in Easter Ukraine follow the public Moscow stand, or is the Geneva just PR for the Russians, gets the West off its back for few days then invades, is Moscow fully in control of the pro Russians protesters in East Ukraine, once you start something like this its very hard to turn back the clock, depends what the Russian intelligence has promised the Russians in Eastern Europe, will they go back to be run from Kiev, the weekend shall see the results of the DEAL, does it stick, one only has to recall Bosnia.  

The Geneva Deal on the Ukraine - Ukraine Latest

Guardian - Ukraine Live: Reports the agreement between the West and Russian on the Ukraine, the main point for the Ukraine is the following, " All illegal armed groups must be disarmed; all illegally seized buildings must be returned to legitimate owners; all illegally occupied streets, squares and other public places in Ukrainian cities and towns must be vacated.

Amnesty will be granted to protestors and to those who have left buildings and other public places and surrendered weapons, with the exception of those found guilty of capital crimes. ".

Lets Get Real:

IF the pro Russian protesters leave the taken building then we will know that Russia was behind the WHOLE business, on the other hand this could be a Russian faint to fool the West with the PR of a deal but tell its supporters to keep hold of the captured buildings.   Lets see if Moscow's word can be trusted, so far they have shown that their word can not be trusted.  Why would they back down, they can not be afraid of Obama, are the economic sanctions working, do Putin's rich friends fear tougher sanctions from the US and the EU, the Easter Weekend will tell, can the Russian Bear be trusted. 

Geneva Deal on Ukraine - Ukraine Latest

BBC News: Reports the following from Geneva, " Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that all sides have agreed to steps to "de-escalate" the crisis in Ukraine at talks in Geneva. "

Lets Get Real:

Talk is CHEAP, lets see what actions the Russians take, do they get their men the hell out of East Ukraine, do the cease supporting native Russian speakers, do they keep their nose OUT of the affairs of the Ukraine.  There is always a BUT with the Russians, lets see what the others in the TALKS say about the meeting, the Russian bear always tries its lucky to far, that why it needs sometimes a slap on its nose.   This could be easy talk before an invasion, as Reagan said, Trust but Verify. 

The Oval Office and the Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis Latest

Telegraph - Ukraine Live: Reports in its 5.53pm post the following, " A statement is being made at the White House. Spokesman Jay Carney says the Ukrainian government has the responsibility to provide law and order in Ukraine. He has praised the "measured" approach of the Ukrainian forces in the east. He has said that the provocations in the region are creating a situation that Kiev has to respond to. ".

Lets Get Real: 

At least the Oval Office is backing Kiev through words, even if its doing bugger all else, no arms, no intelligence,  just some basic food rations, that really going to help against the Russian army!  If Russia is going to ACT it will ACT NOW, its has a reason from its point of view, also Russian TV is pushing the Kremlin line, so what is the prediction of this blog, it is risky to make predictions in this game, but it can be postulated that Russian might move tonight or tomorrow, if it sees that its gains in East Ukraine could be lost, on other hand does Putin really want a short War with the Ukraine, this is not Georgia, it could get very bloody.  Thus out of 10, this blog is betting 6.5 of some kind of action by Russia. 

Is Ukraine heading for Civil War ? - Ukraine Crisis Latest

Guardian - Ukraine Live: Reports the following in its post, " Ukrainian government forces ejected pro-Moscow forces from the airport at Kramatorsk and from an airstrip in neighboring Slovyansk. There were unconfirmed reports of casualties. ".

Lets Get Real:

If the Russians are going to invade the East Ukraine the above is a good reason as any, its the kind of incident that Russian TV will use to convince the Russian people that Kiev is under fascist control, echoes of World War 2 will be used, one should watch Russian TV and press just to see alternative world view, its nuts but its the one the Russian people are being fed, Putin has removed free press from Russia.   The Kremlin knows that the Russian people do not want the USSR back, they want the Tsarist Empire back, and that includes the Ukraine, thus if your in the Baltic States you have to be worried, in Poland one can see great FEAR developing, lets hope NATO would defend these Countries, the question is do you TRUST President Obama. 

Ukraine TAKES ON Pro Russian protesters in East Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis Latest

BBC News: Reports the following from the Ukraine, " The acting President of Ukraine, Olexander Turchynov, has announced the start of an "anti-terrorist operation" against pro-Russian separatists. ".

Lets Get Real: 

About time that THE Kiev Government got off its backside and did something about these Russian inspired attacks in the East of the Ukraine, you never give way to a bully he just comes back for more, the common held view is that Kiev did not ACT because it did not want to give Moscow a reason to attack, that was a mistake, the Russian Bear can smell weakness and goes fore more honey, sometimes it needs a firm slap on its nose and its claws pushed back, Moscow might not like Kiev taking action, but it will respect some response, it might have 2nd thoughts about attacking East Ukraine, lets recall the East is majority Ukrainian, the native Russians are a minority, lets hope Kiev follows through, its tanks should not be stopped by single cars, if people will not move then roll over the cars, give the people a chance to get out, but follow through, always follow through with an action. 

Banning an alleged Hostage Taker - US Blocks Iran Choice for UN

BBC News: Reports  from Washington D.C., " The US Congress has sent a bill to the president that would bar Iran's pick for ambassador to the UN from entering the country. "

Lets Get Real:

One has to wonder what Iran is playing at, one could postulate that they want to sabotage the talks between the US and Iran, there have been reports that conservative elements in Iran have told the new President that he better get a deal or he is out, if Iran's President thinks he will not get a good deal he might be using the hostage card as way to say he tried but that the US was never interested in real talks.  Of course it could be conservative elements in Iran that picked this choice, knowing that it would have this effect.  The Oval Office must know it can not fight to many battles, it is low in the polls, it needs to keep some appeal to the floating voter and moderate Republicans, they would not be happy if Obama allowed an alleged former hostage taker to become Iran's Ambassador to the UN.   

Kathleen Sebelius OUT as Health Secretary - 2nd Term Blues

Guardian: Reports the following from Washington D.C., " Health secretary Kathleen Sebelius quits after botched Obamacare rollout ".

Lets Get Real: 

This might be a short term victory for the White House, Secretary Sebelius has been the public face of ObamaCare, thus the Republican attacks have been centred on her and her Department, with the White House spin on those that have signed up for ObamaCare the actual problems could came later, how many of those signed up have paid the first month's insurance, how many had insurance before ObamaCare, does the new law get the millions who had no cover some health cover at last, sooner or later the Obama Administration will have to answer those questions, then if the news is negative the Republican Party will move its critical comment to Obama, while Sebelius was Secretary she took the majority of the political hits, now its the turn of the Oval Office.   The question was the Secretary pushed or did she decide to go after some good news, the memoirs of those that took part IN ObamaCare will be very interesting to historians. 

Putin Threatens Gas supplies to the Ukraine and the West - Ukraine Crisis Latest

Telegraph: Reports the following, " Ukraine: Vladimir Putin threatens to turn off the gas...In threat to switch off Ukraine's gas, Russian president acknowledges gas deliveries to the European Union would also be jeopardised ".

Lets Get Real: 

Let Putin try this, it will be Russia in the long term that gets hurt, this is not the days of the old, not missed USSR, the modern Russia State is part of the international system, if it faces heavy sanctions then the Russian in the street will start to feel the pain, then how long will THE Russian main street support the Kremlin, also the rich friends of the Kremlin will get hurt, how long before they start to place pressure on KGB Putin to back off, unlike Chess, economics is a funny old game, short term win and then long term loss, are you man enough Vlad to take the risk, this blog dares you!.

President Carter CRITICAL OF Hillary Clinton & POTUS - 2nd Term Blues

CNN - Politics: Reports the following, "  Former President Jimmy Carter took a jab at President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over their handling of Middle East peace negotiations in an interview published Thursday. ".

Lets Get Real:

This is not NEW, Carter has been a pain in the backside for his successors, what ever he might say he has never gotten over losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980, he did NOT have a high view of Reagan, the feeling was mutual, Bill Clinton had to put with Carter still thinking he was President, thus the BAD deal with North Korea in the early 1990s.  Jimmy Carter is NOT seen as a friend of Israel, if your Democrat or Republican Candidate for President the last President you want to be compared to IS Carter, its almost an insult, at lest Obama has gone after American's enemies with drone strikes, something you can not see Carter EVER doing.  Obama might be weak in a lot of areas, but give me Obama over Carter any day, just and that is JUST is very small, Carter was a failed President and not much better former President, no matter what the Nobel Prize Committee say or do with the prize. 

Invasion Force for Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis

Guardian: Reports the following from NATO, " Satellite images reveal Russian military buildup on Ukraine's border...Nato images show fighter planes, helicopters and troops which officials say could be ready to move in 12 hours ".

Lets Get Real:

Thus it can be argued that Russia is READY, the question is why the delay, are they looking for a diplomatic victory, hoping the military threat will get them what they want, a Ukraine under their influence, if they do not get that they could take over the entire Ukraine, thus forcing the West to place heavy economic sanctions on Moscow.    The Kremlin could threaten gas supplies to the Western Europe, but then they would lose in the long term, as the Russian economy is to linked to the West to take long term harsh sanctions, the question does Putin care, one can say NOT, his rich friends will care, thus who is better at chess, Russia or the West. 

Kerry and the Ukraine Part 2 - Ukraine Latest

Telegraph: Reports the following from the Ukraine, " US accuses Russia of sending spies into eastern Ukraine to 'create chaos'..Russia sending spies to eastern Ukraine to provide a pretext for a possible Crimea style military intervention, John Kerry claims ".

Lets Get Real:

If Secretary Kerry wants to be taken seriously on the International Stage he needs a very frank talk with President Obama, the kind of talk that gets you fired, and the kind of talk that makes you a great Secretary of State.   Secretary Kerry needs to tell President Obama to man up and fast, the Russians are playing 19th Century game and are winning, Obama might talk about the 21st Century as something special, well HERE is news for POTUS, its not, the problem with POTUS is that he thinks rhetoric is REAL, rhetoric without a steel fist is just empty air, hot air, the Russians only interest is what is good for Mother Russia, they will do what ever it takes, one can understand that, that is REAL, talking about legal norms of the 21st Century shows no understanding of history, it shows that President Obama has not grown in office, oh for Obama to have his own Leo ( West Wing ), someone who can take the bark off, its Obama's and the West's loss that he does not have REAL close friends in D.C. 

Kerry and the Russian THREAT - Ukraine Latest 2

Guardian: Reports the following from Washington D.C, " Moscow may be planning intervention in eastern Ukraine, US warns...John Kerry fears potential Crimea-style action after pro-Russian forces cement control of government building in Donetsk  "

Lets Get Real:

Secretary Kerry is a busted flush as they say in poker, what ever threats he makes to Moscow the Kremlin knows that he will not be backed up by President Obama, over Syria, Kerry at State took the troops up the HILL but his legs were cut off by the Oval Office, in basic terms President Obama does not have the balls to take on President Putin, a former KGB Officer can smell that kind of weakness a mile off.   Thus one can postulate that Putin might chance his arm in the Ukraine, if the West is going to place tougher sanctions on Russia then Putin might as well go for gold, he could take the entire Ukraine, it will not be easy, it will be bloody, one can expect that the West of the Ukraine will fight, the West will dither, Poland and other Eastern allies will wonder if Obama's and the US's word to come to their defence is still valid if they are attacked, one can only assume that Putin wants to return Russia to its former glory of the USSR or at least the former Tsarist Empire. 

NATO warns Russia over Ukraine - Ukraine Latest

BBC News: Reports the following, " Nato has warned Russia that further intervention in Ukraine would be a "historic mistake" with grave consequences. "

Lets Get Real:

The problem of with ALL this tough talk from the West is that at the end of the day the US and NATO will not do a dam thing should Russia take over the whole of the Ukraine, the former KGB Officer in the Kremlin has got Obama's number, and that is weakness, the Oval does not have the spine to take Putin on, thus if your in Ukraine YOU should be worried, the West will only ACT if it has too, if Poland comes under THREAT or the BALTIC STATES that would change the game, even President Obama would have to ACT, the question is would Putin go that far, is he so NUTS that he is starting to trust Russian TV.    The Russians do not have ALL the Aces, the West can bring Russia to his knees in economic terms, the question will Germany follow through with any threats, it gets the majority of its gas from Russia, that also goes for former Warsaw Countries.    The FSB is playing games in the East of the Ukraine, but the East is different, its not majority Russian, thus the Eastern game might take longer and might not work, time will tell who wins, the loser will be the Ukraine.