Biden needs to express how extreme the sanctions will be. Isolating Russia from Europe and ending trade. If they invade. Freezing bank accounts. Etc. Why would Putin care? He likely would not. Others in Russia will. We have been weak with our sanctions. It has to hurt those in power.
Excellent analysis. Subsequent questions: has the GOP become a pro-Russian or Russian-enabling party? Is it time to remind the “American carnage” crowd what a real carnage regime looks like and help them fall in love with democracy again ...
The look on the face of Putin and the expression in his eyes have become ever more obviousl sinister and untrustworthy the longer he continues as President. In so many photos as a much younger man the contrasts are so evident. Putin, with his early days poverty in St Petersburg, has proved he has absolutely no conscience, and a pathological need to accumulate wealth. Third parties have accumulated huge fortunes in places like Panama. on his behalf. The Putin Palace, not far from The Black Sea, indicates total indifference to the poverty which exists in Russia, and his desperate need for utter self interest in this little man of very unimpressive physical stature. A very brave man like Alexei Navalny is very well aware that The Russian Federation is being run by a very evil criminal supported by those of similar ambitions. Now Oleg Navalny is being picked on in the usual utterly corrupt system. In all his political life, Putin has been incapable of even one decent memory of his very long Presidential term. On the contrary he will be remembered for acts of barbarity and manipulation with Syria as an example of this little man's depravity. So many posed photos of Putin attempting to play the part of a fine masculine cult figure prove how unbalanced and mentally unstable he has become.
Biden and others did well with knocking down the element of surprise and unpredictability. Fact is neither NATO, EU or US want a ground war with Russia. Sanctions are only pushing Putin closer to China. We need to strengthen and expand NATO. Putin wanted and needed the vast coal mines, steel industry and foundries, as well as seaports. Mariupol and Odessa will be prizes.
Despite the threat of impending economic sanctions, strongman Putin marches ahead with revanchist aggression against eastern Ukrane which he covers with a false narrative of lies dripping out everywhere. Repetition and saturation are essential to pounding home such outrageous propaganda. Words like fire hose and avalanche come to mind.
His calculations might include sanctions being lifted by his comrade Trump if he is returned to power in three years? God forbid if that happens, it would mean the dissolution of NATO and American leadership in the world that promotes liberal democratic values. If those two goals of Putin's are met, he will have then succeeded in creating a new system of worldwide alliances built on authoritarianism and tightly controlled autocratic states.
Putin seems to riding the fascist wave that is sweeping many parts of the world. I question his sanity, as many authoritarians in the past have had mental issues.
Putin a former KGB official and trained in the art of 'kompromat' is cold blooded and very calculating. Hitler had psychological issues (do you think) but was not considered mentally ill. Putin is like wise a cold blooded thug and killer but not considered mentally ill.
"Psychopathography of Adolf Hitler is an umbrella term for psychiatric (pathographic, psychobiographic) literature that deals with the hypothesis that Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, suffered from mental illness, although Hitler was never diagnosed with any mental illnesses during his lifetime. Hitler has often been associated with mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychopathy, both during his lifetime and after his death. Psychiatrists and psychoanalysts who have diagnosed Hitler as having mental disturbance include well-known figures such as Walter C. Langer and Erich Fromm. Other researchers, such as Fritz Redlich, have concluded that Hitler probably did not have these disorders.[1] "
From what I've read, Hitler was narcissistic and had a grandiose self image, lacked a conscience, was cruel, unlawful, lacked empathy and remorse, was manipulative, engaged in risky behavior, had a cold nature and was full of rage. These are most of the characteristics of sociopathy (APD).
Absolutely brilliant insight as always Dr. Ben-Gait! Putin has been using the same playbook his entire career. He is a former espionage agent and the only thing he knows is to use force to achieve his goals. He has aspirations to try to reestablish the former soviet states, but does not realize that people want the ability to make their own choice in choosing their destiny and not to have it dictated to them by some two bit thug and bully! Putin and his cronies along with all of the oligarchs need to pay a hefty price for their transgressions against the Russian people and the world! Putin needs to be taken before The Hague and tried and convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Ukraine is just another extension of his continuing aggression and unless he is stopped all of Europe and the world are at risk! Estimates say over 100,000 civilians could lose their lives in this Ukrainian invasion and that is not acceptable!
Well said. I agree that Putin has to be stopped, but what technology s.b. used to rid the world of this plague? Nuclear is clearly out of the question b.c of unacceptable losses on both sides. Satellite imaging technology can pinpoint any target on earth and multiple drone hybrids equipped with tiny but lethal projectiles can deliver any form of life-ending material - be it a gaseous, penetrative or explosive substance. The world has no choice.
The old axiom "to hit them where it hurts is to hit them in the wallet" in my opinion is what should be exercised. Making life miserable for Putin by freezing all assets and squeezing the Russian economy will only make it more uncomfortable for the Russian people and maybe that will force internal change. Take away Putin's hard currency reserves, shutting off the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, weakening the Russian Rubble will have an impact but the question remains is will it give us the desired outcome remains to be seen? I do know this that the only way to get a bully's attention is to stand up to them!
I hope the Biden administration has a staff of psychiatrists to help assess the proper response to an individual so unhinged. A small man (in his own mind), over-compensating. It is reminiscent trying to achieve a successful outcome of a hostage situation. Or coaxing a cat out of tree, delicately. Like walking on eggshells. Exposuring and declassifying information for the public takes air out of the tires of a tyrant. The thought of the people of Ukraine being sacrificed for Europe is unthinkable. I am glad the Biden administration is being ahead of the story, seeking to be transparent in revealing Putin falsehoods, taking the air of his tires. Any chance of the Russian army cracking from the inside? Russian civil conflict like a few months back? I am strengthened in spirit to hear countries outside NATO -- India, South Korea, Taiwan speak. I have seen no commentary yet from the Central or South American neighbors, disappointing as conflict would impact all for safety, commerce, travel & energy availability, impacting broad economies I assume. Prayers for world unity and wisdom of leaders tonight to untangle the web in the name of diplomacy and peace for grandchildren everywhere.
Yes, Dr Bandy X Lee is an anti-authoritarian warrior. Stood up to the cowardly genuflecting of the American Psychiatric Assoc to Trump, by publishing, with dozens of other mental health professionals THE DANGEROUS CASE OF DONALD TRUMP. Recently interviewed on Dr Steve Hassan’s THE INFLUENCE CONTINUUM podcast
Street-wise, yes …. wise, no … perhaps so unwise as to lethally restrict his inner circle of advisors to sycophantic boot-lickers, and set himself up for an over-estimation of his real power and resources, like Mussolini and Hitler
Putin is a little more subtle if you will, rather than use tactics like direct military warfare against the west, he and his oligarchs use their ill gotten gains (billions) to buy politicians and influence elections in pro western democratic countries. His Kompromat Trump tried to lift sanctions against Russia and nearly dissolved our system of NATO alliances in Europe.
Biden needs to express how extreme the sanctions will be. Isolating Russia from Europe and ending trade. If they invade. Freezing bank accounts. Etc. Why would Putin care? He likely would not. Others in Russia will. We have been weak with our sanctions. It has to hurt those in power.
Excellent analysis. Subsequent questions: has the GOP become a pro-Russian or Russian-enabling party? Is it time to remind the “American carnage” crowd what a real carnage regime looks like and help them fall in love with democracy again ...
The look on the face of Putin and the expression in his eyes have become ever more obviousl sinister and untrustworthy the longer he continues as President. In so many photos as a much younger man the contrasts are so evident. Putin, with his early days poverty in St Petersburg, has proved he has absolutely no conscience, and a pathological need to accumulate wealth. Third parties have accumulated huge fortunes in places like Panama. on his behalf. The Putin Palace, not far from The Black Sea, indicates total indifference to the poverty which exists in Russia, and his desperate need for utter self interest in this little man of very unimpressive physical stature. A very brave man like Alexei Navalny is very well aware that The Russian Federation is being run by a very evil criminal supported by those of similar ambitions. Now Oleg Navalny is being picked on in the usual utterly corrupt system. In all his political life, Putin has been incapable of even one decent memory of his very long Presidential term. On the contrary he will be remembered for acts of barbarity and manipulation with Syria as an example of this little man's depravity. So many posed photos of Putin attempting to play the part of a fine masculine cult figure prove how unbalanced and mentally unstable he has become.
Biden and others did well with knocking down the element of surprise and unpredictability. Fact is neither NATO, EU or US want a ground war with Russia. Sanctions are only pushing Putin closer to China. We need to strengthen and expand NATO. Putin wanted and needed the vast coal mines, steel industry and foundries, as well as seaports. Mariupol and Odessa will be prizes.
It would be beneficial for us or NATO to find an authentic common thread with China. A schoolyard bully with no friends is a little weaker.
You are so correct.
Krushehev's granddaughter says, "That is as far as he is going."
Each person on earth struggles to survive their government.
Despite the threat of impending economic sanctions, strongman Putin marches ahead with revanchist aggression against eastern Ukrane which he covers with a false narrative of lies dripping out everywhere. Repetition and saturation are essential to pounding home such outrageous propaganda. Words like fire hose and avalanche come to mind.
His calculations might include sanctions being lifted by his comrade Trump if he is returned to power in three years? God forbid if that happens, it would mean the dissolution of NATO and American leadership in the world that promotes liberal democratic values. If those two goals of Putin's are met, he will have then succeeded in creating a new system of worldwide alliances built on authoritarianism and tightly controlled autocratic states.
History is watching.
Putin seems to riding the fascist wave that is sweeping many parts of the world. I question his sanity, as many authoritarians in the past have had mental issues.
Putin a former KGB official and trained in the art of 'kompromat' is cold blooded and very calculating. Hitler had psychological issues (do you think) but was not considered mentally ill. Putin is like wise a cold blooded thug and killer but not considered mentally ill.
Hitler was a sociopath but so were most fascist leaders. Sociopathy is considered a mental disorder.
Seems equivocal or not at all.
"Psychopathography of Adolf Hitler is an umbrella term for psychiatric (pathographic, psychobiographic) literature that deals with the hypothesis that Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, suffered from mental illness, although Hitler was never diagnosed with any mental illnesses during his lifetime. Hitler has often been associated with mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychopathy, both during his lifetime and after his death. Psychiatrists and psychoanalysts who have diagnosed Hitler as having mental disturbance include well-known figures such as Walter C. Langer and Erich Fromm. Other researchers, such as Fritz Redlich, have concluded that Hitler probably did not have these disorders.[1] "
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychopathography_of_Adolf_Hitler
From what I've read, Hitler was narcissistic and had a grandiose self image, lacked a conscience, was cruel, unlawful, lacked empathy and remorse, was manipulative, engaged in risky behavior, had a cold nature and was full of rage. These are most of the characteristics of sociopathy (APD).
Absolutely brilliant insight as always Dr. Ben-Gait! Putin has been using the same playbook his entire career. He is a former espionage agent and the only thing he knows is to use force to achieve his goals. He has aspirations to try to reestablish the former soviet states, but does not realize that people want the ability to make their own choice in choosing their destiny and not to have it dictated to them by some two bit thug and bully! Putin and his cronies along with all of the oligarchs need to pay a hefty price for their transgressions against the Russian people and the world! Putin needs to be taken before The Hague and tried and convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Ukraine is just another extension of his continuing aggression and unless he is stopped all of Europe and the world are at risk! Estimates say over 100,000 civilians could lose their lives in this Ukrainian invasion and that is not acceptable!
Well said. I agree that Putin has to be stopped, but what technology s.b. used to rid the world of this plague? Nuclear is clearly out of the question b.c of unacceptable losses on both sides. Satellite imaging technology can pinpoint any target on earth and multiple drone hybrids equipped with tiny but lethal projectiles can deliver any form of life-ending material - be it a gaseous, penetrative or explosive substance. The world has no choice.
The old axiom "to hit them where it hurts is to hit them in the wallet" in my opinion is what should be exercised. Making life miserable for Putin by freezing all assets and squeezing the Russian economy will only make it more uncomfortable for the Russian people and maybe that will force internal change. Take away Putin's hard currency reserves, shutting off the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, weakening the Russian Rubble will have an impact but the question remains is will it give us the desired outcome remains to be seen? I do know this that the only way to get a bully's attention is to stand up to them!
Where does he have his $900 billion+ reserve stashed?
That's the 900 billion dollar question
Excellent article
Yes, Ruth co-hosted with Dr Lee, a World Mental Health Coalition panel on “authoritarian cults, media, and shared psychosis,” 7/17/21
I hope the Biden administration has a staff of psychiatrists to help assess the proper response to an individual so unhinged. A small man (in his own mind), over-compensating. It is reminiscent trying to achieve a successful outcome of a hostage situation. Or coaxing a cat out of tree, delicately. Like walking on eggshells. Exposuring and declassifying information for the public takes air out of the tires of a tyrant. The thought of the people of Ukraine being sacrificed for Europe is unthinkable. I am glad the Biden administration is being ahead of the story, seeking to be transparent in revealing Putin falsehoods, taking the air of his tires. Any chance of the Russian army cracking from the inside? Russian civil conflict like a few months back? I am strengthened in spirit to hear countries outside NATO -- India, South Korea, Taiwan speak. I have seen no commentary yet from the Central or South American neighbors, disappointing as conflict would impact all for safety, commerce, travel & energy availability, impacting broad economies I assume. Prayers for world unity and wisdom of leaders tonight to untangle the web in the name of diplomacy and peace for grandchildren everywhere.
Yes, Dr Bandy X Lee is an anti-authoritarian warrior. Stood up to the cowardly genuflecting of the American Psychiatric Assoc to Trump, by publishing, with dozens of other mental health professionals THE DANGEROUS CASE OF DONALD TRUMP. Recently interviewed on Dr Steve Hassan’s THE INFLUENCE CONTINUUM podcast
Street-wise, yes …. wise, no … perhaps so unwise as to lethally restrict his inner circle of advisors to sycophantic boot-lickers, and set himself up for an over-estimation of his real power and resources, like Mussolini and Hitler
Putin is a little more subtle if you will, rather than use tactics like direct military warfare against the west, he and his oligarchs use their ill gotten gains (billions) to buy politicians and influence elections in pro western democratic countries. His Kompromat Trump tried to lift sanctions against Russia and nearly dissolved our system of NATO alliances in Europe.