Category : Blogs

Sub Category : Politics

My recent assertion that the U.S. and Russia are locked into a zero sum game if their alleged  actions with the Taliban prove true may have been misconstrued.

I totally support the concept that mutually assured destruction has worked in the past, present and likely the future, to prevent nuclear war between the two countries.

I was referring to zero sum within the context of Russia's unmitigated activities to undermine our standing in the world order. Their cyber work to destroy the perception of validity in our elections that bring our moral authority down to a level so low that our calls on their elections will ring hypocrtical and hollow. For another instance, it was just reported that the headquarters for the CalExit movement is in Russia, being run by an oligarch. What is their interest in having California secede from the Union? Hmmm ...

And more directly, if Russian support for the Taliban is confirmed, it proves once again that they and we are indeed diametrically opposed on even the war on terror. Neither nation can have things work out the way they want 100%, we can only work for best possible outcomes.

As I have written, the way to do this is to work with our allies to force Russia so far out on the international limb that it forces them to change their ways. Denying them participation in all international governmental forums at all levels would be a good start. Restrict their access to financial markets and sources of banking, stop their participation in world sporting and cultural events. Taking these steps should force them to stop their cyber and terrorist support activity over time. If they don't, we should notch things up by providing advanced defensive weapons to Ukraine, perhaps covertly provide arms to Muslims within Russia and even consider arms to the dissidents that marched in the streets of Moscow in protest of corruption.

If this were to happen, we win, they lose. Zero sum outcome.