This Week In The Sanctions Pantomime
Of course Trump’s threat of sanctions against Ukraine was not just a sign of escalation fears—probably more important it was part of the ongoing pantomime of Trump wanting to seem tough on Russia but always, always, finding ways not to do anything against Putin when the time comes.
Remember it was two weeks ago Sunday (tomorrow) that Trump called Putin “absolutely CRAZY”and threatened to get tough on the Russian leader if Putin did not show commitment to the peace process.
Btw, the two-week deadline that Trump then issued a few days later, is looming—are you excited?
This week the pantomime involved Trump trying to neuter the Senate bill threatening Russia with sanctions,
the one sponsored by Senators Blumenthal and Graham.
Trump really hates this bill, but cannot admit to that publicly. The bill actually would give him everything he would need to try and get Putin in line—were he so inclined. It empowers the President to put crippling economic sanctions on states/countries that do energy business with Russia. It would thus allow the US to economic neuter anyone doing business with Putin’s war machine.
So what did we see this week? Well behind the scenes Trump is trying to make sure the
bill either does not get a vote or, if it does,
that is it crystal clear that he and only he can decide whether to impose such sanctions. His threat to have sanctions on Ukraine and Russia is another way that he can maneuver around the bill if he wanted.
I am detecting, finally, that people seem to understand this. Trump will never put harsh sanctions on Putin unless the Republican Party stages an outright rebellion against his pro-Russian positions (and even then he might resist). So far, the party is nowhere near that.
Cant wait to see what happens this week in the pantomime.
