[teejers1]

Interesting development this morning on topic of possible Russian use of chemical weapons in Ukraine...

- UK Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said Russia should think twice about taking such an approach as it could trigger “an international response”.

If this is corroborated by other NATO members - and hard to believe it wouldn't be - we will know the rules of engagement, and can probably assume tactical nuke use will evoke the same international response. 

Stripping it all away, and looking at things at the highest level, there is no reason for Russia to fear NATO because:
- NATO is a defensive alliance and not a threat to attack any country (Serbia mission was a UN initiative that asked NATO to support)
- NATO respects rights of any country's sovereignty and believes it should be self-determined to have whatever allies it wants

The only reason for Russia to take issue with NATO is because NATO creates too high of a cost for Russia to take what it wants by force. That. Is. It. So Russia balking at NATO effectively is saying it wants to take what it wants, therefore demonstrating the precise purpose of NATO in first place. Russia had its chances to negotiate peace agreements, but said no, giving countries no choice but to join NATO to be protected from and contain Russia. Now, that is the world Russia must accept, or get on with the nuclear holocaust.

So, given this, from a strategic standpoint, if you are Russia, you have four choices:
- GTFO of Ukraine completely, watch Ukraine become a NATO member and re-think Russia's ambitions/place in the world/government philosophy
- Get NATO into a conventional war you can't possibly win because your economy and citizens can't support it
- Try recruiting China and/or India to fight against NATO, and then go to war with NATO if you get them to join you 
- Take the whole world down with you by starting a nuclear war

NATO has already made its choices:
- Hold fast, supply resources to Ukraine to fight and wait out Russia until it implodes
- Only engage militarily if Russia uses chemical or nuclear weapons or attacks a NATO member 
- Expand its membership
- Re-double efforts to move away from fossil fuels that fund Russia

Russia only has losing options for its ambitions, much like Japan and Germany faced in WWII.  Only, unlike Japan and Germany, it only took two weeks after its reckless action in Ukraine for Russia for the dye on its L to be cast. NATO countries will be far better off in any scenario. Even if we all get vaporized, we'll have nothing to worry about anymore :)

Here's the thing. Discussion of options assumes a quantum of reason and rationality at this moment on the part of Russian "leadership". I contend that Vladimir Putin is off his Rasputin rocker. Thus, all speculation is navel gazing.  Can't imagine EndTimes but this is closest we've come since 10/62. Who'd-a-thunkit?  When I think about it, the 21st century sucks.  Or, maybe I should say, sucked.

On the bright side, it puts the implosion of the football program (and continued mediocrity of the men's hoops program) in proper perspective, doesn't it!

[teejers1]

Interesting development this morning on topic of possible Russian use of chemical weapons in Ukraine...

- UK Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said Russia should think twice about taking such an approach as it could trigger “an international response”.

If this is corroborated by other NATO members - and hard to believe it wouldn't be - we will know the rules of engagement, and can probably assume tactical nuke use will evoke the same international response. 

Stripping it all away, and looking at things at the highest level, there is no reason for Russia to fear NATO because:
- NATO is a defensive alliance and not a threat to attack any country (Serbia mission was a UN initiative that asked NATO to support)
- NATO respects rights of any country's sovereignty and believes it should be self-determined to have whatever allies it wants

The only reason for Russia to take issue with NATO is because NATO creates too high of a cost for Russia to take what it wants by force. That. Is. It. So Russia balking at NATO effectively is saying it wants to take what it wants, therefore demonstrating the precise purpose of NATO in first place. Russia had its chances to negotiate peace agreements, but said no, giving countries no choice but to join NATO to be protected from and contain Russia. Now, that is the world Russia must accept, or get on with the nuclear holocaust.

So, given this, from a strategic standpoint, if you are Russia, you have four choices:
- GTFO of Ukraine completely, watch Ukraine become a NATO member and re-think Russia's ambitions/place in the world/government philosophy
- Get NATO into a conventional war you can't possibly win because your economy and citizens can't support it
- Try recruiting China and/or India to fight against NATO, and then go to war with NATO if you get them to join you 
- Take the whole world down with you by starting a nuclear war

NATO has already made its choices:
- Hold fast, supply resources to Ukraine to fight and wait out Russia until it implodes
- Only engage militarily if Russia uses chemical or nuclear weapons or attacks a NATO member 
- Expand its membership
- Re-double efforts to move away from fossil fuels that fund Russia

Russia only has losing options for its ambitions, much like Japan and Germany faced in WWII.  Only, unlike Japan and Germany, it only took two weeks after its reckless action in Ukraine for Russia for the dye on its L to be cast. NATO countries will be far better off in any scenario. Even if we all get vaporized, we'll have nothing to worry about anymore :)

Here's the thing. Discussion of options assumes a quantum of reason and rationality at this moment on the part of Russian "leadership". I contend that Vladimir Putin is off his Rasputin rocker. Thus, all speculation is navel gazing.  Can't imagine EndTimes but this is closest we've come since 10/62. Who'd-a-thunkit?  When I think about it, the 21st century sucks.  Or, maybe I should say, sucked.

On the bright side, it puts the implosion of the football program (and continued mediocrity of the men's hoops program) in proper perspective, doesn't it!