Some of the press, including Bloomberg reporters are so short sighted in their analysis. This

[JohnSJ]

morning they seem to be criticising that the sanctions are still not strong enough.

What seems to be missing from much of the press criticisms is that the sanctions do not just revolve around us.

In order for the sanctions to be effective, we need to keep ALL NATO countries together on this.

The fact that after trump eroded our commitment toward NATO during his entire term, it is nothing less than amazing that the Biden administration has not only recommitted to our participation in NATO, but that NATO has never been so united.

It cannot be emphasized enough just how much damage trump did in his four yours, both on the domestic level, but also at the international level

[Happy Hoosier]

1. Well, they aren't wrong, IMO. The response so far has not been strong enough.

I know they are trying to be measured, but make no mistake, this is a BIG deal. If Putin does this and it sticks, he will be able to dominate much of European politics. Europe (and us) MUST realize that this is a generational challenge. This event could also make or break the Biden Presidency.

[JohnSJ]

4. Yes, there are a lot of ramifications regarding the future of the world order

[Tadpole Raisin]

2. Well said!

[empedocles]

3. Right. Europe gets hit harder. Need to keep NATO together on this. Heard some reports

that some European banks are balking on sanctions.

[Happy Hoosier]

5. Of course the banks are balking... it's all about the $$$ to them!

But fuck 'em. This is bigger than money. If we want to avoid direct military conflict, there will have to be a different kind of pain. It's that simple.

[RussBLib]

6. Europe does not want to cut SWIFT

because of so much trade happening there. Could it also be because so much laundered money flows through it? How many countries in Europe get a taste of those billions from Russia?

Just speculation.