NYT: Russia's other contest with the he West: Economic endurance

[Tomconroy]

The West’s Challenge
Western countries’ secret weapon, nearly as important as their economic edge, may be their citizens’ sudden desire for concerted and unified action.

In polls, Europeans across the continent express a moral imperative to punish Russia’s invasion, as well as a belief that Russia now poses a direct threat to their countries.

In a seven-country survey taken just before the invasion, a plurality said they were willing to personally bear the economic toll of isolating Russia, which provides much of Europe’s energy. Country-specific polls suggest that share has likely increased.

In Germany — the European Union’s largest economy and often its decider on Russia matters — only 38 percent supported increasing military spending as of September, now it is up to 69 percent.

Will it last?

https://nyti.ms/35Gj0iQ

[Hugin]

1. Pootie's cynical gambit...

In his long game is that a large number of the citizens of his greatest foe lose their collective minds at the slightest inconvenience.

His calculus is based on hanging in there for around a month and a half betting by then something will distract his enemy away from his occupation. What that will be, I don't know. Possibly Mars will drop another color in their M&Ms and people will risk the lives of their children to hoard the remaining stock. Saying, "Someday these will be worth a fortune!"

Then he will be free to solidify his hold on Ukraine, work out a means to sell his one product, and start staging his next move.

[Carlitos Brigante]

2. That's it right there. We're constantly being sabotaged from within by people

who find "tyranny" behind every bush. But can't even spell it or define it.