STOCK MARKET WATCH -- Monday, 3 March 2014

[Demeter]

14. In Putin’s calculus, U.S. needs Russia more than Russia needs the U.S.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/03/01/219844/in-putins-calculus-us-needs-russia.html

Why did Russian President Vladimir Putin risk political isolation, sanctions and other U.S.-led retaliatory measures with a surprise incursion into neighboring Ukraine?

Because he can.

Putin’s audacity is underpinned by the reality that, while patience is wearing thin, the Obama administration holds few options for punishing a leader who’s already calculated that the fallout is worth the message to the world that Russia will fight fiercely for its interests.

Foreign policy analysts say the Ukraine invasion deals a severe blow to U.S.-Russian ties, which already were fraying as it became clear that the Kremlin wasn’t on board for what the Obama administration had envisioned as a “reset” in relations. Putin, analysts say, doesn’t seem concerned about a looming breakup with Washington – he’s confident there’ll be no U.S. military intervention and has decided to weather any other potential consequences....


GOOD ANALYSIS AND A WELL-DESERVED SLAPDOWN OF DC FOOLISHNESS.