Vladimir Putin - Russia's New Tsar

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 40) August 13, 2014

Military activity in the eastern Ukraine and the Gaza Strip has dominated the international news lately with many observers concluding that the carnage and turmoil is being engineered by two very forceful “outside” personalities – Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation and Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel.  To add further confusion to an already chaotic world where there are many military hotspots, President Barack Obama of the United States directed US airstrikes last week on Iraq, to deal with Islamic extremists and provide humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people.  So we have three political leaders, who in their own way are trying to offer their own type of stability to an unstable, uncontrolled set of circumstances.  These leaders (and there are others) have taken it upon themselves to act in their nation’s interest and independently take action against another independent nation – with their actions being guided by personal motivation, visions of grandeur and a fixed mindset.  What is amazing in international disputes, there is no group or leader strong enough to stop the arbitrary, indiscriminate actions of destruction and domination.   

Vladimir Putin – Russia’s New Tsar

A lot has been written about Vladimir Putin’s personality and his vision for the Russian peoples.  For some Russians, Mr. Putin is thought to be a “muzhik” (a Russian peasant) while others have labeled him a “mench” (a man of integrity and honor).  To put it in more contemporary, western terms, Vladimir Putin is viewed in his homeland as a “dude,” a “manly man” and if the polls are correct, his persona has captured the imagination of the vast majority of interested Russians.  Mr. Putin’s introduction of anti-gay laws last year successfully argued that Russia must retain its traditional family values stance – the law gained the unanimous support of Russia’s Duma and presumably a majority of the Russian peoples.  The “success” of the 2014 Sochi Olympics further bolstered Mr. Putin’s image amongst Russians.  The annexation of Ukraine’s “autonomous” Crimea region through military occupation and a questionable referendum allowed the Putin strategy of successful annexation, without a shot being fired.  Many Russians feel that the glory days of the Mother Russia are again possible under the guidance of a strong leader like Vladimir Putin.  As to the amassing of Russian military forces along the eastern Ukrainian boarders, the engineered Russian conflict in the eastern provinces of the Ukraine and the downing of MH17 Malaysian Airline flight killing 298 people are viewed as mere blips in Mr. Putin’s strategy – President Putin’s strategy remains intact and moving forward.  As to the response by the western nations on the matter of Russia’s incursions in the Ukraine, the west’s sanctions portfolio isn’t working and could actually work to the detriment of a number of western countries.  Canada’s strong support of the regime in the Ukraine and the recent additions to its sanctions list against Russian nationals has brought a response from the Russian government – a one year ban on Canadian food exports to Russia.  Also, Mr. Putin recently signed a 30 year gas delivery contract worth $400 billion with China. That single contract has caused Canada considerable concern in its resource development strategy and for Europe it means higher gas prices.  As to the big question, is there a western strategy that can contain events and Mr. Putin?  Canada did have a reputation as a moderate mediator (the Person Way) but that opportunity has been taken away with Mr. Harper’s major change in foreign policy – very unfortunate for Canada and limits the west’s options.  The Russian Bear has again reared its head and the west had best arm itself to the teeth.