Rumors of War - King of the North

Russia war games ignite concern among nearby NATO nations - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia launched its week-long military exercises in Belarus on Thursday, with nearly 13,000 troops massing near the borders of several NATO countries. The Atlantic alliance is concerned the triennial exercises could be a rehearsal for real military action, or a ruse of war. Last conducted in 2014, the "Zapad," or "western" exercises, were followed months later by a war in Ukraine's eastern provinces. [...] NATO has also stepped up its security, deploying 4,300 troops to Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and has increased flyover policing in those countries."

Comment: It's all fun and war games until Ukraine loses an eye. I have to admit to a certain admiration for what Putin has accomplished. Most of the world moved on from the Cold War and we are all pretty much into a 21st Century mindset but not Putin, he is still a Cold Warrior at heart. I can't deny a ruler wanting to make their country great again and restore the glory of faded empire. That's a story as old as time, well, as old as recorded history. Putin does have something going for him, a good argument and a basis for resentment. After the Cold War ended, the West did not follow Churchill's famous dictum and failed to offer magnanimity after our victory. We promised a "Europe whole and free" while extending the NATO alliance to Russia's borders and interfering in domestic affairs to a degree that most Americans would find objectionable if another country did the same. I'm convinced that's why Putin interfered with our presidential election. Goose and gander as they say. Still, there is no denying the cold reality that a war over territory has once again returned to the heart of Europe. Ukraine will never be the same. I'm not sure what it will take for Europe or the U.S. to fully update mental images of Russia and make the appropriate adjustments. A mental adjustment is needed. Just look at our U.S. domestic politics where the usually national security focused party - the Republicans - seem entirely unconcerned that Russia interfered in our presidential election. In another time, Russia's actions would have been seen as a grave threat to national security if not an act of war. Now, not so much. Psychology and PR are very strange things. It's clear Putin is a master strategist and is playing on multiple levels. I can only hope those making strategic choices in Europe and the U.S. are up for the challenge. The Great Game can be fun for those playing at the top, but for those below, it remains a very deadly game.