Russia

C-SPAN 3 aired a panel discussion on Russia on 5/22/18 with panelists with CIA backgrounds, who discussed Putin’s Russia. The bottom line was that Putin would be interested in stabilizing Syria and eventually re-annexing Ukraine when he thinks he could win this in a plebiscite like he did in Crimea. 

The panelists agreed that they believe Putin sees the abolishment of the USSR and the release of the “satellite countries” as a mistake. They noted that the history of Russia has included a tendency to expand their borders, because they are paranoid about security. They are “fear motivated” and over-sensitive to NATO missile installations. The panelists don’t expect this to change based on anything logical.

The panelists agreed that intelligence gathering has been shifted from traditional spy-ring operations to satellite spying, internet searches and cyber-protection. One “cold warrior” panelist was wistful about the end of the “James Bond” era.  They believe China is the bigger threat.

They believe Putin is enjoying the advantage of higher oil prices in the $70-bbl range and will be focused on oil drilling, pipeline development and banking cash. I hope he uses this cash to invest in expanding the Russian economy to benefit his citizens. Russia needs to develop its 6.6 million square miles to take advantage of its natural resources and this requires cash.

The panelists also agreed that although Putin blamed Hillary Clinton for the destabilizing effects of the “Arab spring”, he thought she would win in 2016. They see no evidence of Russian collusion by the Trump campaign and believe the Russian Facebook posts had no effect.  They agreed that the US has caused all of its own problems and requires no help from the Russians.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader