Opinion: Putin Has Finally Gone Too Far
by David Ignatius (The Washington Post) … So how can the United States and its closest allies alter (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s behavior, if they’re truly serious about holding Russia to account? The answer, say several former senior CIA officials, is to use America’s network of alliances to put Russia under strain. Putin has been playing a weak hand well, but the high cards remain in Western hands.
Russia’s greatest vulnerability is its dependence on sales of oil and gas. Here, the United States is uniquely positioned for payback. Consider the ways in which Trump could stress Russia on the energy front.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits Washington next week. “MBS,” as he’s known, has a quiet deal with Moscow to limit oil production sufficiently to keep prices above $60. If MBS truly wants to reciprocate Trump’s friendship, he should suspend this oil deal to punish Russia for its unacceptable actions.
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And Qatar, with one of the world’s biggest gas reserves, can appease Trump and show the West that it’s a reliable friend by playing the energy card as well — offering Russia’s gas customers deals that are too good to refuse. READ MORE
