Keeping Clear

(Keeping Clear)

One can begin with the collapse of that Wagner move against Moscow after its commander accepted exile in Belarus. The forces themselves re-deployed back to their Ukrainian bases. There has been some report of dis-content within the Wagner ranks. That is not necessarily unique. In the final drive on Berlin in April-May, 1945, there were two groups of Soviet armies, one to approach the Germin Capitol from the north, the other from the south. Stalin encouraged the two commanders to race each other and as a consequence, thousands of Soviet troops were needlessly sacrificed in the rush to be first. That could have been the sentiment for those Wagner fighters who could have marched to the gates of the Kremlin itself only to be called back ? Not good for morale.

It is fortunate that the incursion was ended before Moscow because President Biden and his Administration would have to give its own two cents. That would have been the worse thing anybody could have done. Biden is a rank amateur (God save us) and would not know how to handle this escalation had it happened.

It must be admitted that the Ukraine War was the President's own creation. As has been remarked, the only reason Putin is now in Southeastern Europe is because President Biden is no longer in Afghanistan. Billions of dollars of equipment were abandoned as was the Bagram Air Base. That had been eyes and ears in the region and now because of Biden's judgement, or indeed the lack thereof, he and his advisers should have absolutely no input over events in Russia.

If the President wants to do anything constructive, beginning to limit American involvement in the conflict would be a start. This was a war with which Biden in a sense acquiesced in a limited fashion. The reality after a year and a half of war and a recent "insurrection" that was narrowly averted, though the situation remains "fluid."

It is the real possibility that the President could exacerbate the situation. If there is an opportunity to de-escalate the conflict that will be incumbent on Russia and Ukraine. Biden could only confuse things further as he seems always confused himelf.