What Greeds May Come

 

Political impotence does not arise out of nowhere. It is the inevitable consequence of allowing commercial greed to dominate political principles. All politicians are a bit like traders, but not all traders are politicians.

When political leaders turn a blind eye to human rights violations in the pursuit of profit, the short-term gains may seem worthwhile - like Frau Merkel with Russian gas, Sarkozy's deals in Georgia, or Obama's hands-off approach to Ukraine and Crimea. But in the long run, appeasement always brings both shame and war.

Take Israel, for example. Israel’s leaders sought to secure a strategic partnership with Vladimir Putin, even as Russian troops invaded Ukraine. The image of the Israeli Prime Minister embracing Putin, seeking cooperation with a man who has dismantled international law, is a bitter reminder of how misguided short-term thinking can be. And what’s the outcome? Iran, Russia’s close ally, now coordinates missile strikes on Israel.

Meanwhile, the United States has held back from fully supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia, likely out of fear of escalating tensions with China. But delaying the defeat of Russia as China's proxy won’t prevent a Chinese invasion of Taiwan - it will hasten it.

As we look beyond the obvious, it's time to watch the political dynamics in Brazil. Its leaders, cozy with the Russian world, are setting the stage for their own reckoning. The future will reveal what price they will pay for their choices.

Glory to Ukraine!