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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe Mask Has Been Lifted From Putin's Face
The sanctions so far are a joke travel bans and such. More substantial ones will be on the way. Russias central bank is bracing for whats coming. But these measures, even if they truly hurt, are not what will isolate Moscow. Instead, it is the mask that has been lifted from Putins face. He has declared himself. He has shown hes not willing to play by the rules if he doesnt like the rules. From now on, Putin will be the odd man out, the European leader that other leaders cannot trust. His word is worthless. No more can he flash his smile and rely on the picture to obscure his deeds. The tale that émigrés tell of a ruler who simply takes what he wants has been substantiated in Crimea.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2014/03/17/putin-exposed/
Nuclear Unicorn
(19,497 posts)I'm not worried about his words; it's his tanks.
randr
(12,412 posts)Must have seen his own reflection in those eyes.
sufrommich
(22,871 posts)in Europe? What is really frightening is how popular he is with Russians.
snappyturtle
(14,656 posts)read the telling comments on the article. Take heed.
840high
(17,196 posts)n2doc
(47,953 posts)quinnox
(20,600 posts)Keep in mind you are likely to see the next President of the United States shaking hands and smiling with Putin in photos.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)Shows what a huge disconnect there still is between the West and Russia.