General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Breaking. Exxon and Putin lose again! No sanctions waiver. [View all]Pachamama
(16,884 posts)...and the ultimate payoff (lifting of sanctions) happen in a quick and obvious manner. Remember, they know that the FBI and Investigations are closing in on them (since the "Sting" operation has been revealed) and the arrests can't happen without the "proof" and the payoff in the crime occurring. So if Trump and this administration appear to show they are tough on Russia and didn't want to lift sanctions, and even made tough statements to the contrary, then they can say "what crime? What collusion?".
However, it's all part of the strategy. With the possibility of events in Syria and all out war in the Middle East and even what is happening with North Korea, just wait and see that suddenly Russia and Putin will appear and do something that is a big move in helping stabilize the situation (i.e. Help get rid of Assad and stop the war) and as a reward, the Trump administration (after appearing so tough on Russia) will relent and reward in the name of "peace" to Russia by lifting sanctions.
Then no matter what the FBI and Intelligence communities can try to pin on them for collusion, they can always claim it is a false witch hunt and that they did no pro quid quo and if anything, they helped bring peace to Middle East and world...
And we all will just be expected to believe that it's coincidence then that the Exxon CEO is Sec. Of State and that Goldman Sachs people are all around Trump.