12:21 am
Russia-Georgia: A Neocon Trap?
I, like everyone else, has assumed that the neocons’ foaming at the mouth over Russia-Georgia has been genuine — in the sense that they really want to view Putin’s Russia as a reborn USSR, and really believe that we should defend Georgia. I’m sure that’s probably the case for some.
But to play conspiracy theorist for a moment, what if they don’t really believe any of it? What if they could care less about Georgia? What then would be their motivation?
Well, how about this: they’re making it almost impossible for the next Administration not to take a hard line against Russia without being portrayed as weak. And since McCain is already supporting their cause, what we’re really talking about is a ploy to limit Obama’s options should he get elected. President Obama, they will argue, isn’t standing up to Russia. And in doing so, he’s making America look weak in the eyes of Putin and all our other potential opponents.
It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. In fact, it’s the Jimmy Carter edition.
Think I’m crazy? What’s Option A in the neocon playbook? Force your opponents to go along with what you want by making them fear looking weak. And if you can’t get them to go along, make them look like traitors.
Of course I could be wrong. The neocons could actually be stark raving mad, willing to risk World War Whatever (they can’t seem to make up their minds on the number) to protect a tiny state whose significance to the United States lies primarily in the fact that the Bush Administration is embarrassed that it made promises that it had no hope of keeping.
That means your choices are a) they’re deeply cynical or b) they’re completely crazy. And by “they” I mean not just the Kristols, Kagans, and Boots of this world, but also John McCain.
I can’t think of a better argument for supporting Barack Obama.
Of course I’m probably just saying that to score a job in his administration.
Heh.
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