Ukraine: Cool the Rhetoric; Focus on the Outcome

http://jackmatlock.com/2014/08/ukraine-cool-the-rhetoric-focus-on-the-outcome/

Ukraine: Cool the Rhetoric; Focus on the Outcome

By Jack F. Matlock, Jr.

In his interview with Thomas Friedman published on August 9, President Obama gave a convincing explanation of why the United States could not create an effective government in Iraq: “We cannot do for them what they are unwilling to do for themselves,” he pointed out, and also explained:  “Societies don’t work if political factions take maximalist positions. And the more diverse the country is, the less it can afford to take maximalist positions.”

The President has identified the central issue, not only in Iraq but also in many of the world’s hotspots.  In particular, his perception should be applied to guide our policy toward Ukraine and its conflict with Russia. American policy makers also need to pay closer attention to regional power realities and perceived interests than they apparently have in the recent past.http://jackmatlock.com/2014/08/ukraine-cool-the-rhetoric-focus-on-the-outcome/