FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The longer wars last, the greater the risk that they will transform and metastasize in unpredictable directions.
The spectacle of Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin hanging out at a Russian spaceport threatens to take the war in Ukraine in a disturbing new direction. They are two of the greatest villains of our time. By themselves both are a concern for the West, but together there is a force multiplier effect.
It is a sign of desperation for the Russian leader for sure. He was sold a puppy by his generals, who told him they had modernized the army, while corruption undermined the whole project. Millions may have salted millions in villas, yachts and homes in the West.
Putin needs shells, artillery and ammunition. Kim can offer that, but something more. China would like to help the Russians more, but is deterred by the threat of Western sanctions. North Korea could be a conduit for Chinese arms supplies, a hedge for Beijing's military aid that could prolong this war indefinitely.
Even Kim needs the relationship to work. Like his father and grandfather, he has mismanaged his economy so badly that his people are malnourished. Russia can supply wheat. But the North Korean leader requires technical know-how as well. Moscow is also rumored to be offering fighter jets.
Today's spectacle is the culmination of years of Western failure to neutralize the threat posed by both men.
Years of appeasement and failed diplomacy have failed to prevent the Kims from developing nuclear weapons. North Korea is now improving missile technology that can deliver that nuclear threat to US soil.
Not even Vladimir Putin has been deterred. His invasion of Ukraine is perhaps the culmination of decades of Western weakness. He took part of Georgia, and the lax sanctions that followed encouraged him to do the same in Crimea, then send his army to intervene in Syria.
The meeting of these two leaders raises uncomfortable questions for the West. Has he underestimated the threat they both pose and what they could cause if they now join forces? And after years of failing to control them, it's too late to do so now.
Lini një Përgjigje