NEWSLINK: “Time for the U.S. to modernize its approach to Russia” – The Hill/ James Durso

“… No doubt some senior Russian officials and businessmen are unsatisfied with Putin, but they’re not so unsatisfied that they will cooperate with the U.S., EU or NATO in unhorsing him, especially given our chronic inability to keep a secret. Despite all that ‘mafia state” chatter, Russia’s leadership will, if they need to, close ranks and clean house to protect themselves and Russia. I’m sure we’ll get along just great with President Sergei Shoigu.

Finally, our leaders should shut up. Calling Russia a ‘regional power,’ as President Obama did, or saying Putin can be a ‘best friend,’ as President Trump did, is counterproductive. We’ll get better results with Russia if we are firm, respectful, unambiguous, and consistent in defending our interests. …’