Obama (Chess Beginner) versus  Putin (Chess Grandmaster) 

LINK

(Read an interesting analysis on the Ukraine/Crimea crisis at the above link.)

—————————————-

Interesting developments today as Putin moves ahead with re-integrating Crimea into the Russian family.  On the diplomatic front both sides seem to be blissfully ignoring what the other has to say.  Normally this creates a dangerous situation with military confrontation down the road an increasingly likely consequence.  HOWEVER,  Putin and Obama are REALLY just playing a chess game and despite the rhetoric are advancing their own interests:  in the end, Crimea will change nothing with respect to strategic alliances and the US and Russia will just continue to agree to disagree.  In the meantime, a strong case for creating the mythical missile shield in Europe is advanced…both sides win politically.  But this is just my opinion. Maybe some crazy general with his  finger on  a nuclear button will make us all regret getting up some morning next week…