It is probably necessary to explain that Russia and WikiLeaks have teamed to interfere in US elections. That is cyber warfare and an attack worthy of a significant response. Moreover, there are other foreign policy issues regarding Russia:
- Russia successfully invaded and captured the Crimean from the Ukraine.
- Russia attacked the Ukraine and continues to pose a military threat there.
- Russia threatens other former Soviet states.
- Russia is on the wrong side in Syria.
- Russia is on the wrong side with Iran.
Now, with verbal support from Donald Trump, Russia and WikiLeaks have attacked the United States by hacking and releasing private information. The hacking and release of private information are a crime that is worthy of prosecution. However, unless there is a named person or persons, they cannot be brought to trial.
Declaring the Russian attack as an act of war, which it is, the US is considering alternative responses, covert and overt. A story today by NBC News says that the White House is deciding the nature of the reply. There is too much public talk about it now.
Exposing Vladimir Putin and his colleague's finances for the Russian public to see is a logical step. One may wonder what difference that would make in Russia today?
Interfering with Russian assets such as petroleum would impact the Russian economy. Doing that covertly with physical effect on the infrastructure would be an act of war from which retaliation might be expected. That is a slippery slope.
Combatting the Russians in Syria by letting them hold the bag might be a very good idea. It is tricky, but the US military and CIA might have some ideas about that.
Let's see some action.
CIA Prepping for Possible Cyber Strike Against Russia
by WILLIAM M. ARKIN, KEN DILANIAN and ROBERT WINDREM
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cia-prepping-possible-cyber-strike-against-russia-n666636
Putin says the US is being provocative while Russians are hacking and leaking.
Obama has responded firmly and promises action.
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