Russian Payback

For John, BLUF:  Wouldn't you expect the Russians to return any mililtary "favors", to undermine our efforts in lands where we previouisly undermined their's?  I would, and I likely wouldn't be dissappointed.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Lawmakers want answers from Trump Administration on reports Russia paid Taliban to attack US troops

Here is the sub-headline:

White House denies that President Trump was briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence.

From Fox News, by Reporter Marisa Schultz, 27 June 2020.

Here is the lede plus three:

The bombshell New York Times report says the financial bounties offered to Taliban-linked fighters have been around for several months; Mark Meredith reports.

Lawmakers on both sides the aisle in Washington want answers on new explosive reporting that a Russian spy unit paid the Taliban to attack U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan.

The New York Times first reported that American intelligence officials have determined a Russian military unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition forces, including targeting American troops.  The Wall Street Journal and Washington Post also reported on the Kremlin's effort to orchestrate attacks on Western troops.

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., called for the Senate to vote on new sanctions against Russia.

Frankly, this looks like a leak designed to force an action by the Administration or to provide campaign fodder for Vice President Joe Biden.  I find neither very admirable.  On the other hand, I can see how the media might enjoy publishing this news.

Publishing this news muddies up the President and doesn't risk actual war with Russia.  In fact, we were doing a version of this back when most reporters were in diapers.  See Charlie Wilson's War for an example.

Then there is this:

"Lack of a response by [Trump] suggests he may be beholden to Putin," Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., tweeted.  "[Trump] is putting US troops’ lives at risk by doing nothing.  Having served on active duty, I find this behavior by our Commander in Chief to be unacceptable."

What exactly does Rep Ted Lieu have in mind?.  I am assuming he doesn't wish to go to nuclear war.  Would he wish us to target Russian soldiers in Syria or the Wagner Group people in Libya?

Frankly, I don't think Rep Ted Lieu has a clue.  He is just prattling on, because Orange Man Bad.  What if, however, the President took some action, some overt action?  Would Rep Ted Lieu then applaud the President?  I am very doubtful.

Regards  —  Cliff