First, this is not the time for criticism of Joe Biden or his administration and arguing over decisions made in the past that people might believe have led to the predicament we find ourselves in today. There will be plenty of time for a critical analysis when this particular crisis is over. We should all be praying for Joe Biden and hoping that he makes good decisions for The United States and the world today. Previous Presidents should take a hint from the George W. Bush and Barack Obama who have been completely silent far. They understand how difficult that job is and I’m sure that they would privately offer advice if it was solicited, but silence for now is the best policy for them.
Given that, however, there are a few pieces of advice that I would offer President Biden if I were asked. First, I think we should quickly shift to an all-of-the-above energy strategy. This would include approving the completion of the Keystone Pipeline and opening up federal lands for more oil drilling and exploration. This would not have an immediate impact on the supply of oil here, but it might actually have an immediate impact on the price of oil around the world. It would certainly lower the global price of oil in the future, which would punish Russia whose primary source of income comes from oil and natural gas. Right now, as the price of oil hovers at around $100 a barrel, it rewards and strengthens Russia’s ability to finance aggression against Ukraine or other countries he fancies should be part of a new Soviet Union.
This is similar to what is happening on our southern border. Our current open border policy is enriching the cartels, some very bad people. So, while strengthening our southern border would not affect Ukraine, it would apply the same principle to both situations. Make sure US policies don’t reward bad people, particularly our geopolitical foes.
Another message needs to be sent to Russia, and that is that the world cannot continue to just watch what is going on in Ukraine. This is an unprovoked attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty, and if we allow this today, where does it stop? How long will Taiwan be safe? Israel? Lithuania? Latvia? Estonia? South Korea? This would take a masterful effort to unite the key players in the world, but it would be worth the effort to insure a more peaceful future. It could start with the NATO countries to come to the defense of Ukraine as if it were a member.
This would take real leadership, but as the long-accepted maxim suggests, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Right now, the world is watching evil triumph. When will we all conclude that “We” are the good men that this adage is referencing.
As always, Kevin, you have shared some excellent thoughts.
ReplyDeleteKeystoneXL sends Canadian oil to be refined and sent overseas. Won't be completed for at least 5 years. Not sure how that would create an immediate effect on anything, much less lower the global price of oil.
ReplyDeleteThere is no "open border policy."
The NATO countries will not come to the defense of Ukraine as if it were a member because that would mean considering it a declaration of war against the United States. No President would go that far.
Not sure why you think the world is doing nothing.
Matt tell us you don't understand how oil futures markets works without telling us you don't understand how oil futures markets work.
ReplyDeleteOh? Do tell how the KeystoneXL Pipeline, transporting heavy Canadian oil 5 years from now, will affect the futures market today?
Delete"This would take a masterful effort to unite the key players in the world, but it would be worth the effort to insure a more peaceful future. "
ReplyDeleteLooks like Biden has so far pulled off this masterful effort. Hasn't been this much unity internationally since Gulf War I.
worldwide unity generally happens when a nation invades another. What exactly has Biden done that caused unity that would not have happened anyway?
DeleteIf it's so easy, why did Kevin say it would take a "masterful effort"? Masterful efforts aren't required for easy things.
DeleteBut interesting you should ask:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/03/biden-answered-3-am-call/626976/
While not good for the narrative, these might be of interest to you:
ReplyDeletehttps://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/new-data-biden-slays-trumps-first-year-drilling-permitting-by-34-2022-01-21/ (this enviro group is not happy about it)
https://www.vox.com/22959903/russia-ukraine-oil-gas-price-europe-us-exports-climate-change
"When will we all conclude that “We” are the good men that this adage is referencing."
ReplyDeleteIt'll be a bit it seems.
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-says-lot-love-behind-putin-wanting-make-his-country-larger-1687555
A question of the readers if I may be so bold:
ReplyDelete- Is there any metric(s) you will put down now, before the conflict is over - assuming it does end in his term, that would allow you to say "Yeah, President Biden did a good job in dealing with this"?
Just wondering.
PS - by metric I mean something objectively measurable. Not just "If I think the world respects us" or something like that. Kevin put down a kind of vague one but it appears one Biden has met with: "This would take a masterful effort to unite the key players in the world, but it would be worth the effort to insure a more peaceful future." It appears the world is united, though admittedly it's early and alliances can fracture as time drags on. Is anyone willing to say "Great job so far" even?
Delete