In a tense game of chicken, remarkable for its mix of petulance and audacity, congressional Republicans are threatening to halt U.S. aid to Ukraineāguaranteeing a Russian breakthrough and possible victory in that warāunless Democrats help pass a bill that all but locks down Americaās Southern border.
If the impasse isnāt resolved by the end of next week, when Congress goes on recess until the new year, the Ukrainian army could run out of ammunition. President Joe Biden could resupply the arsenal from U.S. stockpiles without legislative approval, but the move would be temporary, and the signal sentāthat Ukraine, and by implication other allies, can no longer count on U.S. support in a pinchācould be a holiday cork-popper for Russian President Vladimir Putin and all of our other adversaries.
Careful. Thatās how they want you to think about others. Ruthless means literally without compassion. Now granted, you may need to dig deep in some cases.
Just because Russia wants me to think something, that doesnāt make it not true.