Snap Drills Reveal Russian Military Training Improvement – Putin. © RIA Novosti. Alexey Druzhinin
Putin Calls Obama to Discuss Ukraine, White House Says -- New York Times
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia called President Obama on Friday to discuss a proposal by Mr. Obama for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in Ukraine, and the two leaders agreed that diplomats for both countries should meet soon to discuss it, the White House said.
In a statement from the White House, officials said that the telephone call from the Russian president followed a proposal presented by Secretary of State John Kerry to Sergey V. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, during talks at the Hague earlier this week.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Obama tells Saudi Arabia will not make a bad Iran deal: U.S..
Obama, Saudi king discuss Syrian rebels, Iran, Gulf security. Obama arrives for Saudi talks amid differences over Iran, Syria.
Obama ready to expand covert aid to Syrian opposition - report.
As Syria civil war enters fourth year, rebels are clearly losing.
Syrians struggling to survive amidst civil war.
UN warns of Syria spillover into Iraq.
IDF soldiers shoot two gunmen attempting to sabotage border fence on Golan.
Turkey blocks YouTube after Syria incursion plans leaked. Turkey internet curbs don’t hurt Erdogan.
Turkish PM divides nation and neighbourhoods ahead of local elections.
Recordings, posted online, rattle officials in Turkey.
Baghdad bombing in busy market leaves 4 dead.
Iran heads for 5th month of oil exports above sanctions limit.
UN brands polio outbreak in Syria and Iraq 'most challenging in history'.
ASIA
China takes no sides on Ukraine crisis, Xi tells Europe.
Escalating attacks jangle nerves ahead of crucial Afghan vote.
Taliban militants attack US aid group in Kabul.
U.S. to stress support for Central Asia after Crimea.
South Korea fires warning shots, seizes N. Korea fishing boat.
China angrily denounces Japan's Abe for Russia-Crimea analogy.
UN Security Council condemns North Korea missile launch.
Pyongyang slams South Korean President over nuclear remarks.
Indian Air Force cargo plane crashes, killing all 5 crew.
Kazakhstan suspends Russian missile tests.
Fiji sets 17 September general election date.
Sawan Masih: Pakistani Christian gets death penalty for blasphemy.
AFRICA
Egyptian police, demonstrators clash. Egypt police clash with anti-Sisi protesters.
Eleven killed in Central African Republic grenade attack.
Kenyan president says tourism sector 'on its knees' after attacks.
Civilians killed in fresh fighting in South Sudan's Jonglei state.
South Sudan troops in disputed Abyei threaten peace: Bashir aide.
Ebola cases confirmed in Guinean capital Conakry.
Egypt prosecutor orders third mass trial for 919 islamists.
Uganda Lake Albert boat disaster 'killed 251 refugees'.
South Africa platinum strike cripples mine companies.
Madagascar eyes economic recovery as donors resume support.
Oscar Pistorius trial postponed due to illness of assessor.
Gaddafi's son asks Libyans for forgiveness.
EUROPE
Russia's buildup near Ukraine may reach 40,000 troops: U.S. sources. West ignores results of int’l missions that found no troop build-up near Ukraine borders – Moscow.
Russia says all Kiev troops are out of Crimea. Russian defence minister says Ukrainian troops left Crimea: report.
Deposed president urges vote on Ukrainian regions instead of election.
IMF offers Ukraine bailout as Yulia Tymoshenko enters presidential race.
Ukraine leader Turchynov warns of far-right threat.
City on the edge holds key to Ukraine future.
Hungary opposed to economic sanctions against Russia: PM.
Greek unions to hold general strike on April 9.
Dutch police arrest Balkan war crimes suspect: prosecutors.
AMERICAS
Ukraine aid bill delayed a few more days in U.S. Congress.
Obama calls on Putin to move troops from Ukraine border.
Vatican says it's willing, wants to help Venezuela.
Washington state mudslide death count expected to jump above 25.
Brazil braced for World Cup amid rise in Rio violence.
Brazil's Rousseff loses support but on track to win re-election.
Rescue of Rio slums shaky on failed promise of basic services.
Drug cartel suspects killed in Mexico.
El Salvador opposition admits presidential vote defeat.
Venezuelan government takes on crossword writers in protest crackdown.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
U.S. House panel blasts intel agencies for failure to detect Boston terror plot.
Gruesome video of European jihadists in Syria shocks France.
Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb: Leaders and their networks.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
IPO fever running into trouble as deals struggle.
Wal-Mart sues Visa for fixing price of credit card fees.
Why economists say 2014 could prove breakout year.
Microsoft unveils iPad Office suite.
Do you think the talks betwen Obama and Putin wil lead to a resolution of the crisis?
ReplyDeleteNo. But talking is better than not talking. And the crisis is in Ukraine .... what happens there will determine what happens elsewhere .... including impacting U.S. - Russian relations. If Ukraine can get it's act together .... this crisis will de-escalate.
ReplyDeleteI think you will find that even if it does de-escalate you will have jittery neighbours for a very long time and the placement of Aegis/SM-3 Interceptors will be back on the table real soon in Poland and other countries..
ReplyDeleteIf it happens, who knows if it will, that doesn't stop them from making all the news about it, it's about the only other punishment they have left up their sleeve short of true action..
http://m.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/wp/2014/03/28/the-gop-claim-that-obama-scrapped-a-missile-defense-system-as-a-gift-to-putin/
Obama has been taking a beating in foreign affairs and needs "a deal" and needs it badly. So Putin does what he needs to do, ignores Obama letting him sweat. And after huffing and puffing to no effect Obama has Kerry call Putin and emphasizes there needs to be a diplo solution. Now Putin calls back and says "What have you got for me?" Now, what will Obama offer Putin to deescalate (move the troops back)? Putin gets something tangible then pulls the troops back 40-50 miles. In essence nothing is changed and what can Obama say?
ReplyDeleteYour analysis is probably right James. Same for you Johanan.
ReplyDelete