Obama Skips National Security Team Meeting on Russia, Ukraine Daniel Halper

[mystery-ak]

Well we don't know how long of that 90mins he was actually talking to Putin or on hold waiting for him....


...and I must say both of the Bush's Ovals were far better than any example given...I think Barbara and Laura had their hand in the design..

[Gazoo]

The dead giveaway that this is a staged shot?  He is not surrounded by advisors.  He would never fly solo on a 90 minute call with Putin.  Never.

They released that photo so that he won't be criticized down the road like he was for Benghazi and playing spades with Reggie during the OBL raid. He is nothing but staged and always partisan.

I believe if he were to speak with any world leader in this facet; it would be in the situ room with interpretation and  skype ability. This phony picture Obama released would be like us calling someone from a phone booth.

[Chieftain]

The dead giveaway that this is a staged shot?  He is not surrounded by advisors.  He would never fly solo on a 90 minute call with Putin.  Never.

Exactly right!  Good catch, good call.....

 

[Carling]

The dead giveaway that this is a staged shot?  He is not surrounded by advisors.  He would never fly solo on a 90 minute call with Putin.  Never.

Frankly, no President should, either, especially in this sort of Russian aggression.  I'd expect W. Bush to have his trusted advisers at a conference table during this call, just as I imagine Putin had his people near him, too. 

[EC]

Frankly, no President should, either, especially in this sort of Russian aggression.  I'd expect W. Bush to have his trusted advisers at a conference table during this call, just as I imagine Putin had his people near him, too.

Does this mean that when things inevitably go wrong and he is looking for someone to blame, we can just wave the picture in his face and laugh at him?

[PzLdr]

Greta Van Susteren
Here is what White House says Pres Obama and Pres Putin discussed:

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2014

Readout of President Obama’s Call with President Putin

President Obama spoke for 90 minutes this afternoon with President Putin of Russia about the situation in Ukraine. President Obama expressed his deep concern over Russia’s clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is a breach of international law, including Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter, and of its 1997 military basing agreement with Ukraine, and which is inconsistent with the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and the Helsinki Final Act. The United States condemns Russia’s military intervention into Ukrainian territory.

The United States calls on Russia to de-escalate tensions by withdrawing its forces back to bases in Crimea and to refrain from any interference elsewhere in Ukraine. We have consistently said that we recognize Russia’s deep historic and cultural ties to Ukraine and the need to protect the rights of ethnic Russian and minority populations within Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has made clear its commitment to protect the rights of all Ukrainians and to abide by Ukraine’s international commitments, and we will continue to urge them to do so.

President Obama told President Putin that, if Russia has concerns about the treatment of ethnic Russian and minority populations in Ukraine, the appropriate way to address them is peacefully through direct engagement with the government of Ukraine and through the dispatch of international observers under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). As a member of both organizations, Russia would be able to participate. President Obama urged an immediate effort to initiate a dialogue between Russia and the Ukrainian government, with international facilitation, as appropriate. The United States is prepared to participate.

President Obama made clear that Russia’s continued violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would negatively impact Russia’s standing in the international community. In the coming hours and days, the United States will urgently consult with allies and partners in the UN Security Council, the North Atlantic Council, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and with the signatories of the Budapest Memorandum. The United States will suspend upcoming participation in preparatory meetings for the G-8. Going forward, Russia’s continued violation of international law will lead to greater political and economic isolation.

The people of Ukraine have the right to determine their own future. President Obama has directed his Administration to continue working urgently with international partners to provide support for the Ukrainian government, including urgent technical and financial assistance. Going forward, we will continue consulting closely with allies and partners, the Ukrainian government and the International Monetary Fund, to provide the new government with significant assistance to secure financial stability, to support needed reforms, to allow Ukraine to conduct successful elections, and to support Ukraine as it pursues a democratic future.

Did Numbnuts mention the 1994 Treaty that requires the Brits and us to go to Ukraine's aid? I seriously doubt it. To paraphrase O'Reilly and Caius Iulius Caesar, with Obozo it's "Veni. Vidi, Bloviati".

[mountaineer]

Wearin' some real he-man dungarees, though, so that's a plus.

[Gazoo]

Krauthammer's Take: Obama Tells the World We Aren't Going to Do Anything About Invasion of Ukraine - YouTube


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v0GS0Ho0Mk

[Rapunzel]

Judge Janine skewered him tonight

[rangerrebew]

Really? And why do I suspect it was more a matter of Putin telling Obama for 89 minutes what a tool he is, and one minute of Barry O stammering?

It was more likely 89 minutes of Obama talking about himself and one minute of Putin telling him to take a hike.

[rangerrebew]

Does the Worm take anything seriously about his position? Ever?

Besides, he simply doesn't have the courage to make an order and stick by it. Clinton did. GWB certainly did. Clinton was probably the more respected of the two abroad - not only is he a very smooth diplomat, but he had most of the press on his side.

Let us not forget Obama told Holder to ignore any law he doesn't like so why wouldn't he do the same here?  To Obama, anything not approved by he or his under-gods is without merit and not worthy of protecting. :Obounce:

[DCPatriot]

Judge Janine skewered him tonight

I watched that.   She's terrific.

Thought  OMG.....hope Barry or Michelle didn't see it.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Obama Skips National Security Team Meeting on Russia, Ukraine

It would be newsworthy if he actually attended a Security Meeting.