Fox News quotes Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center Director John Herbst on US responses to Russia’s moves in Syria and Ukraine:
“In both cases Mr. Putin has acted with unexpected vigor,” former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst told FoxNews.com. “It’s clear Washington was flummoxed when Putin took Crimea and went into eastern Ukraine. It appears they’ve been flummoxed by Putin entering Syria.”
Herbst said that the Obama administration needs to respond forcefully to Moscow’s advances, which would in turn send a strong warning to America’s enemies, and a reassuring message to its allies in the region. “Under Obama we have not made it clear that it is a mistake to trifle with the U.S. If we don’t respond it makes us look weak. Teddy Roosevelt said to walk softly and carry a big stick – unfortunately Mr. Obama seems to have inverted that.”