Issues Under Fire: E.U. Seek Peace in Ukraine, U.S. Preps for ISIS Everywhere Else

Issues Under Fire: E.U. Seek Peace in Ukraine, U.S. Preps for ISIS Everywhere Else 

As Europeans met in Belarus to hammer out an agreement to cease hostilities in Ukraine, President Obama was requesting authorization from Congress to use military force against ISIS/ISIL all over the world. Since the U.S. is already conducting military operations against ISIS/ISIL, one would think an "official request" for war powers could have waited to allow Biden or Kerry to make the trip to Minsk. 

The absence of U.S. representation in Belarus was more than noteworthy considering the United States has been the lead instigator in ratcheting up pressure on Russia. While President Obama reportedly phoned Vladimir Putin prior to the Minsk meeting, failing to send a high level U.S. official left the impression that the United States may have done too much already. 

With Germany and France now heading up Western Europe's response to Russia's involvement in Ukrainian affairs, it begs one to wonder if the roll the U.S. played in the lead up to the crumbling of Ukraine had played itself out. If efforts to collapse the Russian economy with crippling sanctions and threats to arm and eventually train Ukraine's military didn't shake Putin's resolve, clearly it was time to consider Europe's plan (B). 

Chatting into the wee hours of the night, Merkel, Hollande and Ukraine President Poroshenko, had to feel at a bit of a disadvantage, because Putin has kept his goals and objectives close to his vest. Nobody knows what Putin really wants. Also, its difficult to make an offer, let alone a deal, when you have no idea whom you're really dealing with, as Pro-Russian Rebels were absent from the meeting too. 

Presumably, Merkel and Hollande came prepared with a package of previously agreed upon carrots and sticks that the E.U. as a whole will support and sustain. Still, if Europe has any hope of brokering a ceasefire or a long term agreement, they'll have to remain united around and committed to the diplomatic option.

Taking the military option off the table, automatically takes the United States out of the picture. Since compromise is a dirty word in America, save for economic sanctions, the United States have very little to offer than military options.

Bottom line: Considering the Obama administration has been embroiled in and consumed by a global war with ISIS/ISIL, while at the same time trying to avert a major conflict with Iran, perhaps  the United States should give Europe the space, time and challenge of solving its first major military crises in decades. From this observer's perspective, Europe will do just find without further U.S. intervention. Podcast Below!