The Biden Doctrine

[KE Spider]

Jeez. Heard some phone calls like that in my career. If it were not Trump no one would even turn their heads. This is the system. For good or bad, this is how politics works. Leverage your power to get what you seek.

In this case, not to repeat myself, it is all in post #716. Hunter cashed in on Ukraine, et al. Influence peddling. Is this not obvious?

 

[Gallipoli]

After more than a year, President Biden has finally said OTHER COUNTRIES can transfer F-16s to Ukraine. How many people have died? Give them the tools, Joe. This is the most significant decision that Joe Biden has ever made. Russia will be overwhelmed.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/18/politics/us-allies-f-16-jets-ukraine/index.html

 

[Gallipoli]

This is scathing criticism of Biden's decision making from Jack Keane and the Institute for the Study of War. Jack notes that Biden waits entirely too long to supply the poor Ukrainians, which leads to more deaths.

"Had Western leaders started setting conditions for Ukraine to use Western tanks in June 2022, when the first clear indicators appeared that Western tanks would be needed, Ukrainian forces would have been able to start using them in November or December. The continual delays in providing Western materiel when it became apparent that it is or will soon be needed have thus contributed to the protraction of the conflict."

Institute for the Study of War

Wagner Group mercenaries likely secured the western administrative borders of Bakhmut City while Ukrainian forces are continuing to prioritize counterattacks on Bakhmut’s outskirts. Ukrainian military officials reported that Ukrainian forces control an “

www.understandingwar.org

 

[Gallipoli]

Once again, Biden is afraid of escalation. He has told the Ukrainians that they are not allowed to attack Russian territory. How the hell are they supposed to defend themselves, if they can't knock out Russian supply depots that are deep inside Russian territory. This is the Biden Doctrine on full display.

CNN
US President Joe Biden's administration has reiterated in conversations with Ukraine that it does not support attacks on Russian soil, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told CNN Thursday.

 

[Gallipoli]

There are no half measures. This is Biden's war now.

Biden owns this war. The entire security of Western Civilization is resting on the shoulders of a feeble man in the White House with dementia. Zelensky gets it. He says if Ukraine doesn't win, NATO will collapse.

Zelensky: Ukrainian loss could force US to choose between ‘collapse of NATO’ or war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that a loss to Russia could ultimately force the U.S. to choose between the “collapse of NATO” or going to war. “If Ukraine would lose, if Russi…

thehill.com

 

[Gallipoli]

Here we go again. NATO has just announced that Biden has no stones. Oh by the way, Ukraine will not receive F-16s. What a jerk.

Ukraine will not receive the jets until its ongoing counteroffensive is over, Lieutenant Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of the Military Committee of NATO, said on LBC on Jujersey.

 

[Gallipoli]

Biden made and broke 5 different promises related to Ukraine. The first being the promise to provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. He promised in May that the Ukrainians would receive F-16s. Absolutely terrible. My beef is he said he would provide these items and then he didn't follow-through. People are dying because of his vacillations.

Biden’s top 5 broken promises on US engagement in Ukraine

At every step of the way, President Joe Biden and his White House have made promises on the limits of the engagement, and time and time again, those promises have been broken.

humanevents.com

 

[Gallipoli]

Now Biden waffles on Ukraine's NATO membership. He has undercut Ukraine, again. There are also indications that someone in a senior position floated the idea that Ukraine will not be allowed into NATO, unless it concedes territory to Russia. Biden owns Ukraine.

"The latest eyebrow-raising incident came on July 6, when news broke that former U.S. officials secretly held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to explore off-ramps and negotiations with Russia to end the war. Two of the former officials present had just published a Foreign Affairs piece arguing for concessions between Russia and Ukraine, despite Russia’s continued genocide against Ukraine. "

Biden’s risking his legacy on Ukraine

As Ukraine’s efforts to liberate occupied territory ramp up, the administration’s shortcomings grow more apparent.

thehill.com

 

[Gallipoli]

Biden stabs Zalensky in the back. A Ukrainian reported asked Zalensky when Biden would give the advanced weapons, including ATACMS and F16s to Ukraine. Zalensky responded "I don't know when". That is pathetic. These poor people in Ukraine are fighting and dying to be free. Biden keeps making and breaking promises. This has to be political. Biden has his finger in the wind.

 

[KE Spider]

Regardless of The Biden Doctrine, can we please install a stair lift on Air Force One if he is reelected? Repeated stumbles are not good optics for the Prez or the country. Smacks of past sell by date.

Sell politically/publicly by juxtapositioning Biden ascending with Trump's escalator descent.

 

[Gallipoli]

This is important. The Russians have been stealing children from Ukraine. Now it is reported that they are enlisting these children in their cadet training program to fight against Ukraine.

Russian opposition media outlet Verstka suggested that the Russian Investigative Committee and its head, Alexander Bastrykin, are directly involved in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and the forced placement of Ukrainian children into Russian military training programs.[9] Verstka reported that the Russian Investigative Committee “took patronage” over Ukrainian children living in children‘s homes throughout Russia, and sent its employees to 10 such homes with toys, clothes, and school supplies in order to coerce the children to enter the Russian cadet corps. Verstka reported that Bastrykin personally visited Ukrainian children in Russia and told them that Russian victory depend on the children and that the Russian Investigative Committee is there to support them. Verstka reported that the Investigative Committee previously advertised the cadet corps to Ukrainian children from Donbas and stated that 78 Ukrainian children entered educational institutions, including the cadet corps and academies affiliated with the Investigative Committee, between February 2022 and March 2023. Verstka reported that Bastrykin ordered the cadet corps in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Volgograd to prepare to receive Ukrainian children from occupied Donbas as early as February 25, 2022. Verstka highlighted statements from Ukrainian children who said they felt compelled to participate in the Russian cadet corps due to the educational opportunity. The coercion of Ukrainian children, who are legally unable to consent to their deportations and participation in such military-patriotic re-education programs, is likely part of an ongoing Russian campaign to eradicate the Ukrainian national identity and militarize youth who have been forcibly deported to Russia.

Institute for the Study of War

Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive operations on at least two sectors of the front on August 7. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces conducted offensive operations in the Berdyansk (western Donetsk-eastern Zaporizhia Oblast

www.understandingwar.org

 

[Gallipoli]

This is a stunning recognition of a heroic young Ukrainian Sargeant who died helping others. She was awarded posthumously the highest award for bravery in Ukraine. She was awarded this by President Zelensky. Joe Biden owns this war. If it fails, the death of the Ukrainian nation is his responsibility.

 

[Gallipoli]

It's the two year anniversary of the Taliban's take over of Kabul. Biden's fecklessness in Afghanistan led to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. His feckless indecision in Ukraine has cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians. It has been 8 months since he promised Abrams tanks and almost 6 months since he promised the F-16s.

 

[Gallipoli]

It looks like crazy uncle Joe is at it again. The Ukrainians will probably never receive more advanced US weapons. They have announced F-16s are not expected until next year.

• Ukraine does not expect US-made F-16 fighter jets to arrive this year, a Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson said. Kyiv has been pleading for the advanced jets for more than a year, arguing they will bolster its air defenses.

The latest news on Russia's war in Ukraine

Ukrainian forces reclaimed the village of Urozhaine, partly due to the use of cluster munitions, according to military experts. Follow here for live updates.

www.cnn.com

 

[Gallipoli]

There is no substitute for American leadership. Joe Biden has gotten cold feet.

 

[Gallipoli]

Appeasement Joe is at it again. Just like with Obama, he has released billions of dollars to Iran. He is paying our enemies. They will use those funds to spread terrorism throughout the world.

Biden’s release of frozen Iranian funds undermines US sanctions worldwide

Are American national security interests served by the release of billions of dollars of Iranian funds frozen by U.S. sanctions under the Trump administration? According to Secretary of State Anton…

thehill.com

 

[Gallipoli]

How many innocents must die before Biden goes all in to stop Russia.

 

[Gallipoli]

This analyst nails the issue. Biden is slow walking arms transfers to Ukraine. You are either in to win or you should go home and let the terrorists murder, rape and pillage, like they have done in Afghanistan. At this point, Biden is causing more harm than good.

"to anyone thinking that the US is not slow walking aid to ukraine..... biden didnt use all the aid money last year ... 2+ billion was returned.... stated 12 F16s would cost 1.5 billion... a lie blocked the transfer of F-16s from other countries for a year...

none of the transfers would cost anything but transport fees that europe would gladly pay for... in MOST issues sending stuff to ukraine would SAVE the us disposal fees that are expensive....
biden has stated that ukraine has everything they have ask for.... that is a flat out lie.

and NO fixed wing aircraft, 0 tanks in ukraine, and blocking ammo is NOT giving them the things they need to win.."

 

[Gallipoli]

Once again, the Russians and the Chicoms are running circles around Joe Biden. The Russkies and the Chinese have offered to expand BRICS to 11 nations. Biden and Obama let Russia expand its influence dramatically into the Middle East and Africa. This is the result. Biden is weak.

 

[PASpider]

Once again, the Russians and the Chicoms are running circles around Joe Biden. The Russkies and the Chinese have offered to expand BRICS to 11 nations. Biden and Obama let Russia expand its influence dramatically into the Middle East and Africa. This is the result. Biden is weak.

View embedded media

If Trump wins the next election, he is going to remove any support for Ukraine and let the Russians have their way. Of the two, whose policy would you prefer when it comes to Ukraine?

 

[Gallipoli]

If Trump wins the next election, he is going to remove any support for Ukraine and let the Russians have their way. Of the two, whose policy would you prefer when it comes to Ukraine?

Talk to me on Thanksgiving 2024, after the election. You have little faith in the American people.
You are anointing Donald Trump to be the GOP nominee. One may argue that Trump will not be the next president. Of the eight major candidates for President, only Ramaswamy voiced opposition to providing support to Ukraine. There is a long way to go.

 

[Gallipoli]

The best way to stop Russia and deter China is to fully support Ukraine in its effort to defeat Russia. That means providing Ukraine with 1) advanced fighters, including F-16s and F-35s, 2) 500 of the 5,000 M-1 Abrams tanks that the USMC is decommissioning, 3) long-range ATACAMs missiles, 4) fifty Patriot missile batteries to provide an umbrella over Ukraine, 5) long range ICBMS, 6) US personnel to train Ukrainians on Ukrainian soil, 7) naval escorts in the Black Sea, accompanied by reflagging of any vessels in the area under the American Flag and 8) authorization to invade and/or attack Russia, with whatever means necessary. Ukraine needs to take the fight to Russia. Biden should have flooded Ukraine with Abrams and F16s in October 2021. This is the Reagan Doctrine. Joe Biden is incapable of doing any of these.

 

[Gallipoli]

Let's remember those who died at the hands of Joe Biden’s policies. His withdrawal from Afghanistan was disgraceful. Never underestimate Joe Biden's ability to *** things up.

Gold Star families force Biden to face his failure in the botched Afghanistan withdrawal: ‘Disgrace to the nation’

The families of 13 American service members killed during Joe Biden’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan two years ago inserted themselves back into the country’s conscience last week.

nypost.com

 

[Anachnid]

Yes we remember the fallen. And are thankful for those who did not have to continue to go that s-hole corrupt country. thank you Joe for getting us out of a war after three other Presidents failed to do so and 20+ years of wasted Americans and dollars.

 

[Gallipoli]

Yes we remember the fallen. And are thankful for those who did not have to continue to go that s-hole corrupt country. thank you Joe for getting us out of a war after three other Presidents failed to do so and 20+ years of wasted Americans and dollars.

So, liked the way crazy Uncle Joe pulled our troops out of Afghanistan? Did you also like the way he projected weakness around the world?

 

[Gallipoli]

The Biden Doctrine, as it pertains to Ukraine, is like Lucy, when she pulls the ball away right before Charlie Brown attempts a kick. Biden dangles a carrot and he says jump. Zelensky jumps, but Biden pulls the carrot away.

 

[KE Spider]

Problem here is this is yet another political war with battlefield win/lose considerations secondary. Admin supports Ukraine just enough to prevent naked aggression from success thereby discouraging others to attempt the same. Maintain World order without upsetting the applecart. Bleed the enemy, but do not humiliate them.

Ukrainians, military and civilians, are paying a most dear price for our feigned full support. They could be flying F16s , utilizing our most sophisticated tanks, and other hardware months ago, but Admin doesn't want this. They aren't in it to win, just deter future aggression by making the price too high and bleed an adversary.

Ukrainians are being sacrificed by Colonialism like machinations, natives pay the price for great power considerations. Either support them fully or get the hell out. We have been down this road too many times before.

 

[Gallipoli]

Problem here is this is yet another political war with battlefield win/lose considerations secondary. Admin supports Ukraine just enough to prevent naked aggression from success thereby discouraging others to attempt the same. Maintain World order without upsetting the applecart. Bleed the enemy, but do not humiliate them.

Ukrainians, military and civilians, are paying a most dear price for our feigned full support. They could be flying F16s , utilizing our most sophisticated tanks, and other hardware months ago, but Admin doesn't want this. They aren't in it to win, just deter future aggression by making the price too high and bleed an adversary.

Ukrainians are being sacrificed by Colonialism like machinations, natives pay the price for great power considerations. Either support them fully or get the hell out. We have been down this road too many times before.

That is an outstanding analysis. It is also a very cynical view of crazy Uncle Joe' motives. It begs the question- why? Why would he be content to support a war where each side bled the other, instead of a war where Ukraine wins decisively?

 

[KE Spider]

Vlad is the devil we know. He moves based on Russian nationalism and his World view which are consistent and predictable. If he fell, the replacement will not be an Eagle Scout. Unpredictability ensues. Better the devil you know than the one you don't, particularly when they have nukes.

Our interests prefer a stable, predictable, and contained Russian Federation rather than what might replace it. Means play for the draw where no one is happy, but everyone is whole enough to rebuild and move on.

Galli, this is directly in response to your question. How I read the Admin's reasoning, not that I endorse it. Play to win or go home sends a more powerful message geopolitically IMO.

 

[Gallipoli]

Vlad is the devil we know. He moves based on Russian nationalism and his World view which are consistent and predictable. If he fell, the replacement will not be an Eagle Scout. Unpredictability ensues. Better the devil you know than the one you don't, particularly when they have nukes.

Our interests prefer a stable, predictable, and contained Russian Federation rather than what might replace it. Means play for the draw where no one is happy, but everyone is whole enough to rebuild and move on.

Galli, this is directly in response to your question. How I read the Admin's reasoning, not that I endorse it. Play to win or go home sends a more powerful message geopolitically IMO.

How does this explain Biden's vacillations in delivering F-16s? And the slow walking of other weapons deliveries?

In May, Biden promised to provide F-16s to Ukraine. He publicly agreed to and committed to allow our allies to both provide F16s and train Ukrainian pilots. Russia threatened nuclear war. Biden backed off. Biden changed his mind. He most recently committed his assent to ALLOW F-16s deliveries AFTER the end of the current counter-offensive.

One may further argue that the Russian Federation will not dissolve, in the same way Iraq did not dissolve after the first Gulf War. Dictators will fight to retain internal power, even after losing humiliating wars.

This argument posits the idea that Biden is intimidated by Putin’s threats, rather than dissolution of the Russian Federation.

 

[Gallipoli]

Notably, our Maximum Leader- Joe Biden has ducked the 9-11 memorial in NY and decided to spend a quite time in... Alaska? Joe did not want to be heckled.

 

[Gallipoli]

Biden has made an agreement with Iran to lift sanctions and transfer $6 billion in funds to Iran. They have agreed to allow the funds to be transferred to Qatar. Iran will release 6 US hostages.
Iran used the money before to fund terrorism. Like Obama before him, Biden is funding our enemies.

"The Biden administration has issued a waiver to allow banks to transfer $6 billion in restricted Iranian funds to Qatar without fear of sanctions".

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/11/politics/us-waiver-iran-funds/index.html

 

[Long Time Spider Fan]

Biden has made an agreement with Iran to lift sanctions and transfer $6 billion in funds to Iran. They have agreed to allow the funds to be transferred to Qatar. Iran will release 6 US hostages.
Iran used the money before to fund terrorism. Like Obama before him, Biden is funding our enemies.

"The Biden administration has issued a waiver to allow banks to transfer $6 billion in restricted Iranian funds to Qatar without fear of sanctions".

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/11/politics/us-waiver-iran-funds/index.html

I guess the argument can be made that these funds that will be used for humanitarian purposes might take the place of funds that Iran might spend on humanitarian purposes (I don't think Iran is known for spending money on that) and free up some funds for Iran to fund other projects, but here is a quote from the article that you cited:

The State Department spokesperson noted that the waiver “allows for the transfer of funds from one location to another but does not change the fact that they can only be used to fund Iran’s purchases of humanitarian goods.”

“As we have said, no money is going to Iran directly and no taxpayer funds are being used. The funds held in South Korea are Iran’s funds,” they stressed. “These funds will be moved to restricted accounts in Qatar, and the United States will have oversight as to how and when these funds are used.”

You conveniently left out the part that the US will have oversight as to how and when these funds will be used.

 

[Gallipoli]

I guess the argument can be made that these funds that will be used for humanitarian purposes might take the place of funds that Iran might spend on humanitarian purposes (I don't think Iran is known for spending money on that) and free up some funds for Iran to fund other projects, but here is a quote from the article that you cited:

The State Department spokesperson noted that the waiver “allows for the transfer of funds from one location to another but does not change the fact that they can only be used to fund Iran’s purchases of humanitarian goods.”

“As we have said, no money is going to Iran directly and no taxpayer funds are being used. The funds held in South Korea are Iran’s funds,” they stressed. “These funds will be moved to restricted accounts in Qatar, and the United States will have oversight as to how and when these funds are used.”

You conveniently left out the part that the US will have oversight as to how and when these funds will be used.

Give me one good reason for the US to release funds to Iran?

This is one of the most facile and asinine statements made from our state department.

How will the US be able to track the funds once Iran has them? This will fund Iran's terrorist activities and will allow Iran to build and supply more weapons to Russia in the fight against Ukraine. It will also allow Iran to buy weapons from China and supply those weapons to Russia.

In return, Russia will provide nuclear capabilities to Iran. Do you really believe that Iran will play nice?

The last time Biden-Obama paid Iran, it was in pallets of cash. There was a massive spike in terrorism. They said then that the funds were not ours, but were a release of Iran's funds that were frozen in the US, from 1979. The difference between the funds frozen in 1979 and 2015 was supposed to be interest. Who do you think paid the interest?

 

[Gallipoli]

But... but... but... the US isn't releasing the funds, the State Department says, South Korea is...

How stupid do they think we are?

 

[Spiderwiz]

Out of curiosity, how would you pursued the hostages’ freedom or should the status quo simply been maintained?

 

[KE Spider]

National interests take precedent over individual interests.

I Ran describes the President's policy toward Afghanistan. Joint Chiefs advised maintaining a force of 2,500 and retaining control of Bagram. It was a no brainer. No casualties in 18 months, the Prez takes over and boom 13 needlessly dead within months. Humiliating, badly botched withdrawal. No one held accountable. Why? Because it was solely on the mistaken judgment of the Prez.

He believes putin is a bathroom phenomenon. Ukraine policy is, not totally, but largely bluster. He is not seriously in for a win based on his actions. Mr. President, quit sacrificing patriotic, innocent Ukrainians with false promises.

The Senate's long time good time Charlie with no intellectual depth became President. Ole Joe. God Bless him. Not only is he too old to run in 2024, he is too addled to be President now.

Hear me out. I have no love of Trump. Not shilling for him. Both he and Biden are damaged goods.

The Dems would be better off without Joe.
The Repubs would be better off without Trump.
Our country would be better off without either.

 

[Gallipoli]

Out of curiosity, how would you pursued the hostages’ freedom or should the status quo simply been maintained?

Yes, national interests must take precedent over personal interests.

My comments original post sounds like a rant....

Six billion dollars for 5 hostages? It doesn't sound right.

Never, never, never pay money for hostages. It only encourages more hostage taking. The smart policy is to tell American to not travel to these third world countries. Our only option is to use diplomacy to release hostages. And certainly don't work or play basketball there. 1-800-Brittany-Griner.

Obama started this policy, when he traded 5 hardened terrorists for Beau Bergdahl.

 

[Gallipoli]

National interests take precedent over individual interests.

I Ran describes the President's policy toward Afghanistan. Joint Chiefs advised maintaining a force of 2,500 and retaining control of Bagram. It was a no brainer. No casualties in 18 months, the Prez takes over and boom 13 needlessly dead within months. Humiliating, badly botched withdrawal. No one held accountable. Why? Because it was solely on the mistaken judgment of the Prez.

He believes putin is a bathroom phenomenon. Ukraine policy is, not totally, but largely bluster. He is not seriously in for a win based on his actions. Mr. President, quit sacrificing patriotic, innocent Ukrainians with false promises.

The Senate's long time good time Charlie with no intellectual depth became President. Ole Joe. God Bless him. Not only is he too old to run in 2024, he is too addled to be President now.

Hear me out. I have no love of Trump. Not shilling for him. Both he and Biden are damaged goods.

The Dems would be better off without Joe.
The Repubs would be better off without Trump.
Our country would be better off without either.

Well reasoned and thought provoking. Your posts are very strong.

 

[Gallipoli]

What about illegal immigration? I saw a report that more than 6 million illegal immigrants have entered the country since Biden became President. By the end of 2024, we will have let more illegals in, than the entire state of Virginia. This is mind blowing.