Here is a small man with a huge ego who never flinches in the face of publicity. We know how much he enjoyed being the our savior in the face of possible military action in Syria. That was great. He saved Assad and condemned thousands more Syrians to death. But at least it wasn't by chemical weapon.
Next came his intervention on behalf of Iran and their non-nuclear program. He has no problem with it because by being on their side Russia will be safe as a reward for stepping up for Iran.
I'm wondering, however, if he might have taken a step too far. There are Muslim nations or near nations that want no part of him. The Ukrainians are mightily displeased with their leader who turned away from Europe in favor of Russia. My crystal ball shows a lot of bloodshed ahead for them.
Then there are the Chechnyans who really want no part of him. Those gutsy folks are taking it beyond the usual street skirmishes of disapproval. They're setting off bombs and each time they're getting ever closer to Sochi, the remote city that is home to the soon to be Olympics.
One thing I will bet on is that Putin will not recoup his investment in the games. Not with western countries suggesting we not go. If we listen, no big bucks for Putin. And what person with an ounce of brain power would want to go to Russia anyway? Not the gays, be sure of that!
What happens now. Are the Chechnyans doing this just to toy with Putin? I don't think so. They know he's not easy. Does that mean they have a plan to create total chaos and bring the games and therefore Putin to his knees? I'd like to think not because when it comes to innocent deaths this would be a hallmark. There would be no good guy in the conflict other than the innocent victims who happen to be in the way.
I don't know that Russia throwing all it's military might into security for the games can really keep the dedicated and stealthy terrorist at bay. I hope he can.
If he is not successful, it will bring him down. No more strutting nor smirking. The wrath of the entire world would ensue. It wouldn't be all bad.
On the other hand, could the Chechnyans live with themselves for their part in it? Civilized people would say no. But these people are Muslim radicals just like the ones we fight in the middle east. My guess is they'd never blink an eye.
Anyone else have a thought?
