Ex-CIA chief says Russian bounty would 'cross a line'

[ffr]

Action would require a 'bold' response that could include diplomatic isolation, sanctions, and, 'if necessary,' military force

Russia may be facing new, harder-hitting sanctions, if reports prove true that Moscow offered Taliban-linked militants money to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan, says the former head of the CIA.

Leon Panetta, who served as CIA director and secretary of defense during the administration of President Barack Obama, told a congressional hearing...that such an action by Russia would cross a line and require a “bold” response that could include diplomatic isolation, sanctions, and, “if necessary,” military force, Radio Free Europe reported.

Panetta said Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to carry out aggressive actions around the world because the United States has failed to take a tough stance against him and his nation in the past.

“I think we may have to do something bold in order to get Putin’s attention. I think, right now, Putin does not really believe that the United States is going to respond in a way that is going to really undermine Russia and undermine him,” he told a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. - Asia Times

Ask me what leadership looks like and I'll tell you, this is what leadership looks like.

[elleng]

1. 'could include diplomatic isolation, sanctions, and, "if necessary," military force'

[Me.]

2. Would? If?

Aren't we past that?

[Mersky]

3. Am tired of the russian bounty story being buried: Kick!

tRump is a criminal and a traitor.

He knew and did nothing, but hold up the G7 on a platter.

What did he and putin discuss on all those phone calls this year?

[Cha]

4. No Shite!

[Kid Berwyn]

5. Give Putin the Soleimani Treatment.

Vlad, I kidding.

[Nevilledog]

6. Nothing will happen til trump is gone