Anna Nemtsova, Daily Beast: Putin Outfoxes Obama in Spy War
Moscow portrays the Obama administration’s sanctions and expulsion of Russians as a feeble last gesture, and responds in kind—then doesn’t.
MOSCOW — In the closing days of the old year, the United States and Russia are slapping each other in the face in the second big spy crisis of the fast-ending era of Obama, but it's a confrontation full of feints and surprises.
Back in 2010 the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a ring of alleged Russian “sleepers,” including a red-haired Russian “Bond Girl” Anna Chapman who quickly became a celebrity ex-spy. In the end, not much harm was done.
But on Thursday, U.S. President Barack Obama ordered a much more significant action against what was portrayed as a much more sinister plot. In retaliation for the alleged hacking of the Democratic Party in an effort to tilt the U.S. presidential elections to Donald Trump, 35 Russians were declared “persona non grata,” two Russian intelligence agencies were sanctioned, a list of hackers was published. Russian residences in the United States, where Russian officials and their children spent time relaxing (among other things) found themselves shut down.
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WNU Editor: It is safe to say that Russian President Putin and U.S. President Obama are probably not going to be talking to each other anymore. It is clear to me that Moscow has given up on the Obama administration, and are now looking forward to the new Trump administration moving in. As for the current remarks and comments by Russian officials .... I would refrain from insulting the White House. Nothing will be gain from it .... my advice is to just ignore them because they will be gone in 3 weeks. As for not expelling 35 U.S. diplomats in kind .... and saying that Moscow is going to take the "high road" in this diplomatic spat .... has effectively "boxed in" the Obama administration from responding further while opening the door to President-elect Trump to move in and repair relations. My prediction .... this issue will be a non-story by next week even though the Obama administration and a few Democrat and Republican Senators will probably still be trying to push it.
More News On Russian Reaction To The U.S. Expelling 35 Russian Officials And Imposing New Sanctions
New sanctions ‘underscore vindictiveness & pettiness’ of Obama administration -- RT
Russia PM on Obama: 'RIP’ -- The Hill
Obama’s sanctions ‘gesture of despair, poisoned gift’ for Trump admin – Russian senator -- RT
Putin Stunner: "We Will Not Expel Anyone; We Refuse To Sink To 'Kitchen' Diplomacy" -- Zero Hedge
Putin takes the high road: Russian president says he WON'T expel US diplomats in revenge for hacking sanctions - but his aides blast Obama administration as 'angry and shallow-brained losers' -- Daily Mail
Russia Will Determine Steps in Restoring Ties With US Depending on Trump - Putin -- Sputnik
Putin Rejects Tit-for-Tat Expulsion Before Trump Takes Power -- Bloomberg
Russians Attack ‘Political Corpse’ Obama -- Observer
Putin hopes Russia, US will make steps to restore ties under Trump administration -- TASS
Putin says he won’t deport U.S. diplomats as he looks to cultivate relations with Trump -- Washington Post
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