Statecraft

Putin can’t be too happy about the Middle East. He’s lost two proxies Syria and Iran (and in turn Hamas and Hezbollah). Many years ago an Atlantic contributor analyzed how Putin compensates for a chronic physical deformity. In short, it’s similar to a snake which curls up protectively before making a deadly strike. No doubt a single physical deformity can lay claim to history! Putin also has his hands full with Ukraine. It’s doubtful he has enough arms to offer the embattled Iranians. Of course he could offer the Ayatolah asylum as he did Assad (imagine those two fellow travelers as roommates), though the Ayatollah carries a good deal more baggage than his Syrian counterpart. It’s doubtful Putin wants to set up a Muslim version of the Vatican in his otherwise secular state. Nor does he want to open his arms to every dictator who attains refugee status. Come to think of it maybe North Korea will become the nominee. Imagine Kim Jong-un will regale his deposed visitors with tales of Dennis Rodman and the NBA.

read "The Waste Land" by Francis Levy, The East Hampton Star

and also read "Punk" by Francis Levy, Vol.1 Brooklyn