"Unafraid, Bi-Partisan, Uphold U.S. and Freedom
Donald Trump's foreign policy speech focussed on linking Obama-Hillary policies to the growth of ISIS. He pointed out that the ISIS problem was small and manageable before Obama came to power. Trump's proposals to destroy ISIS are very do-able. However, he forgot to link the issue of Islamic terrorism with resolving the continuous crisis in Ukraine. For the detailed peace plan we suggested regarding Ukraine, see my interview by Alexander Motyl in the World Affairs Journal,, "Ukraine, a Bridge Linking the West and Russia?"
Trump should be reminded; it is August, the usual time for large maneuvers, and at times wars and invasions in Europe, and importantly, there is an Olympics. The Olympics have served as cover for Vladimir Putin’s invasions of both 2008 Georgia and 2014 Ukraine. The maneuvers around the Crimea and Eastern Ukraine could turn into war. Putin is unpredictable and our being in the midst of an election has also favored an invasion in the past. Remember 1968 Czechoslovakia.
Trump is right we can turn Putin into a strategic ally against Islamic terrorism. However, we must also push for a diplomatic resolution of the Ukrainian crisis. If there is a war in Ukraine we could not pursue strategic cooperation with Putin on Iraq and Syria.
The Donald already has serious problems with the electorate and must correct them. He must not forget Ukraine and promise that if there is a Russian invasion we will not fight the Russians but we will arm the Ukraine with defensive weapons and apply sanctions.
He must also respond on the issue Ukraine, We would advise him, show that you knew of the invasion of the Crimea and the war between irregular Russian forces and the Ukrainian army. Your manager must come completely clean about his former involvement with the government of corrupt Viktor Yanukovych, whom the Ukrainians threw out.
You must dispel the notion that you are a pet of Putin and that Paul built a Kremlin slush fund in the Ukraine when he served as Yanukovych’s adviser.
You must also make clear that you will defend our NATO allies, particularly the Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, but also Poland.
Dr. Jiri Valenta is a long standing member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an expert on Russian decision-making and military doctrine. He is the author/editor of numerous books including The Soviet Intervention in Czechoslovakia, 1968; Anatomy of a Decision.