Usually the adage applies to 'nip it in the bud' before it blooms, of course, this applies to both sides of the equation. Gorbachev could have done so and didn't, which allowed all that followed, for better and for worse... like a chess match, no? Putin seems to be facing the same type of idiots that pushed Truman to nuc Japan... just to see how it went. Boys and their toys and if WW2 and the Cold War set any example, it seems that major powers don't get involved unless their own welfare is on the line, then they act as if forced to do so, and preferably in their neighbors's backyard, front yard, any yard but their own. Signing treaties seems just part of the usual puppet show amongst these types and is only taken seriously when a weak opponent is involved. When major powers act, then the game changes, but until then Israel has already shown their hand in their expression of 'regret' soon after the event, something I haven't seen reported on from the House of Saud. Seems this game of F U Buddy is well underway, and like Turkey, Iraq, et al, The House of Saud should know that they are expendable pieces on the chessboard, but the mere threat being made public is a sign that they simply don't know, and maybe it's better that way? We could ask Saddam, but....
'If you give them an inch, they'll take a mile'. Seems the Saudi's have gone stupid and could be next, and if they expect any real help from the state of Israel when the game goes to the major leagues, they haven't studied their history very well and are in need of a remedial lesson or two. Perhaps this is the usual result of the ponerization process? So it can't be helped. As a staunch defender of his country against 'terrorists', Putin can no doubt 'assist' the Arabs on the peninsula in a 'defensive' action against Al Qaeda forces threatening and invading their lands. Usually a press release or two before the force majeure is enacted with or without the assistance of local uniforms of the land, who know when to act and when not to. Perhaps the feelers are going out now, or Putin is waiting for the next situation to develop as an excuse for assistance? Or he's unsure of how truly idiotic his opponents are as the noose tightens. It seems from recent American statements and actions that the Saudi's are being prepared as a sacrifice... perhaps the Israeli's seek a different role this time around? Just my impression, but Putin's hand is being forced, so it's not surprising that he hasn't responded quickly, it's been awhile since their troops have gone abroad, unlike our own here in the States and we don't care about 'victory', as creating chaos is what we do best, and that seems to be 'victory' to our 'leaders' today, so Putin is up against the usual psycho idiots with WMD, and depending upon how well informed he is, he has to measure this in context to the situation of the planet.
Of course, Putin could just wait a little longer and let our market collapse factor into the equation, but by then, we might be looking for more distraction as well. One simple way is the usual intimidation tactic that Caesar used so often, taking high level prisoners, such as this Saudi intel chief who's made the threatening statements. Most likely others, perhaps members of the royal family could be invited for an indefinite stay? Perhaps an engineered coup de etat engenders the need for the royal family to seek safety? Depending upon the situation, Putin may have to insist. Idiotic as the Saudi move is, if it is theirs of course, it seems they have overstayed their welcome and are being isolated like Mr. Erdogan in Turkey et al. They are simply no longer needed as the game reaches it's climax. My guess, is that they, or their 'friends' will strike again and perhaps soon, as they don't seem to know when to stop and perhaps addiction is taking hold and the rest of the family doesn't have any ties that bind the intel chief? This type of addiction seems to be showing up all over the world. No one is stopping all the world's useful idiots, who have a license to lie, cheat, steal and kill.
Either way, Putin will most likely be forced to act, the question seems to be how, publicly or privately. The House of Saud looks very vulnerable and seems to think they could pick up and seek safety with their riches, but the whole Iranian scenario from the past should show them that isn't likely. They remind me so much of the useful idiots like Saddam. Yes, like our own, they can be very dangerous, but very predictable. Putin will be forced to act, it's just the nature of the game and these psychos playing it. They don't know when to stop until forced to do so. Isn't that the nature of STS?
