Brilliant Hossein.

A tragedy that, with good leadership, could have been prevented or made less awful.

America, the biggest player in this, has NEVER been in front of the situation. There was an initial relief that Ukraine was outside NATO, and we were not obliged to come to its defense -- "not our responsibility." Next was that Ukraine would quickly fall to Putin, and there was nothing much we could do. But then, to our surprise, the Ukrainians fought back, and we were shocked into some courage to assist. But even supplying armaments, we behave with reticence.

As you beautifully point out with many examples, this was all wrong.

Upon knowledge that Putin was preparing for an invasion, we should have declared our defense of Ukraine as if it were a NATO country. A precedent was established with Kuwait. This could have been achieved without entering Russia and with the nuclear threat no bigger than it is now.

The big problem was that America had spent its public enthusiasm for such adventures in Afghanistan and Iraq. But this is why we have leaders. To do things that are in our interest but not immediately popular.

Have you read David Gergen's book? "Hearts Touched with FIRE."

I'm currently trying to publish an article that connects the U.S., China, and Ukraine. Essentially that opportunity was carelessly missed when the Biden Administration boycotted Xi Jinping's Olympics. That there was a dreadful confusion of priorities. I argue that if Biden were in Beijing holding hands and admiring his show, Putin would not have had carte blanche with Xi's ear. This is presented in the context of America's need for a hugely improved relationship with China for our prosperity and security.

Many thanks and best to you.