Hossein Askari, the Presidents have played roles in history but did not bring about the tragedy in Ukraine. That achievement is Putin's. We could likewise make the argument that the actions of British prime ministers brought about Hitler by creating the conditions for such a leader and failing to stop his aggression much sooner.

George W. Bush (unlike his father) had a poor understanding of the world. But he thought Putin reasonable and someone he could work with. Tony Blair also had the impression (at one time) that Putin could be brought into the modern world.

Barack Obama paid way too little attention to Russia and Putin. A huge mistake was not having a U.S. presence in Syria. Obama had an opportunity but turned it down because of little public enthusiasm for another Middle East engagement. Unfortunate this precious commodity was squandered with the unnessasary wars of Afghanistan and (second) Iraq. Hence in Syria, Putin occupied the space and one could say was victorious.

Donald Trump's foreign policy was, to use the Enonomist's word, buffoonery. He accelerated a general trend of American withdrawing from the world -- including Europe. Trump's highlight was to undermine article 5 of NATO. That must have emboldened Putin like nothing else.

As for Joe Biden? His contribution to Putin's aggression was pulling out of Afghanistan when that was (arguably) unnecessary (and detrimental to American and world interests). Putin detected weakness in Biden and American resolve.

Some real skills are needed to move through this time successfully. As awful as it is, there are opportunities to be seen and taken advantage of for a more secure and prosperous world. More can be done with Xi Jinping and China.

Many thanks. If I had another life, it would be economics.