American diplomacy links-February 2015.

• Author: Clack, George

"The View from the Kremlin: Putin's War on the West" As Ukraine suffers, it is time to recognize the gravity of the Russian threat and to counter it.

The Economist.

http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21643189-ukraine-suffers-it-time -recognise-gravity-russian-threatand-counter?fsrc=nlw|hig|12-02-2015|NA

"What Comes Next?"

Without military aid, Ukraine is lost. It may even be lost with aid. But it still matters for NATO and European security how Ukraine is lost. By Andrew A. Michta, The American Interest. Michta is a professor of international studies at Rhodes College and an adjunct fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

http://www.the-american-interest.com/2015/02/09/what-comes-next/

"A Coup Against Putin?"

As Russia's economy enters recession and its political stability starts to weaken, there is increasing speculation about the possibility of a regime change in the country.

By Donald N. Jensen, IMR (Institute of Modern Russia). Jensen is a resident fellow of the Center for Transatlantic Relations. http://imrussia.org/en/analysis/politics/2166-a-coup-againstputin#.VNLh_PhGouM.facebook

"Russia's War on Information"

Putin's purge of independent media in Russia and his propaganda offensive abroad are key elements of his 15-year push toward authoritarianism, kleptocracy, and anti-Western policies that threaten Russia's neighbors and, by extension, the United States and its allies.

By Matt Armstrong, War on the Rocks. Armstrong serves as a Governor on the Broadcasting Board of Governors and presently chairs a special committee examining the purpose and future of VOA. He is writing a book on the development of U.S. public diplomacy from 1917 to 1948.

http://warontherocks.com/2014/12/russias-war-on-information/2/

"The Jihad Next Door"

The Syrian roots of Iraq's newest Civil War. Just in case you missed it in June --this is the winner of the 2014 George Polk Award for foreign reporting. By Rania Abouzeid, Politico. Abouzeid is an independent journalist who has covered the Middle East and Pakistan for 15 years.

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/06/al-qaeda-iraq-syria108214.html#.VOKXefnF_n8

"Obama Asks Congress To Authorize U.S. War on Islamic State"

The president's long-awaited request met swift resistance from Republicans, who want stronger measures than outlined in the plan, as well as from his fellow Democrats wary of another war in the Middle East.

By Patricia Zengerle, Reuters. Zengerle covers Congress for...