How’s that effort to “reset” relations with Russia coming?
Two nuclear-powered Russian attack submarines have been patrolling in international waters off the East Coast for several days, in activity reminiscent of the Cold War, defense officials said Tuesday. . .
In a prepared statement, Northern Command spokesman Michael Kucharek acknowledged the patrols and said the U.S. has been monitoring the two submarines.
Two senior U.S. officials, however, said the submarines had been patrolling several hundred miles off the coast and so far had done nothing to provoke U.S. military concerns. . .
The latest incident, which was first reported by The New York Times, comes amid increased Russian military activity in the region, and as the administration of President Obama works to thaw tense relations with Moscow.
It’s hard to see any tangible objective that would be served by these patrols, particularly since these are attack subs, not boomers. They must be intended to send a message. Our response, no doubt, will be to try harder to placate them.
UPDATE: David Satter’s take is similar.
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