The case of Saddam Hussein vividly illustrates that allowing a dictator to remain in power can have negative consequences, as they may return even stronger or continue their harmful actions.
Saddam initiated two major wars of aggression, one of which resulted in a joint NATO contingent being assembled to repel his attack on Kuwait. Despite his crushing defeat, he remained in power and continued his policies within Iraq.
Ten years later, the US invaded Iraq to remove the Hussein regime. However, they faced significant challenges and delays, and were perceived as occupiers with false objectives. Although Hussein was deposed and executed, it did not bring peace or stability to Iraq. Additionally, no evidence of Al-Qaeda or nuclear weapons were found, and the US's credibility was undermined.
Initiating a war often leads to losses or other negative outcomes, as numerous examples illustrate. However, allowing a war-mongering leader to remain in power can have even worse consequences, including the risk of future conflicts.
“Initiating a war often leads to losses or other negative outcomes, as numerous examples illustrate. However, allowing a war-mongering leader to remain in power can have even worse consequences, including the risk of future conflicts”
Putin adheres to the popular modern principle of "fake it till you make it," which means pretending until success is achieved. Even though his objectives in the ongoing war may seem unreasonable, the war itself is serious and devastating. NATO's attempt to bait Putin into Ukraine presents an opportunity because military action to capture Putin on Russian soil is impractical. If such an attack were to occur, the aggressors would be viewed as occupiers, and Putin would have an actual excuse to claim that he had foreseen a NATO attack.
Everyone is eager to put an end to the Putin issue for good, as he could easily slip away and find another way to assert his power, potentially supporting China in a catastrophic nuclear war.
About the author: Volodymyr Hevko, marketer, blogger
The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.