Putin, Netanyahu and their would-be imitators

The conclusion that is starting to emerge from what is happening around the world is that anyone who wants to impose himself through geopolitical bullying succeeds. Russian President Vladimir Putin has seized part of Ukraine and is unlikely to give it back no matter what the West does, which seems to be losing its stamina for a protracted war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also does what he wants and crosses every red line, expanding the war in the Middle East. No one these days can stop a determined leader who has the punch and power to impose what he wants in his region. Who will be next to follow their example? Good question; I hope it's not in our geopolitical neighborhood.

It has long been clear that the most dangerous period was the one that began with US President Joe Biden's withdrawal from November's electoral battle and will end at noon when the new...