Garry Kasparov, former World Chess Champion and chairman of the Human Rights Foundation, recently tore into the New York Times for giving Russian President Vladimir Putin a forum for his “condescending propaganda” and his stern caution against buying into the idea of American exceptionalism. Kasparov has long opposed Putin, at one point even announcing his intention to run against him.
Before competing today at the Sinquefield Cup, Kasparov shared his thoughts on another chess match currently going on in the world. Spoiler warning: Obama is losing badly.
A few weeks ago al-Assad was hiding in a bunker & worrying about defections. Now he feels perfectly safe and is making demands!
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
Dictators love a vacuum. Putin & his client al-Assad didn't have to do anything. They just stepped into the big open space left by Obama.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
If this result was a "coup" for Putin as many are saying, it was a bloodless coup. Obama offered no resistance, handed over leadership.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
Did we happen to mention that while Kasparov was tweeting this breakdown of international power plays, President Obama was headed to the golf course?
@Kasparov63 Have to disagree! From not having CW to Ownership & Potential removal may not seem a lot but were unthinkable "progress"
— #BringBackOurGirls (@quietswami) September 14, 2013
.@quietswami Look at the situation two weeks ago & call this progress? al-Assad & Putin invented problem (CW) and now solve it. Brilliant!
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
Saying this "avoids" war is ridiculous. It may avoid western involvement (for now), but there is already a war! al-Assad will keep killing.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
Putin & al-Assad get what they wanted: status quo of them in charge, massacring all opposition. WMD are bait & Kerry/Obama eating the hook.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
You also have to look big picture. North & South Korea are watching. China & Taiwan, Putin and all dictators see they have a free hand.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
Far from Syria, Putin's position is now stronger in Russia. He impresses the oligarchs he needs and can crack down harder on opposition.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
A week ago I was not sure if opposition leader Navalny would be jailed. But now Putin is sure he can do as he likes with no consequences.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
Putin showed up to put out a fire in Syria, smelling of gasoline and with a big box of matches in his pocket.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
Yes, I understand many in West are against their nations getting involved under any circumstances. I disagree, but is honest position.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
This isn't the same as saying it's a good idea to trust Putin because he also does not want Western intervention. Motive matters, detective!
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
So, how about that proposed deal that has allowed Obama to stave off a possibly embarrassing vote in Congress to approve the use of force against Syria?
Kerry & Lavrov deal: Putin will supply al-Assad with weapons to kill rebels and Obama will supply al-Assad & UN with lots of papers!
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
So America has authorized al-Assad to stay in power until this process is completed. And the process will of course be endless.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
@Kasparov63 @DoubleEagle49 …and Obama was therefore completely outplayed by Putin.
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 14, 2013
We have finally found Obama's red line! Now if Syria doesn't comply, US has right to go to UN, where can be blocked by… Putin! A circle!
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
And then? Obama goes back to "negotiate" more? Forever? Is there a hotel in Geneva that Kerry is particularly fond of?
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
Honestly, there probably is.
And with the UN CW inspectors report being presented tomorrow, this deal preempts it and Obama provides cover for al-Assad. Incredible.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 14, 2013
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