Putin Compared to ISIS

      A noted journalist in nytimes.com , Thomas L. Friedman, a writer with heavy cred when talking of the Middle East, Islam, and other current topics, wrote today's column highlighting similarities between Russia's current leader and the Islamist group called ISIS( Islamic State of Iran and Syria).
      He equates both with attempts to turn the clock backwards.  In Russia's case, he asserts that Putin wants the so called glory days of pre-1992.   ISIS wants to declare a 'caliphate', back when science and reason had yet to be discovered.
     His writing, however  briefly, makes some good points-some obvious, some not so much.  Of course, we are on the opinion page of an international newspaper that has made public opinion turn in its direction for over 100 years.   That is to say, that Mr. Friedman has a following and a very secure job expressing opinions based on lengthy experience, careful studying of facts, and scrupulously sighting sources.   The net result will be the swaying, further, of public opinion in favor of increased sanctions against Putin's Russia or NovoRussyia, and actions to stem the tide against ISIS, which is the easier of the two.
      The White House reads Mr. Friedman, and I'm sure sufficient Russians too.  Tomorrow's actions will reflect, in part, this written opinion.
More vodka to the Kremlin, please.