No doubt Putin wants to redirect US attention to the Middle East and away from Ukraine, as well as drive home how he feels about the US supplying weapons to Ukraine.

It also suggests that Putin is looking for ways to weaken Ukrainian resistance by distracting its allies. Some recent threats by Putin highlight that the war in Ukraine has not been going well. But Ukraine should be the EU's responsibility. Their collective economies dwarf that of Russia and there is no reason they should not divert more resources to Ukraine than Russia can match.

The US needs to mend fences with the Saudis and encourage Israel and the Saudis to put the lid on Iranian and Russian proxies in the region. We can provide some assistance, but the last thing we should do is pressure Israel because Biden wants to win a November election or get involved with ground forces.

Lastly, America's primary focus should be strengthening the alliances in the Pacific to discourage any aggression by China. Taiwan's microchip industry is the backbone of all modern technology industries and its essential that it be protected. This is where the bulk of US defense spending should be targeted. If we have enough resources, it will act as a deterrent to war. Not enough invites a war.