The War in Ukraine

[Dickthedribbler]

Is she gonna sing the Star Spangled Banner at the super bowl?

While taking a knee.

[4everwarriors]

Wait a minute watt's her pronouns, hey?

[tower912]

nunya

[Jay Bee]

Did they vape on the plane ride home?

[tower912]

For their sake, I hope so.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Not sure what BG has to do with Ukraine but I trust the professionals in the State Department to have concluded that this was the best deal they could have made. I think it's also noteworthy that Bout has already served 14 years of his sentence. It is questionable that he will ever be able to return to arms trafficking. It was noteworthy how the President warned all U.S. travelers to make themselves aware of the State Department's travel bulletins before leaving the country.

[The Sultan]

I think Bout may not last long in Russia either.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Not sure what BG has to do with Ukraine but I trust the professionals in the State Department to have concluded that this was the best deal they could have made. I think it's also noteworthy that Bout has already served 14 years of his sentence. It is questionable that he will ever be able to return to arms trafficking. It was noteworthy how the President warned all U.S. travelers to make themselves aware of the State Department's travel bulletins before leaving the country.

As I pointed out to someone, that Bout now has to actually live in Russia which just plain sucks.  He was probably better off in a US prison.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I think Bout may not last long in Russia either.

He'll fall out of a basement window pretty soon.

[lawdog77]

As I pointed out to someone, that Bout now has to actually live in Russia which just plain sucks.  He was probably better off in a US prison.

Due to our effective prison system, I am sure he is rehabilitated

[Hards Alumni]

Not sure what BG has to do with Ukraine but I trust the professionals in the State Department to have concluded that this was the best deal they could have made. I think it's also noteworthy that Bout has already served 14 years of his sentence. It is questionable that he will ever be able to return to arms trafficking. It was noteworthy how the President warned all U.S. travelers to make themselves aware of the State Department's travel bulletins before leaving the country.

Optics is all that mattered here.

Russia was able to bully the US into releasing a scumbag to get a basketball player back.

[The Sultan]

Optics is all that mattered here.

Russia was able to bully the US into releasing a scumbag to get a basketball player back.

Not really, but whatever.

[Hards Alumni]

Not really, but whatever.

Explain how that isn't the case.  Russia got what it wanted, and sent a pretty terrible message to the world.  Which also makes the US appear weak.

Are BG and her family happy?  I'm sure they're ecstatic, and I'm very happy for them.  But the message sent to the world today is that you can arrest a US citizen, convict and hold them on a trumped up charge, and then ransom them for a global terrorist. 

[Jay Bee]

Yes. Americans are today less safe due to this  decision.

[JWags85]

Not sure what BG has to do with Ukraine but I trust the professionals in the State Department to have concluded that this was the best deal they could have made. I think it's also noteworthy that Bout has already served 14 years of his sentence. It is questionable that he will ever be able to return to arms trafficking. It was noteworthy how the President warned all U.S. travelers to make themselves aware of the State Department's travel bulletins before leaving the country.

Pentagon already is quoted as saying they worry about him returning to arms trafficking

Explain how that isn't the case.  Russia got what it wanted, and sent a pretty terrible message to the world.  Which also makes the US appear weak.

Are BG and her family happy?  I'm sure they're ecstatic, and I'm very happy for them.  But the message sent to the world today is that you can arrest a US citizen, convict and hold them on a trumped up charge, and then ransom them for a global terrorist. 

YEP.   Regardless of Whelan's family saying they are happy for BG, the fact that Russia was like "nah, not him for a notorious global criminal, just a petty civilian" is terrible messaging and optics.

And it has nothing to do with armchair expertise, the only positive response I've seen from this all day is from people pushing a very distinct agenda.  Which is as pathetic as people claiming a certain former president would have done so much better,

[jesmu84]

Pentagon already is quoted as saying they worry about him returning to arms trafficking


YEP.   Regardless of Whelan's family saying they are happy for BG, the fact that Russia was like "nah, not him for a notorious global criminal, just a petty civilian" is terrible messaging and optics.

And it has nothing to do with armchair expertise, the only positive response I've seen from this all day is from people pushing a very distinct agenda.  Which is as pathetic as people claiming a certain former president would have done so much better,

What's the deal with this guy? Saw a few social media mentions today

[WhiteTrash]

What pro player or entertainer will get Chapo back to Mexico?

Oprah for Chapo?

Maybe TB for Chapo?

The US State Department made it clear, we will wheel and deal with anybody for the right player.

I'd kind of like Jerry West as our next Secretary of State. That man can make deals.

[Hards Alumni]

What's the deal with this guy? Saw a few social media mentions today

He's totally not a US spy. 

[Pakuni]

Explain how that isn't the case.  Russia got what it wanted, and sent a pretty terrible message to the world.  Which also makes the US appear weak.

Are BG and her family happy?  I'm sure they're ecstatic, and I'm very happy for them.  But the message sent to the world today is that you can arrest a US citizen, convict and hold them on a trumped up charge, and then ransom them for a global terrorist.

Please. Viktor Bout is a bad man, but he's not a global terrorist. There's a reason he received the minimum sentence and would have been paroled in about six years.

[Pakuni]

Yes. Americans are today less safe due to this  decision.

You're more likely to be harmed by a dentist than Viktor Bout.

[Pakuni]

Pentagon already is quoted as saying they worry about him returning to arms trafficking

I believe the Pentagon said, "People like Viktor Bout shouldn't be fueling bloodshed by selling weapons to warring factions overseas. That's our job."

[Lennys Tap]

Optics is all that mattered here.

Russia was able to bully the US into releasing a scumbag to get a basketball player back.

Not just a basketball player - a basketball player who is at least a minor celebrity, African American and a member of the LGBTQ community. That's also part of the optics that mattered. None of the other Americans being held hostage checked any of those boxes.

Maybe this was the "best deal available". That doesn't mean it wasn't a bad deal.

[withoutbias]

Fox News really does put the fear of god in people.

[withoutbias]

Not just a basketball player - a basketball player who is at least a minor celebrity, African American and a member of the LGBTQ community. That's also part of the optics that mattered. None of the other Americans being held hostage checked any of those boxes.

Maybe this was the "best deal available". That doesn't mean it wasn't a bad deal.

Ah yes. Nobody ever looks out for the straight white male with money. Minority LGBT females have it so dang cushy in this country. Surely Tom Brady would've been left in a Russian jail cell for 9 years!

Lol. Gtfo

[rocket surgeon]

You're more likely to be harmed by a dentist than Viktor Bout.

  looks like pakman wants to take over scoop's most mean-spirited, disagreeable and insulting member position with this one.