From the Foreign Desk: Ragnar Lothbrok

To the longboats, Americans!

Greetings from the fjords of Norway, where the Northern Lights dance in the sky, and discussions about geopolitics are as common as smørgåsbord in Sweden. As a loyal ally to the United States since the inception of NATO, I find myself on this digital pulpit, thanks to an invitation from the one and only William Stroock. We've had our fair share of banter over the years, with me tirelessly trying to convince him that the future is electric cars and anything but Trump. But today, we set aside our friendly disputes to delve into the unfolding saga of Russia, Ukraine, and the good ol' US of A. Grab your metaphorical popcorn; this one's bound to be a rollercoaster.

Well, well, well, look who's got a front-row seat to the geopolitical drama starring Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. It's like a blockbuster movie, but with more international law violations and less popcorn.

Uncle Sam's got a moral obligation, or so they say, to aid Ukraine in its fight for freedom. It's like the superhero code, but with more diplomatic flair. Russia's invasion is painted as the villain in this story, violating international law and playing the role of the global security threat. I can almost hear the dramatic music in the background.

Now, the US is told it must stand with Ukraine because, well, it's the right thing to do. Ukraine, with its democratically elected government, is like the underdog you can't help but root for. And if Russia succeeds, it's game over for democracy, and the sequel involves more aggression in Europe. It's the classic hero's journey, but with nukes. But wait, there's more! If Russia wins, it's not just Europe that's in trouble. China's watching, biding its time, ready to take a page from Russia's playbook. A victory for Russia is a victory for China, and suddenly Taiwan's got a front-row seat to its own potential invasion. Talk about a blockbuster crossover event. Now, let's talk economics because, in the real world, money talks. Increased migration to the US, instability in Europe, and higher energy prices – it's like an economic rollercoaster, and nobody likes a wild ride when it comes to their wallets.

  And don't forget the security costs, my friends. A Russian victory means Uncle Sam might need to update its travel plans as Russia embarks on a world tour of aggression. NATO might need some serious therapy after a Ukrainian defeat, and the nuclear weapons guest list might just get a bit longer.

But fear not, because helping Ukraine is not just a noble cause; it's a boost to the American economy. The cash flow for military gear and supplies doesn't just vanish into the Ukrainian abyss; it's a domestic economic stimulus package. Jobs, economic activity, tax revenue – it's like supporting Ukraine is Uncle Sam's way of investing in itself. So, what's on the to-do list to save the day? Military aid, economic assistance, and diplomatic support – it's like the three-pronged superhero plan. The cost is high, but the cost of inaction? Well, that's like giving the villain a free pass to wreck the world.

And here's the kicker – if the US doesn't help Ukraine, it's not just a bad move on the geopolitical chessboard; it's a blow to Uncle Sam's street cred. All those years of being the defender of democracy and freedom – poof! Gone with the wind. Good luck rallying the troops for the next international adventure. In the grand finale, the United States is painted as the moral, economic, and security savior, rushing in to support Ukraine. Why? Because the cost of inaction is just too darn high. So, cue the heroic music, Uncle Sam – it's time to stand with Ukraine and defend democracy, freedom, and the global order. The world is watching, and this drama has a blockbuster ending in the making.