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March 25th, 2014
09:40 PM ET
Jimmy Carter: U.S. has to be "bold and strong" with Putin
Russia is building up its troop presence on the border with Ukraine.
Russian forces in the area now total 30,000 troops - up from 20,000 from Monday. President Obama warned Russia's president Vladimir Putin on Tuesday that he would face "additional costs" if Russia does move further into Ukraine.
Obama defends handling of Ukraine crisis
CNN's Erin Burnett spoke with Former President Jimmy Carter and asked him whether there was a way to stop Russia at this point, short of war.
"I think we have to be very bold and strong in preventing Putin from having a temptation to move militarily into Eastern Ukraine," Carter said.
I don't think that being bold and strong with Putin will do much good. Putin is no fool, and he knows the stakes are higher for him in Ukraine than they are for us. Putin seems to want a United States of Eastern Europe, with a greater Russia at the center of it all. I imagine he'll get it. It's is not worth sending Americans to die for. Still, I think if Putin wants to protect the Russian ethnics in Eastern Ukraine, he ought to invite them to Russia so he can protect them there. And while he's at it he ought to move that naval base over onto Russian territory, too.
Zia: You want me to go into business with the Israelis?
Rep. Wilson: Just for this one purpose, yes, Mr. President. The Israelis have the largest stockpile of Soviet-made weapons in friendly hands.
Zia: I know that. I need to trust that this arrangement will remain secret. Pakistan and Israel would have to appear to be enemies in the public eye.
Rep. Wilson: Yeah, I uh... don't think that's a tough sell.
Zia: You have authority to do this?
Rep. Wilson: None whatsoever. In fact, I'm pretty close to violating the Logan Act.
Zia: Well, I don't know what that is. But, Charlie–
Rep. Wilson: Yes, sir?
Zia: If I see one Star of David on a crate...
Rep. Wilson: You won't... I promise.