GOP hawks: Russia adopting ‘Soviet’ mentality

“I’m just amazed that we don’t get what Putin is up to,”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told reporters. “He’s trying to recreate the old
Soviet Union attitude and image.”

{mosads}Graham said on Sunday that he thought there should be “consequences”
for Russia if it harbors Snowden.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said Tuesday that it was time for
the U.S. to re-evaluate its relationship with “a country that is violating all
international norms and international behavior.”

In addition to Snowden, McCain cited Russia’s support of Syrian President Bashar
Assad and its decision to supply the Assad regime with weapons.

“It does not mean a re-ignition of the Cold War, but it
means a very clear and uncluttered view … about our relationship with Russia,”
McCain said.

“That means, for example, we should proceed with missile
defense in Europe,” he added, citing another policy difference between
Republicans and the Obama administration.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) took a
more cautious approach, saying he thought the Obama administration had reacted
appropriately thus far by expressing its “deep disappointment.”

“I think the relationship is chilly enough without having to
make it chillier,” Levin said.