Meersheimer is not rooting for Putin. I get why you want to dismiss him, but can you, as an objective analyst? Kursk only works if Russia implodes from within under economic and social strain. I hope it does; I expect it will. But if it doesn't Meersheimer is 100% on the money. I doubt he wants to be right.

Kursk is a gamble. A huge risk for exactly the reason Meersheimer points out. For Kursk to be successful the West has to REALLY LEAN INTO tightening sanctions, closing loopholes--getting China to reduce support.

You know all that.