Aaron David Miller : Putin 's intervention in Ukraine affects more than Ukraine 's sovereignty . The reaction to the West 's efforts -- to meddle in what Putin believes is Russia 's sphere of influence and to oppose Moscow -- will create a mini-Cold War that could , for the remainder of the Obama administration and probably beyond , freeze productive U.S.-Russian cooperation across the board . Miller : This crisis and its response will affect how Middle Eastern nations see themselves . He says if Russia is strong and Ukraine looks ineffectual , Syria , Iran and others will notice . Miller : Obama administration is risk - averse , and faces long odds vs. Putin on Ukraine .
Aaron David Miller : Putin 's intervention in Ukraine affects more than Ukraine 's sovereignty . Miller : This crisis and its response will affect how Middle Eastern nations see themselves . He says if Russia is strong and Ukraine looks ineffectual , Syria , Iran and others will notice . Miller : Obama administration is risk - averse , and faces long odds vs. Putin on Ukraine .