Is Putin crazy enough to attack the US?

This is a question that has been on a lot of people's minds lately. With the recent news of Russian troops amassing near the Ukrainianborder, and the downing of a Malaysian airliner possibly by Russian-backed rebels, it's natural to wonder if Vladimir Putin is capable of anything, even attacking the United States.

The short answer is: Probably not.

But before we get into the reasons why, let's first consider what would motivate Putin to take such a drastic step.

There are a few potential scenarios:

1) Putin is feeling threatened by the recent increase in NATO activity near Russia's borders.

2) Putin is feeling threatened by the increasing economic sanctions being imposed on Russia.

3) Putin is feeling threatened by the growing unrest within Russia itself.

4) Putin is feeling threatened by the possibility of regime change in Russia.

5) Putin is feeling threatened by the growing success of the Ukrainian government in its fight against the Russian-backed rebels.

6) Putin is feeling threatened by the growing international isolation of Russia.

7) Putin is feeling threatened by the growing internal opposition to his rule.

8) Putin is feeling threatened by the growing possibility of a color revolution in Russia.

9) Putin is feeling threatened by the possibility of a military coup in Russia.

10) Putin is feeling threatened by the possibility of a popular uprising in Russia.

These are all valid reasons for Putin to feel threatened. But are they enough to make him crazy enough to attack the United States?

Probably not.

Here's why:

1) Putin knows that an attack on the United States would be suicidal for Russia. The United States has far more military power than Russia, and there is no way that Putin could win a war against the United States.

2) Putin knows that an attack on the United States would trigger a massive response from the United States, and Putin knows that he would be the one to suffer the most in such a scenario.

3) Putin knows that an attack on the United States would alienate Russia from the rest of the world, and Putin knows that he needs the support of the international community to stay in power.

4) Putin knows that an attack on the United States would give the United States an excuse to intervene militarily in Russia, and Putin knows that such intervention would be disastrous for Russia.

5) Putin knows that an attack on the United States would likely lead to regime change in Russia, and Putin knows that he does not want to lose power.

6) Putin knows that an attack on the United States would isolate Russia from the rest of the world, and Putin knows that he needs the support of the international community to stay in power.

7) Putin knows that an attack on the United States would give the opposition an excuse to overthrow him, and Putin knows that he does not want to lose power.

8) Putin knows that an attack on the United States would give the United States an excuse to intervene militarily in Russia, and Putin knows that such intervention would be disastrous for Russia.

9) Putin knows that an attack on the United States would likely lead to a military coup in Russia, and Putin knows that he does not want to lose power.

10) Putin knows that an attack on the United States would give the people an excuse to overthrow him, and Putin knows that he does not want to lose power.

So, while Putin may be feeling threatened, he is not crazy enough to attack the United States.