Let's not dive into politics here. Really, what can the U.S. do, short of provoking a war with Russia, that it isn't already doing (a second batch of sanctions went into effect just a couple of days ago)?
It's easy for us guys over-draft-age guys safe behind our computer screens to call for stronger measures but let's be a little more sober minded here. Any threat of or application of Western military force in Ukraine will be seen by Putin as an act of war and the consequences of such could be very dire indeed. Russian military aircraft are already flying into the airspace of NATO's Baltic members on an almost daily basis and the U.S. is scrambling intercepts on average of once per day. The situation is already ripe for an "incident". The last thing anyone needs is further provocations.
For example, NATO Wild Weasels escorting commercial airliners over a non-member nation just a few kilometers from the border with a fairly bellicose Russia? Is Russia going to let that happen? Would the U.S. allow Russian combat aircraft to fly right up to the U.S.-Mexico border? It's a recipe for disaster. Is a lack of backbone in the White House really the problem? Does the U.S. need another war? Do our NATO allies? Come on. I don't think not wanting to start a war with Russia is cowardly. It's common sense. Partisan politics seems to get people to react emotionally instead of rationally.
Commercial Airliners don't have the performance specs to outrun or outmaneuver a supersonic SAM. According to reports, it took the SAM less than 30 seconds from launch to intercept, and that with the airliner at a cruising altitude between 33k-36k feet. A 777 isn't built to outrun, outturn, out climb, or out dive a guided missile.
Bottom line is that commercial airliners should not be flying over an active conflict zone, especially one where other high-flying aircraft have been shot down. Malaysia Airlines made a disastrous call allowing its aircraft to transit that area. Their excuse that it hadn't been officially declared off-limits is patently ridiculous. Considering the events of the past year, I hope MA gets sued out of existence.
Something should be done to "punish" Russia for supplying the Ukrainian separatists with military hardware. More diplomatic and economic pressure should be brought to bear on Russia to reign in the separatists. Hopefully, this latest incident will go farther in turning global public opinion against Russia's support for the separatists in East Ukraine.
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