For best running commentary, read Robert Parry every other day or so at consortiumnews.com. Below are links to useful background pieces:
The U.S. has treated Russia like a loser since the end of the Cold War
By Jack Matlock, U.S. Ambassador to the U.S.S.R. from 1987 to 1991
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/who-is-the-bully-the-united-states-has-treated-russia-like-a-loser-since-the-cold-war/2014/03/14/b0868882-aa06-11e3-8599-ce7295b6851c_story.html
The Hypocritical United States of Amnesia and Russia
By Walter Uhler
http://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Hypocritical-United-St-by-Walter-Uhler-American-Foreign-Policy_American-Hypocrisy_Crimea_Georgia-Russia-Conflict-140314-287.html
What’s behind Russia’s moves in Ukraine? Fear of NATO
By Edward W. Walker, March 4, 2014
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/commentary/la-oe-walker-ukraine-nato-expansion-20140304,0,4405864.story#ixzz2uz7Q8rQd
Distorting Russia
By Stephen F. Cohen, Feb. 11, 2014
Includes critique of arguments made earlier by Ray’s debating partner (democracynow, March 3), Yale’s Professor Geoffrey Snyder.
http://www.thenation.com/print/article/178344/distorting-russia