Fiddling While…

NEED TO KNOW

Fiddling While…

The resignation of US President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn, earlier this week over questions about his communications with Russian officials was arguably the first hard evidence – not conjecture, not assertions – of Moscow’s meddling in American politics.

Washington was understandably abuzz, with congressional Democrats demanding a broader investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia and a small group of leading Republicans acknowledging growing concerns on Tuesday. BloombergView columnist Eli Lake’s piece on the scandal was one of the best. The Guardian’s take on electronic music star and animal rights activist Moby insisting he had proof of “nefarious” doings that could lead to the impeachment of the president was one of the silliest.

But what was Russia doing while the world prognosticated the White House’s next move?

The answer isn’t flattering.

While Flynn was mulling over his future, administration officials were figuring out ho...