James Clapper: “I think the reason they were taken off the list was to provide an inducement or motivation for them to agree to some…”

It's inconceivable to me that the Russian intelligence services aren't aware of this, and that Putin has certainly at least acquiesced if not directed -- directing it.

I think, though, that what has been in the past considered an annoyance or an irritation, has now risen to the level of a genuine national security threat.

I think it's very probable he'll use chemical weapons at some point.

I think Putin's mind is made up. And he might improvise as he goes he I think he would do he would do that anyway.