There are 32 months to go.  Then there will be another President of the United States.

This is the window for Obama and Holder to jam all they can through the system, Congress and Law be damned.  Enforce some laws, alter others, and ignore the inconvenient ones (marijuana and immigration).  Oaths of office were mere formalities.

This is also a closing window for others. Putin is on a mission.  It is unclear what that will be, but there are a few hints. 

What he plans to do will occur during a United States presidency in which he has determined is held by someone for whom he apparently has little regard.

Putin longs for the glory days of the Soviet Union.

And, Putin abhors the interference of the United States in his backyard. Uninvited diplomacy, defense treaties, and missile defense systems are affronts to Vladimir.

Off the radar, but within the realm of reality, Putin can push his point with an exercise, military or otherwise, with a Western Hemisphere country.  Cuba and Venezuela are ripe for such teamwork.  Putin would drive home his message that if you can mess in my backyard, I will do so in yours.  Far fetched? Perhaps.  But Putin is bound by time and driven by some cold war era wish list.  He seems to be provocatively poking Obama and Kerry in the ribs.  Vladimir might next test the Monroe Doctrine and further tweak the resolve of this administration.

The next 32 months will be a contest of agendas.  Putin’s behavior could be the largest impediment to the Obama / Holder agenda.  Let’s hope that is the limit of his effects.