I understand that Doug Saunders's article is published as his own opinion. Well, it all depends how "personal" views of the Globe's political observers are and what an expected effect from their "personal opinions" might be on the reading public.
So, I would be happy to sit down with Mr. Saunders and discuss some matters of the relations between Russia and the West - and ask him a few questions.
For example, what is so "destructive" about Russia's policy in Syria as opposite to an absolutely peaceful US mission on the Middle East, e.g., a very "undestructive" war in Iraq?
What does Mr.Saunders think about "alleged information" on the decision of the US President (Obama, to be precise) to go ahead with plans of the cyberattack against the Russian non-military infrastructure (power stations and grids, as one example)? How is this different from a proclamation of war of some sort? 
Finally, should Russia be encircled by NATO through the last 25 years (no Ukraine yet)?
Simple questions, eh