Tag: #Russia

Lukashenko Versus Belarus

January 13, 2023

Alexander Lukashenko, dictator of Belarus and seemingly proud of it, came to power as its first president in 1994 following dissolution of the Soviet Union three years earlier. A true acolyte of the old Soviet regime, he retained state ownership of major industries and acquired the power to dismiss parliament, gradually consolidating his very centralized authority by 1996. The Russian language was given equivalent status to that of Belarusian and previously established economic ties with Russia were strengthened as the two countries formed a Commonwealth in 1996. The latter evolved into the Union State of Russia and Belarus with the signing of a treaty in 1999. This Union State formalized integration of their economies to which were also added both their intelligence agencies and defense. Clearly the much weaker of the two, Belarus would gain both financial and military security in the arrangement. The process was not a smooth one for Lukashenko, however. … More Lukashenko Versus Belarus

What Gain by Engagement in this War?

January 5, 2023

The causes of a war often amount to a complicated array of circumstances, misjudgments and intentions of varied priority, some laid out by those with particular biases in the hopes of lessening blame. Yet, on occasion, a perpetrator can be singled out sufficiently to warrant the full measure of scorn that can be afforded. This is Vladimir Putin’s lot and that of Russia for its compliance. The burden of war guilt is a terrible thing as the condemnation that comes with it carries a price, not just economic, but one requiring a moral reckoning within the national conscience. The extent to which this is realized depends upon the degree to which blame is cast upon the leaders and the degree to which they were enabled by the populace, whatever the circumstances. … More What Gain by Engagement in this War?

Crimea

December 31, 2022

As might be self-evident to most sentient beings, Crimea remains geographically contiguous with the territory of Ukraine, enough so that all but a Russian ultranationalist would understand the implacable logic of a situation that Putin chooses to ignore. Crimea is vital to the interests of Russia as a military stronghold providing access to the Mediterranean and, to a degree, still a favored nearby vacation destination that Russians would very much like to call their own. … More Crimea

Crime and Punishment (Part 2)

December 9, 2022

Justice in war comes in two forms – punishment for willful civilian injury and death, and material reparations as compensation for damage to civilian infrastructure. When not served by other means, justice is best carried out through the courts so that the crime can be thoughtfully and properly prosecuted, the evidentiary material fully vetted and itemized, and indictments delivered to all those who have perpetrated or promoted the crime. … More Crime and Punishment (Part 2)

Crime and Punishment (Part 1)

December 1, 2022

The European Union (EU) recently declared Russia to be a state sponsor of terror. Too often, a crime against humanity, though apparent for all to witness, is not universally condemned. Ulterior motives, less honorable, allow it to continue while the global community remains paralyzed by economic, geopolitical and legal deliberation. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is such a crime. … More Crime and Punishment (Part 1)

Russia’s War in Ukraine – An Addendum for the Coming Winter

November 18, 2022

Russia’s war upon Ukraine has entered its ninth month since its unprovoked invasion on February 24, 2022. From the beginning, its intentions of terrorizing communities and destroying civilian infrastructure were made clear so that the conflict was not merely to be a limited military incursion and confrontation between combatants but the subjugation of a people. With this strategy came a humanitarian crisis that has become well known, prompted by the massive displacement of civilians within the country and across neighboring borders. … More Russia’s War in Ukraine – An Addendum for the Coming Winter

Nation – A Telling of Ukraine

October 30, 2022

One may regard the professed Russian hegemony over Ukraine as a misguided sense of history or simply a result of mindless acceptance of present-day Russian political rhetoric. The historical truth, however, is pretty simple and runs counter to Putin’s claim that Ukraine as a nation does not have a history separate from that of Russia and remains dependent upon it for its survival. … More Nation – A Telling of Ukraine

Ukraine’s Historical Origin vs. Putin’s Convenient Fairy Tale History

October 26, 2022

The current conflict with Ukraine, forced by Russian belligerence, has created a need for reexamination of the notion that, in Putin’s worldview, the two peoples are, in fact, “a single whole.” This is not the case. … More Ukraine’s Historical Origin vs. Putin’s Convenient Fairy Tale History