Iran is talking, albeit slowly.
Iraq is burning, rather faster.
Pakistan realizes that its Taliban problem will grow worse.
China is pissed that Obama dares meet with the Dalai Lama (#3 visit)
Russia is pissed that Syria isn't fighting hard enough against western forces and supporters.
China wants to start a limited war against Japan.
Japan wants to rearm itself, distance itself from the US, and rewrite parts of WWII.
Turkey's Kurd problem is festering, as its relationship with Israel.
And on top of this, Russian Special Forces reportedly entered Ukraine to assassinate student protesters in Kiev. Dozens killed, many injured. Snipers were filmed shooting, then escaping, and multiple reports of over 100 dead have been confirmed.
QUESTION: WHAT SANE PERSON WOULD WANT TO BE PRESIDENT TODAY?
From the Church of Ineffable Stupidity:
According to the CIA, Ukraine is made up of 77% Ukrainians, 17% Russian, and other minorities. Most speak Ukrainian, 20% speak mainly Russian. (Compared to Latvia, no great shakes, since both languages share some grammar and word usage).
Ukie women have a lifespan of 74 years, men only 63.
When the current president, Viktor YANUKOVYCH, first ran for president (2004), there were strong allegations of voter fraud and intimidation when he "won" the second round of balloting. Eventually, he lost. The general population was outraged by his initial victory and began the "Orange Revolution."
Finally, he took over the presidency in 2010, he made some radical changes to the constitution, virtually eradicating the legislature's (Verkhovna Rada) powers. His election has brought more complaints, some organized, many not. As he tightened his grip and moved closer to Mummy Russia, the complaints grew ever louder.
By the last allegedly decent polls taken, most of the western part of the country wants closer ties to Europe, NATO, and western culture. A minority in the east feels their future lies with Russia. Previous estimates showed a 60-40 split, while more recent estimates suggest 65-35 in favor of western ties, and against moving closer to Russia.
As Russia upped the pressure, Yanukovych dutifully responded with ever tougher approaches to the peaceful protestors. In fact, just one day before the assassinations and sniping took place, Yanukovych claimed to have reached an agreement with opposition forces.
The protesters appear to be digging in, and the same scene is repeating itself in cities and towns across the nation. Word of mouth, it seems, travels fast, especially with news blackout efforts in Kiev.
I don't think we can underestimate the danger. This could have easily broken down into civil war, and I can see Putin responding with tanks, as though he was invited in by friends.
Today we learn that a new election will be scheduled, that the Verkovna Rada has had all of its legislative powers returned, and there is a ceasefire in Kiev.
Here across the Atlantic Pond, our GOP fist-shakers have been on a tirade, claiming that Obama's handling of Ukraine has been pathetic. Much like in Casablanca's opening scene, the usual suspects are hard at work. John McCain, Ted Cruz, and others have been berating the president because we don't stand up to Putin properly and handle Ukraine.
Excuse me. We are supposed to handle a country of 44,000,000, a country bounded by Belarus, Poland, Romania, the Black Sea, and Mommy Russia? Just HOW are we supposed to "handle" it? A large country 5,000 miles away?
Here's what we did do. A few, concerned, public statements, a wish for a cease-fire, and hopes for dialog. We also did more. We joined forces with Europe, we had quiet, but firm discussions with oppo leaders and what is left of the tattered, disreputable current administration of the Ukraine, and we showed them how cooperation and negotiation would be far better for all. Quiet pressure, rational talking, and peace erupts.
The White House properly ignored the advice of GOPers and worked quietly behind the scenes. Successfully. It is not a flashy win. It is not a show of brute strength. It is not a threat of US air strikes. No, rather, it is the proper way for problems to be resolved.
Quiet diplomacy works. Internal problems in a country are best resolved by the people, in organized elections with a legislature empowered to act.
Two things that make me smile? John McCain is as angry at the result as Putin. Heh. Now, that is REALLY good news.