Friday, February 28, 2014

Show of Power Needed in Ukraine (Updated)


The situation in Ukraine is fairly bad. After rejecting Putin puppet, Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine is threatened by Russia. Russian soldiers have taken over airports, parliament and government buildings in the ethnic Russian dominated Ukrainian border with Russia, Crimea. Like they did with Georgia when they invaded in the summer of 2008, they are distributing passports to anti government militia and will use the excuse of protecting their citizens for an invasion.
The Russian parliament, the Duma, is considering, a law that would make it possible for Crimea to join the Russia Federation. Like they did in Georgia, I think they are trying to create a break away republic, like the Republic of South Ossetia in Georgia, that will have its safety guaranteed by Russia.

What the president should do, as he is about to go on stage to brief the press anytime now, is a show of force. Have NATO forces move very close to where the Russia Black Sea fleet is housed in Crimea. Move US military assets in the Black Sea and incircle the Russian fleet. The president could also ask the transitional Ukraine government for permission to establish a foothold for our troops there. What is needed is for him to show Russia and the entire globe that the United State is protecting Ukraine and that our power is not to be messed with. Russia or Putin really has became increasingly emboldened after his victory in dealing with Syria and the president need to bring him back to reality. Diplomacy will not work at this point, what is needed is sheer force. The Ukrainian people are counting on us to save their democracy, and most important of all the territorial Unity and sovereignty of Ukraine needs to be safe guarded. Who else but us to do it?

Update: disapoined in the president's weak speech. This is the time for a show of American might. His speech seemed more geared to a domestic audience, than an international one. I do not think this will scare or change Putin's tactics or strategy. He need to be stronger and lay out real, palpable threats. The only good thing to come from this is his strong support for the Ukranian provisional government and the fact that the Vice President Bidenis in constant contact with the Ukranian interim Prime Minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Force, Mr. President, force.

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