There is growing controversy over Obama’s nominee to be ambassador to Hungary. Watch John McCain, from the Senate floor, list why his choice makes no sense and call out Victor Bacsi (as Hungarian Strongman Orban is called by some) at the same time. I’m pleased McCain understands the trouble in Hungary so well.
Category Archives: Eastern Europe
How Europeans view…
… or, at least the way The Economist sees it, WATCH HERE.
AND
A helpful videographic on Russia’s recent expansion in light of the last 100ish years, WATCH HERE.
Filed under Eastern Europe, shifts, things Central European
Looking back since the wall crumbled
David Brooks on progress in Eastern Europe since the Iron Curtain crumbled. Herein he discusses the difference between failing an successful states economically and politically. READ the article that describes where things are still crumbling.
Filed under Eastern Europe, shifts, things Central European, Ukraine
New Russia – what Putin really wants
So the name ‘New Russia’ is back in the news as NovoCzar Vladimir the KGB agent gets ‘interviewed’ by a lake in Russia. In said interview Putin called again for Kyiv to negotiate with the terrorists and mercenaries he has facilitated in Ukraine.
This ‘New Russia’ idea is an old one dating from Czarist days (appropriate for the NovoCzar Vladimir don’t you think?). You can read about the ‘New Russia’ here, be sure to scroll down in the ‘History’ section to see the 1921 Soviet poster that proclaims “Donbass is the heart of Russia” which says a lot.
So shortly after Czar Vladimir called the area ‘New Russia’ a Kremlin spokesman back pedaled to ‘clarify’ what the Soviet Premier, oh, sorry, the Russian president said.
Meanwhile, the EU has appointed a new foreign policy chief from Italy (yes, Italy) who was originally opposed by many of the eastern EU nations because she may be soft on Russia.
Please pray for Ukraine.
Filed under culture, Eastern Europe, shifts, Ukraine
Kissinger on the world situation.
Henry Kissinger on the state of the world order today, where he states:
“History offers no respite to countries that set aside their sense of identity in favor of a seemingly less arduous course.”
Filed under culture, Eastern Europe, shifts
caught in the middle, #prayForUkraine
I can only imagine what Ukrainians are feeling right now. At the top of the list must be fear and close behind it, frustration.
In the last few days the Russians have intensified their involvement significantly. The West makes statements of outrage and sets up sanctions. But none of this phases Putin, he just denies involvement.
Putin is certain that no one will do anything of substance. The War weary populations of NATO countries will not tolerate their ‘boots on the ground’ and their elected officials wouldn’t even suggest it.
To put their troops in the path of Russian forces is way to risky. They ask themselves: Is Ukraine worth the risk? Their answer? No.
Meanwhile, 2000+ are dead, hundreds of thousands are refugees and the cities of the Donbas begin to resemble Vukovar in 1992.
Winter is coming and Ukrainians will pay 40% more for gas to heat their homes, if Russia doesn’t cut the gas off completely. I keep waiting for the news of terrorist attacks in other parts of Ukraine.
So Ukrainians are caught between Czar Vladimir and a West with no real plan and less willingness.
Please pray for Ukraine.
Here are links to some of the latest news:
Washington Post with NATO sat pics
Washington Post on today’s news from the front.
USA Today reports UN Security Council will meet this afternoon in special season.
Filed under Eastern Europe, Ukraine
kingdom travelin' 