Pro-Russian activist shooting in Odessa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZF1qsVU7Fs
The situation in Crimea is grim. President Putin has sent troops to occupy the Crimea region, and recently the lawmakers in Crimea voted in favor of leaving the country for Russia and putting it to a regional vote in 10 days. The international community has deplored this opportunist expedition by Russia.
But this is understandable, Vladamir Putin is serving as the President of Russia for the second time. He was a part of the secret Russian police (the NKVD) in World War II. Any one who has been through the ordeal of that, and the break up of the Soviet Union most certainly has some feeling of regret and aspires to conquer territory to reestablish the greatness of Russia.
The break up of the Soviet Union was primarily due to these policies of Russia, in concentrating power extensively at the center. Russia should take a que from the UK, and India. The UK recently gave Ireland its own Parliament, and also greater power to Scotland. India is in the process of devolving a lot of power to the Lokpal. Such a large country cannot be micro managed at the center. The power must be devolved According to a 2006 poll by VCIOM 66% of all Russians regretted the collapse of the Soviet Union. 50% of respondents in Ukraine in a similar poll held in February 2005 stated they regret the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
Crimea is also very symbolic for the break up of the Soviet Union. When the Soviets tried to stop the break up, and attempted to avert it, they placed President Gorbachev on house arrest, who was on holiday in Crimea. On August 19, 1991, Gorbachev's vice president Gennady Yanayev, prime minister Valentin Pavlov, defense minister Dmitry Yazov, KGB chief Vladimir Kryuchkov, and some other senior officials formed a "General Committee on the State Emergency" - which was basically intended to prevent the break up. The "Committee" put Gorbachev who was on holiday in Crimea, under house arrest, reintroduced political censorship, and attempted to stop the perestroika. The coup leaders quickly issued an emergency decree suspending political activity and banning most newspapers.
The U.S. has recently prematurely imposed sanctions based on the ongoing crisis and the events on the ground. The U.S. has imposed some travel sanctions. This aggressive approach by the U.S is also opportunistic. The US is rich in shale gas, and Russia is rich in Oil. The US has an interest in a rise in prices of shale, and easy distribution of shale, and the minimization of the use of crude. The US is not connected in any way this, and should not take a side. This is something for the people of Crimea to decide, and not for the US to pass judgment. The Crimea parliament has voted to join Russia, democratically and voted to have a referendum on March 16. This will of the people must be respected. That is the essence and core of a democratic state. The consent and approval of the governed is necessary to provide legitimacy to any government.
Various non profit entities are reaching out to keep peace and facilitate a peaceful settlement of the problem. Violence is deplorable at any time for any reason. We are part of a civilized society, and should not encourage any type of the use of force.
Pro-Russian activist shooting in Odessa
