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In reply to the discussion: Why are the Russian troops in Crimea without ensignia or otherwise identifying markings? [View all]polly7
(20,582 posts)3. Carnival in Crimea
THE ROVING EYE
Carnival in Crimea
By Pepe Escobar
Time waits for no one, but apparently will wait for Crimea. The speaker of the Crimean parliament, Vladimir Konstantinov, has confirmed there will be a referendum on greater autonomy from Ukraine on May 25.
Until then, Crimea will be as hot and steamy as carnival in Rio - because Crimea is all about Sevastopol, the port of call for the Russian Black Sea fleet.
If the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a bull, this is the red flag to end all red flags. Even if you're deep in alcohol nirvana dancin' your troubles away at carnival in Rio - or New Orleans, or Venice, or Trinidad and Tobago - your brain will have registered that NATO's ultimate wet dream is to command a Western puppet Ukrainian government to kick the Russian navy out of its base in Sevastopol. The negotiated lease applies until 2042. Threats and rumors of reneging it have already emerged.
The absolute majority of the Crimean peninsula is populated by Russian speakers. Very few Ukrainians live there. In 1954, it took only 15 minutes for Ukrainian Nikita Krushchev - he of the banging shoe at the UN floor - to give Crimea as a free gift to Ukraine (then part of the USSR). In Russia, Crimea is perceived as Russian. Nothing will change that fact.
Until then, Crimea will be as hot and steamy as carnival in Rio - because Crimea is all about Sevastopol, the port of call for the Russian Black Sea fleet.
If the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a bull, this is the red flag to end all red flags. Even if you're deep in alcohol nirvana dancin' your troubles away at carnival in Rio - or New Orleans, or Venice, or Trinidad and Tobago - your brain will have registered that NATO's ultimate wet dream is to command a Western puppet Ukrainian government to kick the Russian navy out of its base in Sevastopol. The negotiated lease applies until 2042. Threats and rumors of reneging it have already emerged.
The absolute majority of the Crimean peninsula is populated by Russian speakers. Very few Ukrainians live there. In 1954, it took only 15 minutes for Ukrainian Nikita Krushchev - he of the banging shoe at the UN floor - to give Crimea as a free gift to Ukraine (then part of the USSR). In Russia, Crimea is perceived as Russian. Nothing will change that fact.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/CEN-05-280214.html
What do you suggest for all those people in Crimea who want no part of the new Ukraine leadership?
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Why are the Russian troops in Crimea without ensignia or otherwise identifying markings? [View all]
arely staircase
Mar 2014
OP
They are doing everything they can to blunt criticism including throwing this slight doubt into
stevenleser
Mar 2014
#1
LMAO. We were liberators in Iraq too. Didnt you get the Bush memo? Listen to yourself. nt
stevenleser
Mar 2014
#14
LMAO, McCain thinks breathing is essential for life so we should stop because he said it.
stevenleser
Mar 2014
#18
Wait, I'm confused. Are you saying the Kiev protesters should not ask the US for help?
sabrina 1
Mar 2014
#41
I read yesterday that they are Russia's private contractors, not active military.
OregonBlue
Mar 2014
#20
but isn't the total lack of national identification that characterizes the Russians in Crimea
arely staircase
Mar 2014
#24