At the NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania this week, membership for both the Ukraine and Soviet Georgia were denied.. I saw a bit of this when I was in Odessa last year. At the top of the Potamkin Steps, there was a booth set up that said 'NATO NYET'. I don't think translation is needed. I was going to take pictures of it, but I was a little worried about getting taken away at the time.
It's a bit of a shame, because the Ukraine could be a very good ally. However, there is a major split among it's people, and it allows the long arm of Vladimir Putin to exert his influence on the decision. In most areas of the Ukraine, Putin is viewed like Ronald Reagan was here in the 80's. He brought pride back to Russia and it's other republics, so if Vlad the Enabler wants no part of NATO, that's how it's people will vote.
Let's face it - Russia needs the Ukraine. It is an agricultural power for Russia. More importantly, it is rich in Natural Gas. Without this, Russia starves, so they cajole and threaten the Ukraine into submission to it's will. Too bad......
It's not a dead deal - at least not yet. But, it is a big blockade to progress in Eastern Europe. Someday, these republics may stop being afraid of life without Russia, but we may another 10 pr twenty years before the majority of Ukrainians have spent a lifetime without being under the Big Bear's thumb. Someday......
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1 comment:
So long as it's sizable Russian population looks to Moscow, this will be a problem.
You're probably right - it will take some time to change the minds of that nation's sizable Russian population. Or at least enough of them to get the needed support for NATO membership.
Ultimately, I'd like to see those nations join. Since Russia's committment to democracy is wavering, rhe cause of democracy in that region is best served by taking those nations under our wing to shelter them from adverse influences from Moscow.
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