As the crisis in the
Ukraine has unfolded, I have been wary of too much comment. Mindful of the complex history of Eastern
Europe for over a millennia this means not only being careful about applying
recent ideas to the issues but avoiding either simplistic judgements or
involvement.
The Russian stance on the
atrocity of Malaysian Airways Flight MH17 and subsequent behaviour and
attitudes has forced a change of mind.
It has been disgusting, disturbing and questions the whole approach of
Russia to other peoples.
As for Germany, it seems
that Chancellor Frau Merkel's new best friend has shown the colour of his
stripes and with German energy supplies dependent on Gazprom is in two minds or
perhaps more.
In the meantime, not only
is Moscow obstructing neutral investigation and careful treatment of wreckage
but her best friends agents and followers are stripping and defiling the
remains of their victims with the assent of the Kremlin.
What should we do? Here are some options.
Withdraw diplomatic
privileges from the Russian Ambassador and Embassy.
Expel the Russian oligarchs
from London and confiscate their properties to pay for some of the consequences.
Freeze other Russian
assets and force sales of any major holdings in British companies.
Cancel the Maryinski visit
to the Royal Opera House as an affront to decency in the circumstances. Also tell Valerie Ghergiev to go home and
stand down from the Proms.
Ban all Russian flights to
the UK.
Remind the Germans of what
happened in Berlin in the spring and summer of 1945.
At least would show our government has a little understanding of basic morality.
At least would show our government has a little understanding of basic morality.
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ReplyDeleteI suggest you are seduced by Western propaganda. The terrible tragedy has much more behjnd it than we can or even ever shall know. CIA all over it.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Very strange, seems like a set-up even if you ignore the odds of two aircraft from the same carrier meeting with disaster. One disappears, another turns up in just the right circumstances to put USSR (or whatever it is) in a bad light.
ReplyDeleteA huge tragedy, that unfortunately detracts most public interest away from what is really happening in Gaza/Israel right now.
ReplyDeletewith regard to the theft of the personal property of the deceased - putin is not in a position to prevent it - such things happen all over the world, unfortunately frequently, in all kinds of circumstances - the prayer asks "lead us not into temptation" because people are, regrettably, rather vulnerable to temptation
ReplyDeleteYour first sentence was sensible. But then you ignore your own advice! It's too soon to be sure who's lying - it could be every country implicated - but as the days pass and trickles of information emerge, it seems less likely the Russian Federation are directly to blame.
ReplyDeleteRussia can push back . Europe cant get too tough - it has a tiny army and a need to stay warm.
ReplyDeleteYour suggestions will provide a template for future actions again the UK.