Notes, Jews in the USSR, 1917-2000
young, liberal people. But people doing hard works, beating and shooting at
Ukrainian policemen. Putin pragmatic, brutal, but not crazy. Are we looking through
ideological lens? Putin not a cold warrior, does not want to reconstruct SU; more in
Washington. Lithuanians not afraid of Russia coming in; more afraid of gas prices
through roof. Deft statesmanship, got exactly what he wanted, Russia's vital
interests in Crimean. Trampled on intl law. Thing of beauty pre-20 th century.
Plebescite. Country never stopped seeing self as major world power. Nobody asked
them what country they wanted to be a part of 1991. We tend to have unrealistic
ideas of what is right and wrong regarding intl relations. 1991 also a violation of
people's right to self-determination. Georgia provoked war 2008(?), thought US
would come to aid. Russia not overextended; wont allow another Afghanistan. Want
to make sure that there are no impending threats in near abroad, countries that
used to be part of SU
annaabi.ee 
