aaus-list @ ukrainianstudies.org -- RE: [aaus-list] Mr. Putin's angry comments about Ukraine

["Kravchuk, Bob" <rkravchu@uncc.edu>]

Dear Friends of a Free and Independent Ukraine, and Warm Colleagues:

Personally, I'm "all broken up" over Putin's recent gyrations, which
border on temper tantrums... Not! There's an old saying that I recall
from my days on the college debate team: "When you're right, pound the
facts; when you're wrong, pound the table!" Like Khrushchev, Putin's
pounding his shoes these days, no?

In all seriousness, let us all recall that Russian has a long history of
making demands from a position of relative weakness. The Cold War was
replete with examples of this, and of America's caving in at the
slightest indication of Russian (then Soviet) displeasure. Now let's
fast forward to 2008: even her recent increased oil revenues hasn't
overcome Russia's decades of economic backwardness. Look at the paltry
size of the Russian economy... Survey the rag-tag armed forces... The
Western alliance clearly has the upper hand.

The US will have to overcome German opposition to the plan, but if the
US and her other allies wish it to be so, Ukraine will become part of
NATO, and pretty much out of Russia's grasp for decades to come (maybe
longer).

Thus, if Putin's mad, it must be for a reason! Ha! My heart
bleeds...etc.

Collegial regards to all,

-Bob Kravchuk

p.s. I'm going straight to the fridge to pour a shot of Horyilka..  This
deserves a small celebration!  -rsk


-----Original Message-----
From: aaus-list-bounces@ukrainianstudies.org
[mailto:aaus-list-bounces@ukrainianstudies.org] On Behalf Of Natalia
Pylypiuk
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 4:46 PM
To: aaus-list@ukrainianstudies.org
Subject: [aaus-list] Mr. Putin's angry comments about Ukraine

in conversation with President Bush:
http://5.ua/newsline/236/0/49701/

Channel 5
07.04.2008 21:13