The two narratives currently in play in crimea are "gross violation of Ukranian sovereignty" and "supporting the russo-leaning people of crimea". Frankly, the latter interpretatiion seems just as reasonable.
What happened in the Ukraine was a revolutionary overthrow of a governing system with a democratically elected leadership. And though there is a good case that this overthrow was needed, it seems odd to say "that's the only change!". That is, re drawing rather arbitrary 20 year old borders seems to be on par with the not-exactly-non-violent overthrow of the Yanukovich regime.
It seems the sensible approach is to recognize Russia's right to realign with Crimea, should the Crimean population choose to do so (and one could argue for similar areas of East Ukraine). The bargaining chip is for the Russians to get out of their "facts on the ground" intimidationist style. They risk "losing" elections, but back down from Cold War II
That seems to be a mostly ethical deal that can be made
OTOH: how about a far fetched idea: this is all a drama engineered by the Russians and Ukranians. Something to scare the west into giving Ukraine a better deal than the Greeks got?
How about some cutting wit: Hilary turns toward a shuffling Trump and says "Donald, if you really need a few minute break, I can wait for you"
(I.e.; cast Trump as old guy walking around trying not to pee)
The two narratives currently in play in crimea are "gross violation of Ukranian sovereignty" and "supporting the russo-leaning people of crimea". Frankly, the latter interpretatiion seems just as reasonable.
What happened in the Ukraine was a revolutionary overthrow of a governing system with a democratically elected leadership. And though there is a good case that this overthrow was needed, it seems odd to say "that's the only change!". That is, re drawing rather arbitrary 20 year old borders seems to be on par with the not-exactly-non-violent overthrow of the Yanukovich regime.
It seems the sensible approach is to recognize Russia's right to realign with Crimea, should the Crimean population choose to do so (and one could argue for similar areas of East Ukraine). The bargaining chip is for the Russians to get out of their "facts on the ground" intimidationist style. They risk "losing" elections, but back down from Cold War II
That seems to be a mostly ethical deal that can be made
OTOH: how about a far fetched idea: this is all a drama engineered by the Russians and Ukranians. Something to scare the west into giving Ukraine a better deal than the Greeks got?