So the Jewish leaders in Ukraine have called the leaflet a hoax

[sabrina 1]

110. First, thank you for this excellent post and for taking the time to respond to my comment.

Second, there is not much that you have said that I can disagree with.

I completely agree, eg, that the current administration does NOT want to get into another war, especially one in the heart of Europe, for all the reasons you mentioned. I know a lot of people fear that, and I don't blame them considering the past number of years and our ongoing wars, including those that are under the radar.

Frankly I don't think Putin wants that either, it would be a completely stupid thing to do and whatever one may think of him, he is not that stupid.

What I do think is that Russia wants to be an economic force just as we do. And yes, every country does act in their own national interests.

I agree too that this war of words is frightening to many people because people now expect the US to go to war.

As for the Austerity programs in Europe, they are a travesty imo, and I completely agree with you here and have said so many times:

And Austerity is doing something else, it is releasing the poison of RW thinking all over Europe, including France. And that is not because these evil people want a war. The Austrian School of Economics, as well as the Chicago School of Economics are almost religions, and a core principle of faith is that social nets don't work.

Last year in Ukraine, the leader of a Gay Activist Group was beaten by a mob of such people. When asked later if he was afraid now of the prejudices that have come to the surface, he replied that he blamed it on ECONOMICS, that the bad economic conditions in Europe, and especially Ukraine have led directly to the rise of these hate groups.

Let me ask you a question. I listened to some of Putin's press conference a few days ago. He was asked about Ukraine of course and the gist of what he stated as to what he would like to have happen was that 'Ukraine would remain autonomous, not split in two, but with guarantees that all those, West and East, would be guaranteed safety and protection, rights etc.

But his main proposal was that it would not be 'annexed' to either Europe or Russia, but instead become a 'Bridge between the West and the East'. IF for argument's sake, you believe this is what he wants, do you think that is possible.

It seems like a good idea to me. Remain a separate, united country but NOT under the IMF/EU, which half the country doesn't want, or under Russia, which the other half doesn't want. But with trade agreements etc between Europe and Russia, helping their economy among other things.

Other than that, I cannot see a solution. And if that were to be end result of all this, it would mean the EU and Russia coming to several agreements and it would also mean the US HAS to get out of the picture.

How do YOU feel about such a solution? I don't blame Ukrainians for NOT wanting to be under the thumb of the IMF and the EU considering what a failure their policies have been.

Interesting coverage from China. I too have been trying to see what more neutral nations are saying. Thanks for that link.

Your professor sounds like he knew what he was talking about.

You asked for the nuance, you got it. And this is what I have been trying to point out all along. It is not just one thing behind this, As to the blind men stumbling into situations, read the beginning of the Guns of August by Barbra Tuchman. Her description of how Europe stumbled onto WW I is precious, and quite accurate.

I absolutely agree that there are so many other factors and factions at work than what a few people are pushing and see nothing there that we disagree about. I am sorry for any miscommunication as it appears we mostly agree.

Thank you again for responding so thoroughly. I wish I knew how to end all these conflicts in the world.