Between two worlds

[luvdovz]

As requested so passionately in the neighboring couple of posts, I was going to be a good European and bash Russia a little bit here (can't keep our valiant American denizens unsatisfied for too long, can we? They've got guns!), but on second thoughts, maybe we'll leave that for a bit later. Instead, let's focus on Russia's obedient puppy for a

Comments

[nairiporter]

"Valiant and morally inflexible human beings". Haha!

[abomvubuso]

That's right. Lukashenko has to be punished by the EU for only partially turning his back to Russia. He has to turn his back to Russia suddenly, completely and unconditionally - just like Poroshenko did in Ukraine. Then, if when things go sour for Belarus, the Euros will be sure to rush to the aid. Just like it happened in Ukraine. Amirite?

[htpcl]

The moment things got kinda south for Russia financially and economically, good ole Lukashenko came trotting to Europe's door with a bunch of flowers in one hand an an empty cup in the other.

Still, it's notable that he ain't as stupid as to repeat Ukraine's mistake and assume that Europe would move a finger for him if he decides to screw around with the Big Brother.

We small countries have to be smart about these things.

[underlankers]

Honestly, if it works, even if it is immoral, Realpolitik does have its advantages. That being said, if Ukraine is any guide, if Belarus reaches out too far to the West, Russia will simply give Lucashenko a convenient accident and annex Belarus "with the request of the population" ala 1940. I don't envy the choices of the Belarusian elite, but I also don't envy the population, which has never gained much from the power of the Russians or the West and is unlikely to do so. But unless the EU is actually willing to risk a nuclear war over Minsk or the Donbas, when Russia decides enough is enough, all that really ends up happening is yet another Russian war.

Putin seems to be a believer of the US school of empire: if one war isn't enough, have two!

[anfalicious]

Economies of scale!

[anfalicious]

You might find it easier to beat a puppy than a wolf, you horrible, horrible person ;P

As usual I have nothing to say other than thanks for an informative post on something I know little about :) That man has a very impressive hat.