Slight Progress in Ukraine Russia Conflict

            The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, has begun to show signs of slowing down. Russia has reportedly pulled out some of its troops from Ukraine. While the troops have been pulled from within Ukrainian borders, the troops now occupy nearby borders. The number of Russian troops that withdrew from within the Ukraine, may be unknown. The withdrawal of Russian troops, should be considered as progress when compared to the cease fire, from earlier this month. During the cease fire Russian troops, were seem crossing the border into Ukraine with artillery. Russian troops had also fired upon Ukraine soldiers during the period of cease fire. Speculation suggest separatist controlled borders may be allowing Russian troops and supplies into Ukraine.

            Russia much like Ukraine has been experiencing economic repercussions, as a result of the conflict with the Ukraine. Western nations have put numerous sanctions on Russia weakening the state’s economy. The United States as mentioned last week’s blog post voted to give Ukraine aid and increase the amount of sanctions on Russia. Japan has recently followed the actions of its western allies. Japan’s sanctions include increased restrictions of weapons exports to Japan.  Prior to Japan’s increased export restrictions the nation had frozen the back accounts of individuals who are known to be aiding Russian separatist with in Ukraine.  In response to Japan’s actions Russia has ordered five banks to stop securities sales to Japan. Japan had recently invited President Putin to visit the nation in order to discuss issues that would concern both nations such as energy partnership and territory disputes. President Putin’s visit to Japan looks rather unlikely as of recently.

While Russia may hold the upper hand in their conflict with Ukraine, the state is losing ground within the international community. The Russian economy much like the Ukrainian economy is suffering. A major difference between the two is the Ukrainian economy is receiving aid from western states and the international community. The numerous sanctions against the Russian economy are undoubtedly taking a toll on the nation. Russia may be able to withstand the sanctions for now, but over time the state will likely show visible symptoms of economic hardship. It would be in Russia’s best long term acknowledge Ukraine as an independent nation, as well as removing troops from within Ukraine’s borders. If Russia was to put an end to the conflict, the sanctions levied against the nation will start slowly be removed giving Russia the economic stimulus it needs. 

Sources: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/25/world/europe/ukraine-russia-nato-withdrawal.html?ref=world

http://online.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-leader-calls-for-more-western-military-aid-1411055160

Winter is coming...

 The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in early 2014. Although, the Ukraine is still fighting to remain independent from Russia, the nation will soon have to fight off the winter. Ukraine leaders have become desperate for supplies as they are receiving little aid from separatist heavy areas of the Ukraine. These separatist inhabited areas have potential to supply a small portion of coal to provide to get the nation through the winter. It is highly unlikely the separatist will provide any coal to the rest of the Ukraine. Russia, is also making it difficult for Ukrainians to surviving the winter as it has severed supplies of gas.

            While Ukraine is attempting to build economic ties with Europe, Russian opposition has slowed down the process. Keeping Ukraine tied to the Russian economy for an expected 15 months as opposed to Ukraine joining the Euro. The international monetary fund (IMF) has agreed to loan the Ukraine approx. $18 billion dollars in aid which will be dispersed to the nation over two years.  Now, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko turns to the United States for economic aid in a desperate time. President Obama is ready and willing to commit 70 million dollars in non-lethal aid, which also includes military training. Some members of the legislature may be weary of voting to give more aid to Ukraine and impose more sanctions on Russia. Due to a government system plagued with corruption and similarities to Russia’s government.

            In my opinion the people of the Ukraine are under dire straits and need all the help they can get.  Winter is coming, closer each day and will take the lives of Ukraine as it did to Napoleon in his attempted conquest of Russia. While Ukraine will be receiving money from the IMF as well as aid from the United States, supplies of coal and gasoline will be pivotal in the Ukraine’s survival until spring. Perhaps, President Obama should send coal and gasoline as a portion of the $70 million he is willing to give as aid. In order to slightly loosen the stronghold Russia has on Ukraine.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/17/world/europe/ukraine-west-europe-russia.html?_r=0

President Obama Puts Action Behind His Vow

            President Obama is drastically change his approach to handling terrorism in the Middle East.  President Obama plans to launch an aggressive airstrike against ISIS. The airstrikes will be targeting the Iraq and Syrian borders. Iraq and Syria’s shared borders are speculated to be home to the Middle Eastern terrorist organization, which is known to have both United States and British citizens among its members.  According to the Washington Post, the Obama administration plans to move forward with this plan with or without the permission of congress as the President stated, “He did not need new authority from congress to purse his approach.”

            One could believe that President Obama’s actions are a result of the beheading of two U.S. journalist James Foley and Steven Sotloff, which were video tapped and released by ISIS. President Obama is putting action behind the vow he took, in which he promised to bring ISIS top justice. Vice President Joe Biden shared similar sentiment as he had stated, “We will follow them (ISIS) to the Gates of Hell.”

            President Obama will likely give some insight to his plans Wednesday night at nine when plans to give an address. One should consider the repercussions of the President’s planed airstrike. Due to the possibility of air strikes creating more conflict between the Syrian government and rebels within areas surrounding the Iraqi and Syrian border. The planned air strike will likely provoke, and cause similar terrorist organizations with similar ideals to take action and make the U.S. pay for their actions in one form or another.

            One should also consider President Obama’s lack of congressional approval whether it is needed or not. Lack of congressional approval may cause, tension’s to be high with President Obama and Congress. High tensions with the President and Congress may make it difficult for the President to receive congressional backing on legislation he would seek to enact during the third year of his final term.

 Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-prepared-to-order-airstrikes-in-syria-as-part-of-strategy-against-islamic-state/2014/09/09/058199e2-3834-11e4-bdfb-de4104544a37_story.html

ISIS

  

Yesterday, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) a jihadist group, released a video depicting the beheading of U.S. Journalist Steven Sotloff.  Sotloff was believed to be an ISIS prisoner since 2013. Sotloff’s beheading is the second to have been recorded and released, the first video depicted the beheading of U.S. Journalist, James Foley. Foley’s execution led to President Obama, vowing to take immediate action against ISIS. ISIS continues to grow as a threat to U.S. National Security. Obama has upheld his vow to take action against ISIS, through the use of air strikes. The effectiveness of the air strikes may be minimal, and may only be provoking ISIS. A member of ISIS referenced recent U.S. airstrikes in Sotloff’s video.

            If provoked by another airstrike or action by U.S. ISIS may release another video demonstrating the execution of another prisoner. At least one other is known to be in custody of ISIS, British Aid Worker David Haines. The number of prisoners in ISIS’ custody is unknown. ISIS is becoming increasingly dangerous as some members are known to be British and U.S. citizens. One week ago a U.S. citizen was found dead and confirmed to be a member of ISIS.  Videos of both Foley and Sotoloff show an unknown man with a British accent speaking into the camera.  The presence of both British and U.S. citizens in ISIS ranks may indicate, members of the group may be present in both countries. 

via: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/islamic-state-claims-to-have-beheaded-american-journalist-steven-sotloff/2014/09/02/ae5e8ffa-32c3-11e4-9e92-0899b306bbea_story.html