Ukraine crisis: Obama offers Russia resolution plan

[sabrina 1]

2. Well, there was the law, at first denied here, that intended to change the existing language law

that allowed people to speak and do their business in Russian, the language spoken by large numbers of people in Crimea. It sounded like the Right Wingers here who object to Spanish being allowed for those whose main language is Spanish.

Not a great way to start a new administration claiming to be democratic and respect the rights of all the people. Then there were the 'armed men' sent by Kiev to take over the Crimean Government. They were stopped by Crimea's own security forces, but it caused great concern that this was just the beginning of an attempt by Kiev to take over Crimea after which Crimea appealed to Russia to protect them.

And that was just in the first few days.

And it might help Americans understand why Crimea, feeling threatened, would turn to Russia if they read a little history which goes back before this country even existed. These ties, despite the interim 'disturbances' throughout history, are not easily broken.

I imagine the only way Putin AND Crimea would consider this proposal would be if Ukraine troops were to withdraw from Crimea. And if Crimea were to agree to the proposal.

But it's a start and better than the 'we're going to punish you' rhetoric which no leader of a sovereign state is going to accept. Just as we would not accept it. It's far more preferable to try to talk and respect the concerns of the people, than to emulate the Bush/Cheney crew, threatening a third world war.