Most American mainstream media say that the Ukranian people rose up against a decadent dictator to chart their own destiny.
On the other hand, some knowledgeable commentators say that the Ukranian protests were really a violent coup initiated by the U.S. [6], and carried out by Neo-Nazi factions [7] within Ukraine.
People like Mark Ames [8] argue that all sides have dirt on their hands.
Still others – like Charles Hugh Smith [9] – say [10] that there are much deeper forces at work. Indeed, some argue this is really a war over natural gas [11] (and see this [12] and this [13]).
At this point, I have no idea which of these explanations is correct, or whether some combination of these forces is playing out in the region.
But I do know one thing: we should stay the heck out of Ukraine.
After all:
- Ukraine is far away … on the other side of the world
- As neighbors with Russia – and a former part of the Soviet Union – Russia considers the Ukraine to be part of its national security interest
- Russia is a nuclear power
Moreover, I want to stay out of another war for very practical reasons:
- War is horrible for our economy [14]
- “Humanitarian war” is a scam [16]
This isn’t our fight … and the downside of getting involved are gigantic.
Bonus: