C-Span and Think-Tanks, mostly, too superficial

For me and my staff, partly because of my having a staff, I am looking for better sources of international info:  obviously, the Economist and I'll be trying the OLLI source at American U.--if they get more of the type of persons from the area or reporters of an area.  Their classes start next month.  I know they're better, I've used them through the years; also, BBC at night and C-Span books-sort-of. 

There's a reluctance on the Biden people to move ahead in Ukraine.  They're so slow.  It is essential to keep the drive in high gear.  I mean, and I argue, don't let up in prompting Europe to work in the training of the Ukrainians.  I personally can't push the Biden people to get with it--they obviously don't know the importance of the Russian downfall.  And, it should remain on schedule.  It's not me who can go into details; but they're available.

Cordially,

John

My opinion. 

Weaning central Europe off Russian oil may have beneficial effects toward European unity

The Economist in its articles implies there's much activity in the European "neighborhood" as nationalities in the region get to know and depend more on each other.  See the European section in its January 21st current issue, e.g., the article "Between three seas."  Point is, Europe is no longer dependent on Russia so as to fall victim to its fierce Bear aggression upon them.

They are learning to depend on one another and pay no heed to a bully nearby!

My opinion.  

Ukrainians need German know-how to use effectively the German technology

President Zelensky is getting the American and German tanks!  The technology advances of them both will require especial technicians, knowledgeable of the armor (hallmark) capabilities to be of assistance in their use.

Courageous changes are being wrought by President Zelensky within the military chain of command of Ukraine.  May God bless these courageous leaders of a lasting Ukraine!  

Outstanding accomplishments are being shown to the world by Ukrainians!  Lead us, as you demonstrate the might and power of the Ukrainians against the Russian aggressors!

My opinion.  

CNN's Fareed Zakaria highlights the Unity of the West as an International Development in World Order

 Today on Mr. Zakaria's GPS program, the major observation made was how the West is more united than heretofore since WWII!  

Despite the need for Brexit to promote democratic principles the world over, a recession threatening to occur overhanging the West, look at the progress the EU has made to replace fossil fuels--such amazing forward advances--etc, etc.: The West altogether is mastering its challenges of today!  

In short, nothing but hoorays and thankyou for the marvelous steps toward a great forthcoming into an age of prosperity ahead for the West that I believe is in the offing.

Of course, I can only claim adding my voice of thank you, leaders of the nations of the West!    

It would seem the Russians are preparing to launch a "Take Over" Offensive Maneuver on Ukraine.

This winter Russian military has been showering Ukrainian territory with bombs and drones, relentlessly.

It would likely follow a wipe-up operation to secure occupation of the land.  But we know that the President of Ukraine and his men stand in the way.  Russian mercenary forces would lead the way in an effort to break through Ukrainian defensive lines, and assumedly, the "new" Russian recruits would secure captured land in a mop-up operation.

The missing piece in this scenario of a display of Russian aggression is a "welcoming contingency" of Russian sympathizers and sycophants within Ukraine that is awaiting the signal  to emerge from their cells and terrorize Ukrainian citizens loyal to the Ukrainian government.  It is well known that there are such individuals or groups in Ukraine willing to do Russian bidding.  (Or, they could be dropped in via plane in the dark of post midnight hours.)

In an effort to counter the possibility of this scenario ever happening, I would think the Ukrainian freedom fighters should rig the country roads from Russia with explosives and have shelters aplenty to protect the Ukrainians from personal assault and injury by the ample presence of the Ukrainian military.  The need for a well-trained Ukrainian military intelligence is obvious.

Tanks in possession of the Ukrainian soldiers would sure be helpful also to do battle with the onslaught of Russian ground-forces that is implied, if this eventuality were what Putin and his armed mercenary cohorts were emboldened--namely, a want on their part to take over the whole of Ukraine or a major portion thereof.              

My opinion: Eritrea should be part of the peace plan for Ethiopia.

 The Economist reports (January 14th issue, 2923), Eritrean and Ethiopian military are still occupying segments of Tigray, making it difficult for many Tigrayan residents to return to their properties.  The editors are hoping the military will join the TPLF, who were fighting the Ethiopian Addis Ababa government of President Abiy, and throw the Eritreans out.  Problem is, apparently, the peace cease-fire never included the Eritreans, though the Eritrean President seems very hostile to the TPLF of Ethiopia.

Perhaps, the United Nations, which has taken a humanitarian interest in the War in Ethiopia, may sound out the parties of war what it will take Eritrea to take its troops out of the province of Tigray, so that the peace may have a chance to take hold in the region.  I believe Eritrean interference in the politics of Ethiopia has long festered with the problems that led to years of internal Ethiopian conflict and ultimately war.     

European Commission's President is working out trade issues with Great Britain

On the Amanpour Program over PBS today, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen reported she is working through the problems of Brexit pertaining to Ireland and Northern Ireland trade with GB representatives.

She expressed optimism that these problems can be resolved, since both sides are in earnest negotiation.  

As I and others who supported Brexit pointed out, England has an important role in defending democracy in this day and age of autocracy in governments around the world.  In particular, it has sponsored the Commonwealth of  Nations to enunciate the values of democracy, that have benefitted a country's citizenry by giving them a voice in the conduct of its government through their exercise in the vote and their expression of viewpoints and philosophies in the marketplace.

My opinion.