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Opinion: Obama can't have it both ways on Crimea
CNN ^ | March 18, 2014 | By Simon Tisdall

Posted on 03/18/2014 11:23:59 AM PDT by Jim Robinson

London (CNN) -- Whatever U.S. and European leaders may say, it seems clear a majority of the residents of Crimea were only too happy to abandon Ukraine and join the Russian Federation. The referendum held there on Sunday was illegal according to Ukrainian constitutional law and took place under duress, following the large-scale incursion of "pro-Russian forces" -- and voters did not have the choice to say "no" to severing ties with Kiev.

But these failings aside, it appears plain that most of Crimea's population, with the exception of the Tatar minority and some ethnic Ukrainians, was content to return to what it regards as its ancestral home. The crucial turnout figures of up to 83% are suspect and may well be inflated. But independent reporting of enthusiastic celebrations suggested the overall outcome genuinely reflected popular wishes -- and was crudely democratic.

For this reason, it is unwise of U.S. President Barack Obama and his European counterparts to declare they will "never" recognize the Crimean result.

This crisis erupted when anti-Russian opposition forces in Kiev overthrew the country's democratically-elected president, Viktor Yanukovych. This action, too, was illegal under Ukraine's constitutional law and had little support in Crimea. But it was swiftly endorsed by Washington and in European capitals.

Now, faced by the pro-Russian opposition's rebound success in Crimea and a political result he does not like, Obama cries foul and refuses to accept the outcome. He cannot have it both ways.

(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; Germany; News/Current Events; Russia; United Kingdom; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: eu; euagenda; germany; imf; nigelfarage; obama; putin; russia; soros; ukraine; unitedkingdom; usaid; viktoryanukovich; waronterror; yuliatymoshenko
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1 posted on 03/18/2014 11:23:59 AM PDT by Jim Robinson
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To: Jim Robinson

Am not so certain Jim. DemocRATs love screwing any, anything and everyone and we know many of them think being screwed is a way to turn public opinion in their favor even when they lie about what took place. Please, pardon my harsh use of the word(s) screw(ing)(ed) but didn’t know of a better way to explain my thoughts.


2 posted on 03/18/2014 11:34:09 AM PDT by no-to-illegals (Scrutinize our government and Secure the Blessing of Freedom and Justice)
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To: no-to-illegals

So what if California voted to become part of Mexico? Yeah yeah, I know - wishful thinking.


3 posted on 03/18/2014 11:43:43 AM PDT by dblshot (I am John Galt.)
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To: no-to-illegals

When you have a so-called leader that’s all screwed up himself, of course he’s going to screw things up as a leader.
Better worry about your Obamacare.


4 posted on 03/18/2014 11:45:09 AM PDT by Vinylly (?)
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To: Jim Robinson

Maybe he’ll do a Hitler and get down and chew on the presidential rug if he doesn’t get his way. Or blubber - whichever gets him more press.


5 posted on 03/18/2014 11:46:54 AM PDT by SkyDancer (I Believe In The Law Until It Intereferes With Justice.)
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To: Jim Robinson

It helps to remember that the Ukrainian unrest was fostered, in part, by the Obama Administration itself, through the Open Society NGO’s, and the active participation of Deputy Ambassador to Europe, and the US Embassy in Kiev.

The Russians, and Putin KNOW this, and have said so publicly.

Funny how that tidbit never made the NBC Evening News, eh?


6 posted on 03/18/2014 11:50:20 AM PDT by tcrlaf (Well, it is what the Sheeple voted for....)
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To: dblshot

I would not like it but there is a strong chance in the southern area based on those that love mexico more than the U.S a referendum for a vote could occur. I believe the numbers of Americans, in the south of California, are currently outnumbered by mexicans. We give billions to mexico under the guise of something we call *is not bribery* while mexico laughs all the way to the bank. mexico may not like it either if southern California was nearing a vote to rejoin mexico. Could slow the flow of graft into mexico. mexican leaders might be upset too, as would Americans.


7 posted on 03/18/2014 11:50:39 AM PDT by no-to-illegals (Scrutinize our government and Secure the Blessing of Freedom and Justice)
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To: Vinylly

I will not have to go under obamacare, if my plan holds.


8 posted on 03/18/2014 11:53:43 AM PDT by no-to-illegals (Scrutinize our government and Secure the Blessing of Freedom and Justice)
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To: Jim Robinson

What business is it of Il Duce of The United States of America or anyone else whether the Crimean vote is legal? It’s their internal affair to decide among themselves. Would Lincoln and his Unionists have cared what Europeans thought about war Against Confederate Secession?


9 posted on 03/18/2014 11:55:39 AM PDT by crazylibertarian (The things you do in your todays are your legacy for all of your tomorrows.)
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To: no-to-illegals

That’s one reason for not giving the 6 state California split-up any thought at all. Tee other is who wants Califrnia to have 12 senators?


10 posted on 03/18/2014 12:00:08 PM PDT by dblshot (I am John Galt.)
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To: dblshot

la-raza has publicly state that they want California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas to eventually join mexico. Will have to see what Americans think. That time will come soon enough ... May I be dead and gone when that time comes.


11 posted on 03/18/2014 12:03:47 PM PDT by no-to-illegals (Scrutinize our government and Secure the Blessing of Freedom and Justice)
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To: tcrlaf
..."outside the Parliament in Simferopol, Ukraine"...


12 posted on 03/18/2014 12:05:33 PM PDT by caww
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To: crazylibertarian
What business is it of Il Duce of The United States of America or anyone else whether the Crimean vote is legal? It’s their internal affair to decide among themselves. Would Lincoln and his Unionists have cared what Europeans thought about war Against Confederate Secession?

The proper name for it is The war of northern aggression

13 posted on 03/18/2014 12:05:58 PM PDT by Don Corleone ("Oil the gun..eat the cannoli. Take it to the Mattress.")
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To: crazylibertarian

None whatsoever. So why did he back the uprising in Ukraine? And why did he destroy our military? And why did he destroy our economy? And why is he still trying to bankrupt coal, gas and oil? And why does he support every fascist coup in the world?

Weakness, especially while meddling, begets tyranny.


14 posted on 03/18/2014 12:10:23 PM PDT by Jim Robinson (Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God!!)
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To: Jim Robinson

It is good to see you, Jim. I hope you are well.


15 posted on 03/18/2014 12:19:37 PM PDT by DallasSun
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To: DallasSun

I am well. Thanks.


16 posted on 03/18/2014 12:22:54 PM PDT by Jim Robinson (Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God!!)
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To: tcrlaf

You and Kremlin give Americans too much credit. All the NGOs and active participation of US ambassadors will not generate crowds of 100,000-200,000-300,000 people week after week, or persuade them to get in front of bullets, losing a hundred people in the process. Yanukovych corruption was real, police beatings were real, so was the anger towards that scumbag.


17 posted on 03/18/2014 12:38:49 PM PDT by Ivan Mazepa
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To: Ivan Mazepa

“All the NGOs and active participation of US ambassadors will not generate crowds of 100,000-200,000-300,000 people week after week,”

Really???
Ever heard of “Occupy Wall Street? Or “International Answer”?

Well-place propaganda and Media Neural Linguistic Programming can be quite effective, especially when it’s targeted to already existing unrest.


18 posted on 03/18/2014 12:41:32 PM PDT by tcrlaf (Well, it is what the Sheeple voted for....)
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To: tcrlaf
EU President Herman Van Rompuy will meet with Vladimir Putin sometime tomorrow in Moscow....

My gosh where do they find these creepy characters!....Rompuy was appointed to head the EU... not by election ..Nobody knew who he was until announced as the Head. I doubt much he himself will carry any weight with Putin when many in the EU political arena can't stand the dweeb...probably just a water carrier and posturing of the EU.

by CBC News 10:54 AM


19 posted on 03/18/2014 12:56:23 PM PDT by caww
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To: Jim Robinson

I’m surprised CNN published something that criticizes Obama.


20 posted on 03/18/2014 1:23:38 PM PDT by FR_addict
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