tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post4394610967963323678..comments2023-09-17T10:57:35.535+03:00Comments on Ukrainiana: More Appeasement from the American Institute in UkraineTarashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139892487573795049noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-85917081034760896912010-04-08T12:58:52.868+03:002010-04-08T12:58:52.868+03:00Lingüista,
I totally agree about the lack of supp...Lingüista,<br /><br />I totally agree about the lack of support. First, Soviet propaganda dies hard and, second, NATO membership has never been on top of the government’s agenda.<br /><br />This combination of factors bodes well for opponents of Ukraine's membership in NATO — no matter who they are, no matter where they are.<br /><br />The issue of appeasement, however, goes beyond that of NATO membership. Not only do the appeasement artists from AIU seek to keep Ukraine out of NATO, but they also seek to keep Ukraine within Russia’s sphere of influence. It’s crystal clear.<br /><br />If the Obama administration supports this approach, it will only fuel the Kremlin’s adventurism.<br /><br />No, Obama doesn’t have to be too keen on NATO expansion, given the uncertainty about who wins the presidential race in Ukraine. Nor does he have to be too shy about the <a href="http://tap-the-talent.blogspot.com/2008/10/obama-voices-support-for-ukraine-cites.html" rel="nofollow">promises he made during his own presidential race</a>.<br /><br />After all, throwing Ukraine under the bus would be too costly for America. Obama should know it.<br /><br /><br />Anonymous,<br /><br />Thank you! You can message me on Twitter:)<br /><br /><br />Elmer,<br /><br />What caught my attention this time was that interesting quote from Yelena Biberman, a U.S. Embassy employee. I think the U.S. Embassy owes our Foreign Affairs Ministry an explanation. Here’s the analogy I would use:<br /><br />Imagine you have a neighbor who calls your house “our house.” Imagine he has a shotgun and you have a handgun. Imagine he tells you not to make friends with people he doesn’t like. Imagine he tells you what books you should read, what movies you should watch, what streets your should walk and what language you should speak.<br /><br />If you disobey him, he threatens to break into your house and rape your daughter.<br /><br />Now, would you like me to come over to your house and tell you how to love your neighbor?<br /><br />This is how I feel about the U.S. Embassy employee’s statement.<br /><br /><br />Leopolis,<br /><br />Thank you for the valuable info on Venable LLP! The Rogozin connection makes perfect sense! Thank you for the valuable info on Venable LLP! The Rogozin connection makes perfect sense!<br /><br />I should check out fara.gov more often, regardless of the time lag between lobbying and registration:)<br /><br /><br /><br />Daniel,<br /><br />I would apply the death penalty in such cases. They make me feel ashamed of Europe’s approach to humanism.Tarashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18139892487573795049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-14545556597000946192009-07-30T18:54:13.873+03:002009-07-30T18:54:13.873+03:00Quite impressive research, elmer -- I see now wher...Quite impressive research, elmer -- I see now where this was coming from. I, for one, thank you for the time spent on that.Lingüistahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06327147408198046253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-25628952457676228842009-07-29T22:22:13.079+03:002009-07-29T22:22:13.079+03:00Here is an excellent analysis of Biden's visit...Here is an excellent analysis of Biden's visit to Ukraine, and the unveiling of the new US "tough love" policy - the US can help Ukraine only to the extent that Ukraine helps itself.<br /><br />Biden chided the Ukrainian "political elite" for being less mature than the general population, and for political posturing, which is causing stalemates. Remember, Ukraine has no defense minister, no finance minister, and lacks certain other ministers.<br /><br />--------------------------<br /><br />http://www.jamestown.org/programs/edm/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=35333&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=27&cHash=438ba71c5b<br /><br />Biden spoke with extraordinary frankness about the dysfunctional aspects in Ukraine's political and economic systems in both of his public appearances in Kyiv. Portraying its political leaders as less mature than their own people, he wondered "why communication among leaders has broken down [and] political posturing prevents progress." He told the political establishment in nearly-admonitory terms that Ukraine needs accountability in governance, "an independent court system as a check on the corruption that fuels cynicism and limits growth." He chastised energy waste in Ukraine, called for phasing out energy subsidies to consumers, and openly invoked the "strings attached" to any U.S. or IMF lending to Ukraine, and reminded his audiences that "friendship requires honesty." Based on shared goals, however, "the United States and Ukraine will work together in the months and years ahead to strengthen the strategic partnership" (Vice-President Joseph Biden, speech at Ukraine House and news conference in Kyiv, White House press releases, July 21, 22).<br /><br />Both sides were careful to de-emphasize NATO during Biden's visit. Biden alluded to it obliquely as "Euro-Atlantic integration" (upholding any country's right to opt for it) and made only one direct reference to NATO: "The United States also supports Ukraine's deepening ties to NATO and to the European Union. But again, we recognize that they are your decisions, not ours, whether you choose the E.U. and NATO....How far and how fast to proceed is, again, a uniquely Ukrainian choice, not ours."elmernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-35115192153656668412009-07-27T21:18:42.616+03:002009-07-27T21:18:42.616+03:00Taras, the key word that was omitted is "IREX...Taras, the key word that was omitted is "IREX" - that is, the claim is that Yelena Biberman, the world's foremost doctoral candidate on everything, is an "IREX U.S. Embassy Specialist."<br /><br />That description is misleading, because it leads one to believe that she is a US Embassy Specialist.<br /><br />But IREX is another one of those organizations with "program activities," not affiliated with the US Embassy.<br /><br />That includes "Civil Society Development Programs."<br /><br />http://www.irex.org/civilsociety/index.asp<br /><br />What is IREX?<br /><br />Find out here:<br /><br />http://www.irex.org/about/index.asp<br /><br />So Yelena Biberman is spouting pre-doctoral nonsense to the detriment of Ukraine.<br /><br />Nice work if you can get it - and you can get it if you try.elmernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-7715049876545086742009-07-23T17:41:51.233+03:002009-07-23T17:41:51.233+03:00I’ve Googled her several times. Here it says she’s...I’ve Googled her several times. <a href="http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/6220" rel="nofollow">Here</a> it says she’s a “U.S. Embassy Policy Specialist in Kiev, Ukraine,” followed by a disclaimer: “The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any government agency or organization to which she is affiliated.”<br /><br />Because no such disclaimer could be found in <i><a href="http://www.russiaprofile.org/page.php?pageid=International&articleid=a1247513208" rel="nofollow">Say No to NATO</a></i>, I decided to raise this question.Tarashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18139892487573795049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-85838869847663191512009-07-22T16:36:21.121+03:002009-07-22T16:36:21.121+03:00Taras, the statement about Yelena Biberman appears...Taras, the statement about Yelena Biberman appears to be a lie.<br /><br />She is not a US Embassy employee, as US Embassies will not and cannot advocate particular positions with non-Embassy organizations.<br /><br />Instead, it appears that she visited Russia, got herself an M.A. from Harvard in 2006 - and now writes for the "Think Tank Without Walls" - see links below.<br /><br />In other words, she has a degree, but no useful employment, so she winds up writing articles of nonsense for assorted think thanks.<br /><br />http://us.fulbrightonline.org/program_student_us.html?id=13661<br /><br />Oh, look, Yelena is also an "expert" on Iran - and I bet just about every other country that is currently at the top of the news.<br /><br />http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/6220<br /><br />And look! If you want to donate to Yelena Biberman and her nonsense, and the "Think Tank Without Brains", go here:<br /><br />http://www.fpif.org/fpifinfo/4477elmernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-75509106805815515192009-07-22T14:56:04.440+03:002009-07-22T14:56:04.440+03:00Ah, now I get it.Ah, now I get it.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10614435122768314831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-82349337377591278902009-07-22T14:05:54.148+03:002009-07-22T14:05:54.148+03:00Michelle,
From what I've learned so far, the...Michelle, <br /><br />From what I've learned so far, the American Institute in Ukraine (AIU) promotes pro-Kremlin views and houses at least two Americans who have lobbied for Viktor Yanukovych. <br /><br />Venable LLP, the company that one of them has worked for, <a href="http://www.fara.gov/docs/5435-Exhibit-AB-20070130-6.pdf" rel="nofollow">has lobbied on behalf of Rodina</a>, a Russian political party headed by Dmitry Rogozin, who serves as Russia’s envoy to NATO (HT Leopolis).<br /><br />The man has frequently expressed strong anti-Ukrainian and anti-NATO sentiment.<br /><br />In this context, remarks by Yelena Biberman, a U.S. Embassy employee who appears to have sided with the AIU, raise questions.<br /><br />If I were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, I would demand answers.Tarashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18139892487573795049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-64265142372943143522009-07-21T14:49:27.308+03:002009-07-21T14:49:27.308+03:00My question when I read your very informative and ...My question when I read your very informative and interesting articles on what the American Institute in Ukraine is writing about Ukraine is: Who is the American Institute in Ukraine and does it represent the US State Department's foreign policy towards Ukraine? From what I have heard and read, they seem to be coming from a much different perspective.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10614435122768314831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-41114336464668492612009-07-21T13:12:19.054+03:002009-07-21T13:12:19.054+03:00Leopolis, you're probably right. Just curious:...Leopolis, you're probably right. Just curious: any ideas about how "informational warfare" should be waged in today's world?Lingüistahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06327147408198046253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-26770495440171284472009-07-21T07:22:07.598+03:002009-07-21T07:22:07.598+03:00CRIME against Children:
Two Serb war criminals re...CRIME against Children:<br /><br />Two Serb war criminals received Life Sentence and 30 years imprisonment for BURNING Bosniak women and children ALIVE. <br /><br />Unfortunately, the Prosecution made mistake and failed to include rape charges against them.<br /><br />Milan Lukic and Sredoje Lukic are from Rujiste village, located near the border with Srebrenica municipality. <br /><br />Please write a word or two about these monsters on your blog. Thank you!Daniel (Srebrenica Genocide Blog)http://srebrenica-genocide.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-50186818128120314082009-07-20T17:10:02.011+03:002009-07-20T17:10:02.011+03:00As I've always argued, the NATO issue in Ukrai...As I've always argued, the NATO issue in Ukraine has little to do with security and everything to do with virtual informational battles -- who is a neo-con, who is a Putinite, who is a nationalist, who is a parrot of the Kremlin, etc.<br /><br />About Venable, you should be interested to know that they used to work for none other than Mr NATO himself Dmitry Rogozin. <br /><br />http://www.fara.gov/docs/5435-Exhibit-AB-20070130-6.pdf<br /><br />BTW -- all lobbying information is available through the DoJ's FARA website.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-62143485952207743412009-07-20T16:52:17.965+03:002009-07-20T16:52:17.965+03:00Taras, one should never argue with idiots - and th...Taras, one should never argue with idiots - and that includes the idiots from the AIU.<br /><br />This is a true gem, and proof that these people are living in la-la land:<br /><br />-------------------------<br /><br />Salvia: Ukrainian NATO membership, by ruining relations with Russia, would make Ukraine less secure than it is, not more. And it would also harm U.S. security, by ruining the chances for cooperation with Russia over vital issues such as Afghanistan, North Korea and Iran, all issues that the new administration has said it will prioritize.<br /><br />--------------------------<br /><br />"Ruining relations with Russia..."?<br /><br />Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.<br /><br />Russia has engaged in constant trade wars - and gas wars - with every country it deals with!<br /><br />Do these people not read?<br /><br />Russia just tried to get the US kicked out of a base in one of the "stan" countries - I'll let the idiots at AIU see if they can figure out which one - only to have the US wind up paying 3x the former rent in order to keep it.<br /><br />What "cooperation" has there been from Roosha?<br /><br />Every single country you mentioned - Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, etc., has COOPERATED with the US and with EU.<br /><br />Roosha is the ONLY country that perpetually throws temper tantrums.<br /><br />Why? Because that's what they do.<br /><br />The logic is perverse - Ukraine shouldn't join NATO and improve its military defense capabilities because "Roosha might get mad" and attack it.<br /><br />Have these morons not read about Georgia and the Caucasus?<br /><br />You are right - it looks, indeed, like these people have drank gallons and gallons of Kremlin Kool-Aid - and gotten not only totally drunk on it, but totally zombified on it.<br /><br />Now they're trying to get a little attention by attacking your blog.<br /><br />Sheesh!elmernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-36590429157040600652009-07-20T10:30:33.947+03:002009-07-20T10:30:33.947+03:00Taras - I'm a big fan of your blog. I also liv...Taras - I'm a big fan of your blog. I also live and work in Kyiv. How can I get in touch with you?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19297350.post-74305330223759287282009-07-20T05:51:27.632+03:002009-07-20T05:51:27.632+03:00You raise very important points (besides answering...You raise very important points (besides answering most of the questions I asked about Russia's reaction to Ukraine in NATO in the other thread). To me, however, the main problems are:<br /><br />- lack of support for NATO membership among the Ukrainian public (even among Ukrainian speakers, though less than among Russian speakers);<br />- Russia's possible reactions: not necessarily military intervention, but all kinds of nasty little tricks to get Ukraine to trip over and fail in fulfilling whatever commitments it makes. Indeed, what a neighbor.<br /><br />An Obama too keen on Ukrainian NATO membership would immediately get scenes of Ukrainian anti-NATO protesters to embarrass him. And how the Russians would then peddle the idea that "the so-called Western democracies" actually ignore the will of the people!...<br /><br />Is there anything at all that can be done to change public opinion on that matter?Lingüistahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06327147408198046253noreply@blogger.com