I appreciate Gwynne Dyer's knowledge and perception of the politics of the Middle East. Unfortunately, like many informed people, his "informed" status sometimes precludes common sense. Gwynne's last couple articles on Russia identify Putin as the bad guy when Putin is only doing what any good leader would do. Ukraine (Crimea) is a significant southern connection for Russia to the economic world. Do you think the leader of as powerful a country as Russia is not going to ensure this access is maintained? Forget about the years of history and put yourself in Russia's shoes.
Fortunately, the new Ukrainian leader, Petro Poroshenko seems to have common sense and appears to be looking to work with the Russians to satisfy both country's needs. Now if only the brilliant people of "the West" will butt out, maybe there will be some resolve. One more small item, I predicted in my last comment that Russia would cut deals with China and India due to the sanctions imposed by "The West". How about that $400 billion dollar natural gas contract between China and Russia?
Gee, that really helped out BC's plan to export LNG.
Gerry Lundquist
Prince George
