1. Is Putin in or out? Reports are that Putin has about 20,000 Russian troops massed just east of the border with Ukraine, along with heavy military equipment, and they continue to train and equip the Ukrainian separatists. So what is Putin up to? Does he even know? DoD Sec. Chuck Hagel sees it as a growing threat that Putin might invade Ukraine, as he did in Crimea. Let's hope the administration's Russia experts have some ideas, because to me Putin's actions just seem quixotic and without a coherent plan.
2. So far the cease-fire holds in Gaza, and Israel has agreed to extend it in favor of negotiations for a lasting truce. So far, Hamas has not agreed. Israel insists on total disarmament of Hamas, which Hamas rejects; and Hamas insists on Israel lifting the blockade, which Israel rejects.
Maybe if they both just said "yes" at the same time . . . I don't mean to trivialize it. These are tough positions to compromise on. But Israel needs security; the Palestinians need to have control over their own lives and land.
But, as long as the guns and missiles are silent, there is hope . . . I suppose.
Ralph
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