[meadsjn]

The West can’t have it both ways. They can’t say, for example, that the right of Albanians to self-determination in Kosovo trumps Serbia’s right to territorial integrity, and then turn around and say that Ukraine’s right to territorial integrity trumps the right of Russians in Crimea to self-determination.

Excellent point.

Russia obviously has control of Crimea, and intends to keep it; or at least ensure the referendum is held for Crimea to choose indenpendence and alliance with Russia.

Ukraine still has to get organized enough to defend its mainland, and try to hold what it can.

[Marguerite]

” Excellent point.
Russia obviously has control of Crimea, and intends to keep it; or at least ensure the referendum is held for Crimea to choose indenpendence and alliance with Russia. “

The West leaders and media hysteria on the alleged Russian “invasion” of Crimea is simply grotesque.
Crimea has been part of Russia since 1774, when Catherine the Great’s army conquered it from the Ottoman Empire. The majority of the population is composed of ethnic Russians. 98% of the population speak Russian.
Crimea is an autonomous republic, with its own Constitution, parliment, government and budget.

The population of Crimea have every right in the world to decide of their future. Referendum is set for March 16 ...