Commentaries, analysis, And Editorials -- February 17, 2022

Ukraine Historical Map. Image Credit: Creative Commons.  

Robert Farley, 19FortyFive: Ukraine’s History Is Filled with War, Blood and Death 

If Russia launches a war against Ukraine, it will be far from the first time even in recent memory that the country has known violence. 

Many parts of the world suffered horribly from war in the 20th century, but Ukraine has surely witnessed more than its fair share of warfare over the last 110 years.

In World War I, Ukraine was the site of several major battles, most notably the Battle of Galicia in 1914, the Brusilov Offensive of 1916, and the Kerensky Offensive of 1917. 

At Galicia (fought in what is now western Ukraine) Russian forces tore the heart out of the armies of Austria-Hungary, restoring the line after the disastrous defeat at Tanneberg. The Brusilov Offensive cut deep into German and Austrian lines, displaying in full for the first time the fire and movement tactics that have come to characterize modern warfare for the last century. The failed Kerensky Offensive represented the last gasp of Russia’s provisional government, paving the way for the Bolshevik Revolution. Overall, counting only the major battles the armies of the combatants suffered nearly three million casualties in Ukraine.  

Read more .... 

 Commentaries, analysis, And Editorials -- February 17, 2022  

What is the background to the separatist attack in east Ukraine? -- Andrew Roth, The Guardian  

Can NATO strengthen Europe’s defence against Russia? -- Al Jazeera 

EXPLAINER: Russia-backed rebels a thorn in Ukraine’s side -- Vladimir Isachenkov, AP  

How Russian media outlets are preparing an attack on Ukraine -- Roman Goncharenko, DW  

Biden Should Shift US Troop Positions Worldwide -- Barry Pavel, Defense One  

What created the new, more aggressive Putin -- Zachary B. Wolf, CNN  

Europe's troop withdrawal leaves Mali in limbo -- Martina Schwikowski, DW  

Mission abort: What next for Mali after French-led withdrawal? -- France 24  

Macky Sall: 'If there's no security in Africa, the world won't be secure' -- DW  

Eleven years since revolt, Libya far from democracy -- AFP 

Iran’s Hollow Victory: The High Price of Regional Dominance -- Karim Sadjadpour, Foreign Affairs  

Israeli leadership caught between US, Russia over Ukraine -- Mazal Mualem​, Al-Monitor  

Argentina Joins China’s Belt and Road -- Marc Lanteigne, The Diplomat 

 Estimated 73% of US now immune to omicron: Is that enough? -- Carla K. Johnson, AP  

Trudeau's Big Mistake -- Noah Rothman, Commentary