The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
asia11 hours ago
The Ukraine crisis is US President Joe Biden’s biggest foreign policy test after the harrowing exit from Afghanistan last year in which he clearly failed and the administration was reduced to a laughing stock. He has now run into a worthy adversary in Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the US president would need all the advice he can get, and some tact to avoid another conflict away from America’s shores.
The Ukraine standoff is keeping Europe and the world on edge when the continent has bigger issues to be concerned about — like the pandemic. It could get serious if a Russian invasion indeed happens. And Putin is playing his cards close to his chest. The Russian leader is a master of deception and has kept his foes guessing.
For Biden, it’s about strategic patience after diplomacy yielded little results following Russia’s aggressive moves in December when it reportedly deployed 100,000 troops along the border with Ukraine. Biden has stood his ground thus far, so has Putin, which makes the standoff complex and confusing. The question now being posed is: who will blink first, or will there be a face-saver of a deal after Monday’s reports indicate that Russia has moved 60 combat-ready divisions to the border.
The US claims it is prepared with 8,500 emergency troops, which is not enough to prevent an invasion — if that indeed happens, but Nato troops can be activated if the bloc so desires with 40,000 drawn from member countries of the bloc. But Biden’s dilemma is that Ukraine is not a member of the military bloc which views an attack on one member as against itself. Europe appears divided, with France and Germany appearing to break ranks in the diplomatic defence of Ukraine. Kyiv, however, is keen to join the alliance which Putin considers Nato’s bid at expansion into Eastern Europe which the erstwhile USSR once controlled ideologically and militarily after World War 2.
Europe’s rifts could be because Russia supplies 40 per cent of the continent’s natural gas. Putin sees this as leverage and is playing to his strengths. A winter without Russian gas could sap Europe. Paris and Berlin realise this and want to be seen as neutral which puts Nato at risk. The trans-Atlantic partnership faces its moment of truth, with no one wanting a war that will leave only losers in its wake. Besides, there’s always a risk of an invasion.
A swift Russian offensive, as some predict, could leave Moscow with a bloody nose if the casualties are high. Putin may be weighing his options here. Clearly, the West is in no mood for a fight but that isn’t enough to predict Putin’s mood. Moscow clearly wants Ukraine in its sphere of influence. The Ukrainians see a future with Europe and the West but the Russian bear is too big to ignore. Diplomacy despite the saber-rattling is the only way out of this impasse. Biden knows this, Putin too. Perhaps they must start from scratch and involve all parties.
The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
asia11 hours ago
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
transport11 hours ago
The former all-rounder has returned to cricket during the past year after a horrific car crash at the end of 2022
cricket11 hours ago
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
emergencies12 hours ago
The country has set a new Guinness World Record by creating the largest falcon hood, beating the previous record of 1.65 metres
uae13 hours ago
Hamas' health ministry said that 94,616 people have been wounded since the conflict began on October 7
mena13 hours ago
In most Islamic countries, including the Gulf countries, the Prophet's birthday is observed on 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1444
uae holidays14 hours ago
Traffic will be diverted to the opposite side during this period
transport15 hours ago