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Ukrainian Instability, Russian Initiative
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughOver the past decade, Ukraine has been caught in a fierce struggle between the European Union and Russia, its former overseer. The Euromaidan protests in Kiev erupted after then-President Viktor Yanukovych rejected a free trade agreement with the EU, favoring ties with Moscow instead. By December 1, 2013, around 300,000 pro-EU activists gathered in Independence Square, eventually seizing City Hall. The government responded with harsh anti-protest laws, leading to violent clashes, including the first protestor deaths on January 21 and 22 during the Hrushevskoho Street riots. Despite negotiations, tensions escalated with more deaths in February, forcing Yanukovych to flee to Russia after a no-confidence vote loomed, while parliament repealed the anti-protest laws and appointed Oleksandr Turchinov as acting president. The instability in Kiev provoked a strong reaction in Ukraine's east, especially Crimea, where pro-Russian sentiments dominate. Russian troops amassed at the Ukrainian border, and armed men in unmarked fatigues seized key locations in Crimea, including government buildings and airports. On March 1, Russia's parliament approved military force to protect Russians in eastern Ukraine, and by March 18, Putin signed a treaty annexing Crimea into Russia. By March 23, nearly 200 military sites in Crimea flew the Russian flag, with 40,000 troops deployed nearby. Despite international criticism and the United Nations declaring the annexation illegal, Russia has shown no intention of relinquishing control, with Putin sending officials to promise financial support to Crimea.
Cold War Redux?
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughVladimir Putin's leadership has brought Russia back into play as a world power, and nearby nations are once again bracing against its unwelcome aggression.
Franco-German Divergence
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeWorld news, events, and trends highlighting biblical prophecy for March-April 2005: Franco-German Divergence.
Rudderless Leadership in U.S. Foreign Affairs
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughWith one look at American activity on the world scene, an observer is struck by the lack of coherence of this administration's foreign policy.
The Geopolitics of Israel
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe land of Israel's position at the crossroads of three continents makes the Holy Land strategically valuable to the great powers around it.
The Awakening Bear
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeRussian President Vladimir Putin is turning his nation's interests outward—and that does not bode well for international relations.

Who Is America's Greatest Enemy?
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe United States stands weakened by worldwide conditions, but its foreign enemies cannot match its power. Its real foe lies much closer.

Slowly Sinking
'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. BaityRecently, the vaunted power of the American armed forces has begun to erode under weak and vacillating leadership, undermining its hegemony.

A World at War
'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. BaityGlobal conflict increased dramatically between 2021 and 2023, in contrast to the prior six years. The outlook for peace apart from Christ's return is dim.