This is a tenuous connection but that is nothing new in Papa’s head. I was thinking about the utterly monstrous war crimes being committed in Ukraine. News reports have forced most of the world to face the reality that peace for all is in grave danger. The atrocities Russian/mercenary soldiers have committed are beyond the pale. I hate to even call them soldiers. A properly trained military exercises dicipline to the greatest extent possible. The law of war is an important part of US military training. In a prior post I discussd involvement in war crime investigations in Vietnam. In my opinion the US did its best to follow the law. Our forces didn’t always succeed but it was not for a lack of setting down clear markers of conduct in combat. We expected compliance with the Geneva Conventions by our members. And, we investigated our own violations. In some cases disciplinary actions resulted.

My thought of the Yalu goes to a hope that the stark visual evidence of Russia’s depravety wakes up the leaders of the western world. There seems to have been a bit of a slow walk in reaction to this “in your face” invasion. More like they have a hope it goes away soon attitude. What some might liken to a fear of failure that paralyzes leadership. More strategic decisions are certainly needed at this point. Perhaps the obvious butchery will push the west towards not accepting an outcome that in any way rewards Russia for its actions. When the weight is on the back foot but bold rhetoric is used as a balance, only a timid policy often exists.

It is hard to imagine that an action of the US/NATO will further irritate Putin. Under the circumstances Papa can’t conceive of why Putin’s demeanor is of great concern. The guy is as angry as anyone has a right to be. He demonstrates it on a daily basis. He has to have a heart of stone to watch images of horror and press onward. If the US policy continues to be sanctions, long and hard thought must be given to any quick/full release in the future. If weapons supplies continue to be subject to hand wringing over offensive/defensive definitions, prolonged bloodshed seems probable. A Russian conquest may even be possible. Ah, breathing room for those of a 60’s mentaility until the next time.

Dictators don’t give up goals. After the second world war communists were on the march across the globe. Much of Europe fell captive to Russia/Soviet Union. Countries were divided; east/west and north/south. After communist North Korea attacked South Korea, the US/UN pushed back. However, some claim the US/UN fell asleep. That a warning fom India was ignored. At any rate, the communist Chinese counter attacked across the Yalu river and battles raged for three years. At the end of the war, after horrendous loss of human life and a flood of refugees, a North and South Korea still existed.

It may take more astute advisors at the White House to formulate a new policy. Ukraine is asking for some big boy weapons to drive back the Russians. Not an unreasonable request if our policy is to stop the current invasion and prevent more in the future. But, if the West promotes a goal to just stop the war and perhaps create another East/West split or some sort of DMZ for peacekeeps, keep in mind that a third way backward exists if China (still of an entrenched communist dictatorship) weighs the risks and steps in to help Putin. Neither country is our friend. It’d be best to keep an eye on both. Especially be alert for an ongoing economic “intervention” on behalf of Russia to promote stability; Yalu River style. Unless the US demonstrates more spine there is little reason for China to help stop the war/conquest. Dictators are on the march again. It is high time to recognize that reality.