Friday, February 28, 2014

Unmarked Russian Speaking Armed Troops Take Control of Airports in Ukraine's Crimea

The crisis in Crimea continues to worsen causing strains on the relations between Ukraine and Russia.

On Friday, Russian speaking militias seized the airports in Sevastopol and Simferopol. They have also set up roadblocks and checkpoints along all of the roads, through the area. All of those in the airport appear to be extremely well armed and dressed in a military style, not that of a suddenly formed militia.

In other areas, including around the airport, more basically uniformed and armed groups were patrolling. Those groups proudly admit to being part of Crimea's militias, whereas those inside the airports refused to state who they belonged to. In some cases the admitted militias kept reporters from approaching the unidentified forces.

Unconfirmed reports state that Russian military helicopters landed at the Sevastopol airport and that Russian army trucks were seen moving from there towards Simferopol.

Ukraine's ambassador to the United Nations accused Russia of sending troops into the Crimea and demanded that there be no further incursions. Other members of the government went further stating that the militias were Russian troops in disguise.

Russia quickly denied that their troops had left their bases, near Sevastopol, which they rent from Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that while their troops are conducting maneuvers, they have not violated Ukraine's sovereignty.

Meanwhile, in Russia, the Federal Assembly passed a series of bills which make it easier for Russia to annex territory and simplified the process by which Ukrainian citizens could switch to a Russian citizenship.

Also on Friday, former president Viktor Yanukovych, who was ousted last Saturday, held a press conference in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. He reiterated his claims to still be Ukraine's president and pledged to fight until he reclaimed his rightful position.

Crimea's regional government is now calling itself an autonomous republic, and is said to be considering whether it should enforce that status upon the country, completely separate from Ukraine as it's own country, or separate and join Russia.

Concerns are growing that Russia is waiting for something to give them provocation for an invasion. Things in Crimea are approaching a very familiar series of events that Russia used as it's reasoning to invade the country of Georgia, "in the name of peace".

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Ukraine Struggles With Crimea Separatism as Yanukovych Resurfaces in Russia

Gunmen stormed and took over government buildings in Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine, on Thursday.

After taking control of the buildings they raised Russian flags in and around them as protesters joined them in the streets.

Crimea's regional parliament announced that a "referendum on greater autonomy" will be held on May 25, the same day as national elections.

Former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, who is now hiding in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, reiterated his claims to still be president, despite having been voted out by Parliament after three months of protests against him.

He called upon all Ukrainians to resist those who overthrew him and help him regain his rightful position.

Meanwhile, Russian troops continued their military exercises just to the east of Ukraine and Russian jets flew over the border.

Ukraine's interim president, Oleksandr Turchynov, warned Russian troops based in Crimea to stay on their bases, saying, "Any movement of military servicemen with weapons outside this territory will be viewed as military aggression".

The interim government also stated that they will not allow for the country to be split.

At this time, they are still trying to figure out how to end the separatism protests, without seeing violence.

North Korea Launches 4 Missiles

North Korea launched four missiles, on Thursday, into the Sea of Japan.

All four landed in the middle of the sea, not harming or threatening anything.

They were short range missiles, which the North often launches as "tests".

The launches came while South Korea and the US hold joint military exercises, something North Korea always decries occurring.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Preview: Godzilla

Tuesday saw the first full trailer for Godzilla come out across the internet.

This latest American remake actually has Godzilla at his full size, unlike the previous one, from 1998.

From the trailer we learn a few things, such as the US nuclear experiments of the late 1950's weren't just tests, but attempts to destroy Godzilla.

In an unexpected revelation, there are two moments in the trailer in which it appears Rodan, one of Godzilla's nemesis can be seen.

Rodan's addition would not only make this a multi monster movie, but also most likely tells us that Godzilla came out of hiding to end a Rodan terror spree.

Godzilla hits theaters on May 16 starring Bryan Cranston, of Breaking Bad fame, Elizabeth Olsen, and Aaron Taylor Johnson, best known as Kick Ass.


Venezuela Protests Continue Despite Threat of Troops

Maduro
Protests continue to take place in Caracas and other Venezuelan cities, despite threats to send troops against them.

Over the last two weeks, thirteen people have been killed, more than one hundred and fifty injured, and over five hundred arrested.

Protesters are demanding that President Nicolas Maduro leave office so that new elections can take place.

Much of Venezuela's population is tired of living in socialist rule and want freedom for it.

However, a large number still support Maduro as shown by large counter protests, which at times have attacked the opposition.

Maduro has promised that if police do not end the protests, one way or the other, he will send in the military to ensure peace.

Ukraine Delays New Government to Avoid Crimea Separatism

As the memorial to those lost in protests continues to grow, in Independence Square, Ukraine moves towards it's future.

Parliament voted to place a warrant on Viktor Yanukovych, the former president, and made clear to see him tried in an international court.

Interim President Olexander Turchynov announced that a planned unveiling of the his interim government would be postponed til Thursday.

Turchynov stated that the delay occurred over concerns about separatism, within the country, and that "a coalition of national faith must be elected".

He is making it his first most goal, not just to find a government that will keep things running and keep the people of Kiev happy, but one which will keep the whole country united.

Most of the separatism worries are due to events in Crimea.

Vladimir Konstantinov, the speaker or the regional legislature, vowed to see the region it's own "autonomous republic".

Some in Crimea are calling for his removal from office, and asking the national government to ensure that they stay part of Ukraine.

However, at this point, it does seem that the majority in Crimea do not wish to be part of Ukraine.

Boko Haram Kills 29 Teens in Attack on School in Nigeria

Twenty-nine teen boys were killed and eleven injured when members of Boko Haram attacked their school.

The attack happened at a boarding school in the Nigerian state of Yobe.

Boko Haram fighters went through the school shooting males and telling females to run for their lives.

They then lit fire to the school, before running off themselves.

Nigeria's military says they are chasing the terrorists.

Witnesses said that it took five hours for troops to respond after the attack began.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Turchinov Named Interim President in Ukraine as Crimea Talks Secession

Parts of Independence Square, in Kiev, turned from defensive positions to memorials, on Sunday. Other parts were slowly being cleaned up by groups of protesters, who had occupied the square since November.

The mood in the city is slowly turning to a much calmer one, but definitely a happier one as the people feel they were successful in seeing their demands met. They remember the eighty-two who lost their lives, during the violence, and also pledge to stay until they ensure they did not die in vain.

On Sunday, parliament named Oleksander Turchinov as interim president, until elections are held on May 25. Expectations are for him to name an interim government, by Tuesday, February 25. Turchinov pledged to move the country back towards an agreement with the European Union. He also expressed his desire for, "new, equal, and good neighborly footing" with Russia. On Monday, members of the EU will meet with him to discuss economic aid for Ukraine.

In the east, several Ukrainian towns witnessed fighting between supporters of the new government and those who still support former president Viktor Yanukovych. Other towns are rejecting both the new and old governments. A crowd in Kerch tore down the town hall's Ukrainian flag and raised a Russian one in it's place. Thousands in Sevastopol and Simferopol protested and demanded that their cities and the rest of Crimea leave Ukraine and join Russia.

The moods in the east and south are causing worry that the fighting isn't yet over. Leaders in Crimea were asking protesters to sign up for militias. They say they need them to protect themselves from Ukraine's government. However, interim president Turchinov says he has no plans to send troops into Crimea and stressed the importance of national unity.

Taliban Fighters Kill 21 Afghan Soldiers in Raid

Twenty-one Afghan soldiers were killed, early Sunday morning, when their outpost was attacked by the Taliban.

Another seven were taken prisoner.

The attack began with "hundreds" of Taliban fighters sneaking into part of the base and killing many in their beds, before the alarm was raised.

Then a several hour long firefight erupted, only ending when the Taliban forces retreated in the face of Afghan reinforcements.

12 Killed in Pakistan in Bus Station Bombing

Twelve people were killed when a bomb tore through a bus station in Kohat, Pakistan.

Sunday's explosion left another fifteen injured.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

However, the Taliban is considered the most likely suspect, as they have a history of terrorist attacks in the area.