Quote Originally Posted by DDT View Post
But if Russia took that line of thinking, where wold it stop? Then Russia would have to demand compensation back from the Tartars for all the times in history that Tartars trashed the Slavs! Besides, it was not the Russian Federation that deported the Tartars but the Soviet Union.
Yes, that's a good point. Well, maybe they could do something symbolic. These people have been seriously messed around over the last 100 years, and deserve an apology and recognition for it. Like I mentioned, they are by far the only ones in Europe. Language oppression, eviction from lands etc was quite common up until early 20th century, and later in some countries. You can't undo the past, but you can help the current generation..

Was there any merit to Stalin's suspicions and how did they fare in Central Asia?

However, I read in a blurb about them, that in the 17th century they used to capture entire villages in Ukraine and Russia, and sell the population as slaves to Turkey. Charming! So the question is, how far back do you go with things like this.

Maybe best to just let the past rest. But since they were the most reluctant to changing country, a nice gesture would have been appropriate.


One more observation: Knowing Russian political scientists who are notoriously sharp, on-the-ball and pragmatic, they had a scenario drawn up for exactly this scenario YEARS ago. They didn't start it. But I think they were aware that it was a possibility, and were prepared. And the revolutionaries, the EU, as well as the Crimeans themselves played straight into Russia's hands. What can you say to that? It was darn clever and nobody has been hurt.

Russia gets one of its crown jewels back, and the Crimeans get more money in their pockets, more stability and no language opression. Win-win for all but Ukraine and Nato.

I don't think this was 100% kosher of Russia. But from a political science viewpoint, it is foreign policy at its cleverest. And all the odds here is that everyone will end up better for it. I think it's going to be Christmas for the Crimeans for quite a while to come. With Moscow as Father Christmas. Good luck to them! Hope they get lots of good new hospitals, schools, roads, jobs and whatever else they need!