Kerry Kubilius's Blog

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

Since the Litvinenko scandal, Russia seems to have it out for Great Britain. Russia has decided to close two British Council offices, citing legal issues, even though the EU has asked Russia to reconsider. However, Britain's recent tiffs with Russia may only offer a look into the increased paranoia and extended power plays expressed by the Russian government. After all, Putin's bid for the position of Prime Minister after his presidency has ended is hardly a targeted blow against a specific would-be foe; it is, nonetheless, a a Soviet-style move that keeps Putin at the head of his government - and in direct contact with his cronies. Putin seems to be forever looking backward - and over his shoulder - instead forward into Russia's future.

Not surprisingly, Russia has once again taken up an attitude towards nuclear power and military might that is a reminder of its typical stance: bullying and blowhard tactics. This is wearisome. After all, a genuinely strong nation would not have to appear to be on the defense every time an international incident occurred. And really . . . Russia has better things to worry about.

But Russia does, indeed, appear on the defense. The re-instatement of Tupolev Bombers, not seen in international skies since the Cold War ended, is surprising - not least of all because these antique military planes are extremely outmoded. Better off in a museum than used for training, the TU-95 bombers are a good example of how Russia is stuck in the past, both militarily and strategically. Every show of might seems to indicate how Russia can't leave the past behind.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

Orphans in Eastern Europe, or children who have been abandoned an neglected, have traditionally been sent to orphanages to await the slim chance that they may be adopted by a loving family. In Moldova, children are now given a second option - to be fostered in one of a few dozen foster homes in the country.

While the project seems small, this is a big step for the region's poorest country.. Moldova has one of the highest rates of children in orphanages in Eastern Europe - introducing the practice of fostering means that some children will be able to avoid the psychological damage that can occur from living in an institution.

A UK-based organization, EveryChild, is helping to provide support for foster families and to smooth the path to success for the foster care program in Moldova. Hopefully, Moldova's approval of foster care will encourage other Eastern European nations to abandon their decades-long practice of sentencing children without proper familial care to lives in institutions, where prospects of bright futures - and the hope that they will be taken in by new parents - fades a little more with each passing day.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

The exhibit is set to go ahead. Or is it? Wait - the Russians say yes. No, no they don't.

What?

For anyone who has been following the story about an important art exhibit of French and Russian artists - owned by Russia, but confiscated by Bolsheviks from their original owners after the Russian Revolution - the resolution of this conflict seems uncertain. So much vacillation has occurred on the part of the Russian Culture Agency, who is responsible for the artworks, even though London says the masterpieces will be safe.

Why are the Russians worried? For one, the question of ownership looms heavy over these works by Van Gogh, Matisse, and others. Taken from their original owners by the Russian government, family members seek to reclaim the artwork that was taken from their ancestors. Secondly, Russia has expressed anxiety about the paintings being seized by companies owed money by the Russian government. Russia, thief to some, debtor to others, is right to be afraid.

London, however, is going to pass a special law so that the important paintings can not be confiscated or reclaimed. Upon the passage of the law, the Russian Culture Agency will be willing to release the paintings for public viewing in Great Britain.

Maybe.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

Horses are still used in farming and transportation in rural areas of Eastern Europe, including in Romania, where carts have been banned from traveling on roads used by cars. Many villagers depend upon their horse-drawn carts for their livelihoods, just as their families have for hundreds of years.

Besides villagers, another segment of the population that would be affected by a ban on horse-drawn carts are the Roma, who are one of the poorest and underserved groups of people in Romania and elsewhere in Eastern Europe. The Roma are already discriminated against by government officials and city administrators - the ban on horse-drawn carts could be used as an additional way to harrass members of the Roma community.

While carts have been blamed for accidents on roads, it is more likely that drivers of motor vehicles are to blame. Seat belt and speed laws are even less respected than they are in the West, and owners of cars often feel that their ability to afford vehicles gives them rights that individuals without cars do not have.

Enforcing driving laws, maintaining roads and signage, and educating both cart and motor vehicle operators about how to stay alert and make themselves more visible to others are better solutions to traffic problems in Romania.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

Seventy-five years have passed since the Holodomor, or famine plague, killed up to 10 million Ukrainians. Older Ukrainians remember their experiences during the famine, as well as the relatives, friends, and community members who died from starvation during this period in early Soviet history.

Cannibalism in the Soviet Union is well documented. In Ukraine during the Holodomor, individuals might have eaten children or those who had already died. Parents strove to keep their children close when cannibalism was suspected by community members. Cautionary tales of children eaten by neighbors were not exaggerated warnings - they had their basis in truth.

Ukraine is divided over whether the famine, which is said to have been manufactured, can be classified as genocide. However, all Ukrainians agree that this terrible period in Ukrainian history is necessary to remember.