More Russia vs. Estonia

Posted by Kerry Kubilius Apr 4, 2007

The Estonians see the monument to Soviet soldiers as a symbol of oppression. And, given the Russians' reaction to its removal, this might very well be warranted. The Russian First Deputy Prime Minister has called for - what he doesn't call - a "boycott." He wants Russians to avoid Estonia as a vacation destination as well as to stop purchasing Estonian goods in protest of the monument's removal.

Estonia's economy is going strong, relative to some other former Soviet nations'. While their tourist industry's dependence on Russians might be significant, Estonia should hold its ground. While it wouldn't help political relations any, Estonia could plan to send the monument's head home to Russia in a box. This seems to be the most appropriate response to the First Deputy Prime Minister's call for a national temper tantrum.

Of course the whole issue is much more complicated than it appears to be on the surface. For example, many ethnic Russians live in Estonia, even though there are even more ethnic Estonians living in Estonia whose opinions count for something, too. In addition, to some, the monument is an anti-fascist symbol. A third problem is that the bronze monument actually has the remains of Russian soldiers buried underneath it, which would have to be removed along with the monument.

If the monument is, in reality a problem - and some think its importance has been hyped up to pave the way for political posturing - couldn't it be moved just across the border, given a facelift to give it more legitimacy in the eyes of Estonians, or even toned down? It isn't as if Russia and Estonia - as separate nations and as a result of a shared past - don't have more immense issues to tackle.