"The Importance of Being Realistic
Aug 17 2006, 00:05
There is no doubt that the U. S. should not give up on Ukraine. Nonetheless, as the situation in Iraq illustrates, this does not mean that the U. S. can remake the former Soviet space or ignore existing realities. Neither the U.S. nor the European Union is willing to make Ukraine their first priority. There are plenty of other markets for businesses to pursue and sources of inexpensive and educated labor to which to outsource. If Ukraine were brought into NATO, for example, it would reinforce Russian fears about being encircled, which would likely have undesirable repercussions. This is not a question of “appeasement,” but rather one of simply dealing with the world as it is. With regard to EU membership, Turkey can make a more convincing argument for accession than can Ukraine (not to mention that Turkish membership would be a more positive development for the world)."
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