Aside from the Cold War, there were two world events in my lifetime where I thought the situation could escalate to a World War. The first was when I was in grade 11 and the United States entered into the Persian Gulf War. I recall the morning after and that our English teacher allowed us to talk about it the entire period. The second event was 9/11. I was living in Barrie ON; only a 9 hour drive from New York City. I had just dropped off the two older kids at school and was out for a walk with my youngest in the wagon when the World Trade Center was hit by the first plane. I spent the rest of the day glued to the TV.
The attack on Ukraine is different from the other two events mentioned above but it definitely feels like we are on the way to a potential World War. One very large country attacking another large country. I had this analogy in my head; Russia being the school bully and Ukraine the bullying victim. All the other countries were other students standing by and watching. The bullying went from taunts in the hallways and following them around to physical violence, online slandering and threats to friends. The bystanders were willing to offer advice and ice packs for bruises but not willing to step in and fight beside the victim.
I thought maybe this interpretation of what is happening was just in my head until I saw this post on facebook.
The United Nations and NATO are just like the school council and football team. If you are one of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (Russian, France, United Kingdom, United States and China) then you hold power. The ten non-permanent members are elected for two year terms. If you are a part of NATO then the other NATO countries will have your back when you are provoked into defending yourself.
While I understand that Ukraine is not currently a member of the UN security council and is not part of NATO or even the European Union, it just seems absurd that no country is willing to step in to assist with military force. This is the first conflict of this magnitude where the world is really watching with things happening on the ground being live streamed on social media.
The world needs to stand up to the bully and prevent them from bullying others in the future.
Very well said Corinne! It is heart breaking to watch the news and see what’s happening!
That may be true.
Nations that could fight, are not prepared to send troops maybe
Because too many have been lost in wars or come home distraught.
We are all human and no one wants to send a child, perhaps to his/her death.
They are hoping the sanctions will turn things around, decisions will change if this invasion carries too far. 😞