As the Olympics have come to a close, we can see that it was a stage for more than just athletics. For those who haven't at least heard, Ukraine is in a state of extreme unrest with deadly protesting and extreme international tension. This tension was brought to the Olympics with the Ukrainian athletes, who wore simple black armbands to pay their respect to their country's unrest. But even that was shut down by the IOC, which led to some of the Ukrainian athletes leaving in protest.
Americans fear that Russia will become more involved (potentially with their military) in the Ukraine situation, and it is feared that they will now become more involved now that the Olympics are over. America wants Ukraine to join the EU as opposed to joining Russia. It is a place where international tensions are held as well as local struggles for a better life.
If you want to read more, here's a link (or there's always google):
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ukraine-and-olympics-180949840/
Yes, it is quite obvious that Russia and Ukraine are in a heated dispute/war right now. I know this post is from February, however I think that it is both interesting and terribly frightening to keep up-to-date with everything that is going on between these countries overseas. I feel awful for all of the families who are trying to live in peace but instead are faced with political turmoil each and every day and are constantly in fear of what might happen tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteIt is at times like these where the evertrue lyrics by Lee Greenwood dance through my head: "I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free."