This refers to the editorial "Crimean spring" (March 5). Global power equations have undergone a sea change in the past three decades. The leader of the "free world", the US, had invaded Grenada, sent troops into Haiti, had an active role in the fighting in Nicaragua and El Salvador, and waged many wars. Over time, such military interventions have debilitated the US economy. Crimea, meanwhile, is on Russia's border, and the site of an important naval base that gives the Russians far greater cause to be pre-emptive in their geo-political initiatives across its borders. The euro zone, battling recession and highly energy dependent on Russia, is averse to precipitate steps, even though the area of current conflict is sensitive, being across its threshold. But then, even Vladimir Putin is mellowing as he orders his troops to return from Ukraine. This shows diplomacy is very likely to remain the default home page of the big powers.
R Narayanan Ghaziabad
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