Ukranian Spring Has Arrived
Violent protest have continued for the second week in Kiev where over 100 deaths reported. The clashed erupted when the Russian back government abandoned an agreement that would strengthen ties to the European Union. The anger is fueled by the suspicion that embattled President Viktor Yanukovich has mad a deal with Russian Strongman Vladimir Putin given Moscow's recent purchase of $15 billion in Ukrainian bonds. The opposition would like the country to pivot towards closer ties with the US and the EU. The protest have been particularly violent for both the protestors and police. This is the latest dust up for Putin against the back the backdrop of the Winter Olympics taking place in Sochi. There were serious security concerns prior to start of the games from al Qaeda linked extremist as well as violence in the tumultuous southern republic of Dagestan. Putin's latest political chess move further undermines US influence in the region as the Kremlin seeks to expand it sphere