As I watch news, I think back to history. In 1938, western powers consented to the annexation of the Sudetenland. In 1939, Poland was invaded by Germany on September 1. The Soviets invaded 17 days later. Poland fought valiantly yet could not succeed against 2 powerful adversaries. Poland was occupied and continued to resist, at great cost. Despite mutual defense agreements, Britain and France did not intervene, lest the war expand even more. But it did. Millions died, both in battle and being murdered in concentration camps and gulags, whether directly or because of overwork and starvation.
After massing troops on the border of Ukraine a month ago, an invasion was begun a week ago. Already the Hague is investigating war crimes. The world has united and condemned the invasion (U.N. General Assembly in historic vote denounces Russia over Ukraine invasion | Reuters). NATO has become more united. The EU had a standing ovation when the President of Ukraine asked for a fast-tracked membership.
The news has continued to mirror 1939 when civilians were killed in the fields, along roads seeking to escape the war. We can recall where this lead. Just as annexation of the Sudetenland in 1938 did not prevent a war, WWII did not stop with the division of Poland between Germany and the Soviet Union.
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