One of the difficulties in coordinating sanctions against Russia for its annexation of Crimea is that Europe and the US are unequally dependent on Russia oil and gas exports. The US is coming close to being self-sufficient in both (and may start exporting them at some point). Europe, however, is very dependent on Russian exports. Here’s a breakdown of European dependence.
Under these circumstances, the European states fear Russian retaliation for harsh sanction. It is also notable how some of the former Soviet states are vulnerable, although they are the ones most worried about additional Russian moves. Worryingly, shots have been fired in the Crimea as Russia has taken over a Ukrainian military base. Once blood is shed, nationalist sentiments are easily stoked.
The situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate. Inflation has reached 57%, and the right and left wing parties are escalating their protests and counterprotests. It does not appear as if President Maduro is interested in any sort of reconciliation, but has chosen the path of confrontation. Under such circumstances, it is very difficult to see any resolution in the immediate future.
Richard Falk, United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, has accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing” in East Jerusalem. Falk pointed out that since 1996, about 11,000 Palestinians have lost their right to live in the city. Israel rarely grants building permits in the city to non-Jews and often revokes residency rights of Palestinians who have lived in the city for many years. The Israeli government did not immediately respond to the charge.
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