Confused about Ukraine? I am. Some Sources.

This one is critical of the US and Obama's policies.
http://www.democracynow.org/2014/2/20/a_new_cold_war_ukraine_violence

Here is a pretty balanced discussion among experts on the Ukraine. I like Snyder's statement at the conclusion but then it may not really be so easy to achieve his recommendation which is very genersl.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/2/24/a_coup_or_a_revolution_ukraine

Anyway, those are a couple of sources with ideas and facts to think about in trying to understand what is going on there. It's pretty complex. Finally it comes down to the people of Ukraine.

One thing that was said was that protestors tend to be extremists. Moderates tend not to go out into the streets. Thus, if we simply assume that the protestors represent the views or can best protect the interests of most Ukrainians, we may be making a big mistake. On the other hand, the conduct of the government, and not just toward the protestors has, as in many countries, been very corrupt and not necessarily focused on the interests of the people of Ukraine.

Apparently Russia is demanding changes in the Ukraine's government that would lead to more repression.

There have been posts on DU about Victoria Nuland's alleged meddling in Ukrainian affairs by suggesting specifically which individuals would serve well in the government and which not. I'm not sure I agree that she and the American ambassador were meddling in internal Ukrainian affairs. That depends on how much influence they could potentially have in the formatin of that government. I don't think that the US is in a position to manipulate the events in the Ukraine to the extent that the US can decide who does or does not get included in the Ukraine's government.

So, it is interesting to follow this, but the facts and issues are so complex, the motivations and capacities of various countries and individuals so uncertain that I for one will follow this but not condemn the conduct of any of the parties involved. Except, that if it is true that Putin is suggesting the curtailment and silencing of the democratic impulses, I disagree with him. When you crush civil liberties, you crush creativity and the ability to solve problems. That is never helpful.