Link to Article 2 ABC
On Sunday, March 4, an Ex-Russian spy and his daughter, living in the UK, were both targeted in a nerve agent attack in the town of Salisbury. The UK, US, France, and Germany are all blaming Russia for the attack, due to the victim being an Ex-Russian spy. Russia is refusing to explain to the UK how and why Sergei Skripal, the Ex-Russian spy, and his daughter were targeted. The UK in response has sent 23 Russian diplomats back to Russia until they get answers. Due to the US supporting its closest ally and blaming Russia, this might create tensions between the US and Russia.
Discussion questions
Should the Russians pay for what they claimed they didn't do? If so, how should justice be served?
Should the US get deeply involved with this situation and back up our closest ally? Why or why not?
Should the US/Europen nations put restrictions on Russia, to keep them at arm's length? If so, what kind of restrictions?
Russia has a long history of covering up suspicious activities that dates back to the days of the USSR. It is nearly impossible to determine whether or not they actually carried out the attack as they would obviously deny having anything to deal with it, so I think the UK's response of sending all Russian diplomats back is a good start. That way, Russia is pressured to release any information to stay on good terms. I don't believe it is necessary for the US to back the UK up right now as that could unnecessarily inflame tensions with Russia, and restrictions would only heighten the divide that is beginning to form. Any sort of sanction is also unlikely to be joined by China, which would be dangerous as a Russia-China partnership is nearly unstoppable.
ReplyDeleteI feel like this is a reoccurring issue that has continued to happen. When dealing with other countries inelegance agencies information is very sensitive, and once something is said, a whole can of worms is opened. I doubt this story will develop just because other counties will have to respect Russia's claims in order for them to maintain security. We don't know the extent between the relationship between the U.S. and Russia but regardless, I'm sure the states won't pry Russia for information.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Russia shouldn't be charged for crimes that haven't been proven. It is just childish and pointless for the countries to charge a country for an incident that might of not occurred because of that country. I also believe that the situation isn't really important for the U.S., so they shouldn't deeply investigate the situation. If they did, it could potentially corrupt and break the slight relation the U.S. has with Russia.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mytchel here because there is no proof that Russia had committed the crime. I do not think that the US should get deeply involved with this attack. Yes the Uk is our ally, but we should not dive too deep into their problems because we need to focus on the well being of the US more importantly. European nations and the US should only put restrictions if the UK finds evidence that Russia condoned the attack.
DeleteEven though no proof has been discovered to incriminate the Russian government, they are a prime suspect in this investigation. Until Russia admits to killing Skripal or provides evidence that they didn't perpetrate the crime, the US and UK must take some action against Russia. If the Russian government was responsible, lack of action from other countries would encourage them to carry out even more attacks.
ReplyDeleteThe Russian government was involved, no doubt. The real question in the minds of the international community should be "Is it worth it?" Is it worth trying to force Russia to admit fault given that they have nuclear weapons and a undying will to expand? Ultimately, no. Though some international discussion about the treatment of defectors and ex-spies may arise, provoking Russia on something like this seems like a risk we should not take.
ReplyDeleteThe Russian government is a bit of a shady one. They have denied involvement in many cases so there is a good chance that this happened because of them. It is a good idea to send Russian diplomats home only because the further suspicions in countries will only increase the tensions between countries and Russia. The US should not immediately support the UK on this issue because it will only show how eager the US is to get Russia into trouble. However if suspicious activity with some proven evidence seems to be recurring that is when the US should step in with ideas on how to confront Russia on topics such as this one. Restriction would only cause more hatred from Russia and increase tensions all around the world. Restrictions should only be put on if this kind of issue seems to reoccur more and more frequently.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the US government should try to keep their distance with Russia, but should also back up their closest ally, since keeping on good terms with the UK is essential for maintaining a good relationship. The US should investigate this situation, but should restrain from pointing fingers at Russia since there is still now evidence that they actually committed this crime. The Russians should be questioned, and should not be prosecuted, since without substantial evidence, one is innocent until proven guilty. The US and European nations should definitely put restrictions on Russia to show that they are unsatisfied with this kind of behavior. Without some kind of reprimand, wrongdoers will continue without hesitation.
ReplyDeleteAlthough there is no definitive proof that Russia is responsible for the attack, they are the main suspect, and must be treated as such. The UK should take this seriously, as it occurred in their territory, and launch an investigation into the issue. This attack was unrelated to the US, so we should not become deeply involved, but since we are allies with the UK, we should show our support for their decisions. Also, the US has had a very rocky relationship with Russia, so we should avoid placing even more pressure on the matter. Because there is no evidence, countries should not press Russia for information, but still stay cautious of their interactions involving Russia.
ReplyDeleteRussia should pay for what they claimed they didn't do because if they don't it will just make Russia's as the main suspect of the attack. If they pay it will slightly leave them with less tension. The US should get deeply be involved with this situation because even if the Russian's are a US ally they should be considered on what was happening and hopefully it doesn't lead to another attack. The US should back up the UK just in case there is attack and it makes the UK feel safe. The Europeans and the US should put restrictions on the Russians so that there could not create more suspicion and tension. The Russian restrictions should be that there should not be any weapons on a Russian and the Russians should notify the nation at which they are at so that they know that they don't disappear out of nowhere every 8 days(Depending on their stay).
ReplyDelete