A Piece in Ukraine

Leaders meet in Minsk today, regarding the Ukraine.

You're forgiven if you're thinking 'Here we go again.'

Poroshenko, Merkel, and Hollande will all be there

Hoping there's some way they can appease a Russian bear.

President Obama won't be present for the talks;

He's at home considering our move if Putin balks.

Do we arm Ukraine to fight a war they cannot win

If the Russian bear's decided that he's coming in?

Putin wants a piece, alright... A piece of the Ukraine

And he seems prepared to suffer economic pain.

Even if we arm Ukraine - increasing Putin's dead -

There's no way to stop this Russian bear until he's fed.

Would You Trust This Man?

Russia has agreed to meet with Germany and France;

Putin's giving Merkel and Hollande another chance

To negotiate a peaceful ending in Ukraine -

Hoping to curtail the numbers of civilians slain. 

But, although I wish them luck on getting this resolved,

Putin, who's denying there are Russian troops involved,

(Even with the evidence from NATO that's a lie)

Doesn't seem like someone bent on giving peace a try...

Not unless Ukraine agrees that Russia play a role

In the Eastern provinces that separatists just stole.

Give him everything he wants and Putin's fine with peace.

Only then - and not before - will war in Ukraine cease.

Unsolicited Advice for Hamas

(Cartoon/Courtesy of youngcons.com)

Egypt tried to broker peace inside the Gaza Strip.

Israel stopped shooting but Hamas just let 'er rip...

Not just "accidental" missiles - they've shot 35 -

So, Israelis' war machine is shifting back to drive.

I can't say I blame them, either...  I'd be pretty mad

If my government did not use everything it had

Making sure that people shooting missiles at me stop.

What's the matter with the Hamas leaders at the top?

Don't they care that their civilians are the ones who've bled?

Can't they see it's Palestinians who end up dead?

They can't win the shooting war they're fighting now, so why

Won't they give a brokered peace with Israel a try?

Not So Far, Far Away

Israel has called up reservists and positioned tanks along its border with the Gaza Strip. (Photo/Courtesy of TimesofIsrael.com)

Israel's preparing to invade the Gaza Strip;

Planning to impose a peace by tightening its grip.

After 3 Israeli teens were murdered - in revenge -

One young man was burned alive; Hamas swore to avenge

Terrorism by some Jews on Palestinians,

Claiming that the vicious few make all barbarians.

Growing anger in the streets became a major factor;

Hamas fired missiles at a nuclear reactor.

Israel believed it had no choice and fired back.

Eighty Palestinians were killed in the attack.

Airstrikes in the hundreds have been going on all night.

Missiles out of Gaza have been shot down in mid-flight.

But, if even one gets through, those tanks are bound to roll

And it's Palestinians who'll pay the highest toll.

The Israelis also lose for, as they tighten grips,

Fast and far away the hope for peace between them slips.

"No-one's Ever Lost Money Betting Against Peace in the Middle East"

(Courtesy of Truthdig.com)

Israelis and Palestinians are on the outs...

Secretary Kerry wants to soothe them.  I've my doubts.

Israel's reneged on deals to set some prisoners free.

Talks are breaking down because the 2 sides can't agree.

Netanyahu doesn't trust Abbas (who feels the same.)

Currently, they both insist the other guy's to blame.

Palestinians are angry, and they have a right

Watching new Israeli settlements grow overnight.

Now Abbas is saying he'll appeal to the U.N.

That derails the framework talks and nothing happens then.

Kerry's gone to see if there's another thing to try;

Rumor says we might release an old Israeli spy.

If we plan to free their spy we should get something back;

Major issues needing breakthroughs aren't a thing we lack.

Make them stop the settlements and honor deals they've made;

If there aren't concessions then it isn't worth the trade.

Syria and the Prophetess of Doom

Secretary General of the U.N. asked Iran

If they'd like to join the talks on Syria's peace plan.

It was an acknowledgement that this won't be resolved

If the plan does not get the Iranians involved.

They already are involved; they're in up to their necks

And the fact they won't be present at the peace talks wrecks

Any chance that Russia or the Chinese will agree

To a plan the U.S. backs, I fear...  You wait and see.

Meanwhile, as we bicker over who should play a role,

Ever more civilians join the staggering death toll.

Shouldn't have to be a precondition - even so -

There's not any question that Assad has got to go.

Across the Pond - China and the Middle East

It doesn't take a crystal ball to know that China wants to play a role in the Middle East.

China's leaders want involvement in the Middle East.

They are welcome to a role; I don't mind in the least.

I wish them all kinds of luck in brokering a peace.

See if they enjoy the job of being world police.

We could, surely, use a break 'cause it's a thankless job.

Think we've got a deal worked out and then one side will lob

One more precondition or extension of a wall

And the treaty falls apart with no progress at all.

Syria has made the Middle East a powder keg.

Secretary Kerry has done everything but beg,

Looking for assistance.  If the Chinese want a turn

I'd say that's an offer we cannot afford to spurn.

(Cartoon courtesy of FunnyJokesandLaughs.wordpress.com)