Duma, Autocracy and Appeasement

It is with a heavy heart and a sad determination that I write this post. The Russian state has given final approval to a law banning "propaganda of non traditional sexual relations" by 434 votes to 0. This law is essentially a gagging order on any member of the gay community, LGBT human rights group or foreigner who talks, shows or addresses the fact that they are gay or in support of gay rights. Anyone in breach of this law will be fined or imprisoned (foreigners may be held for up to 15 days before deportation.)

There has also been a rise in the number of homophobic murders in Russia. Last month a 39 year old man was stabbed and trampled to death by three men before having his body thrown into his car and set alight. This follows the "suspected" homophobic murder of Vladislav Tornovo, a 23 year old boy who was found naked and beaten after being raped with beer bottles.

Now I want to talk about "Putin's Russia." When this abhorrent persecutor returned to the Kremlin a year ago Russia and the International community expected oppression to follow quickly. He is restricting peoples rights to protest, arresting opposition and weeding out any politicians who represent a threat to his increasingly autocratic rule. Several formerly senior figures of the Russian government have already fled to Europe. We live in a world today with increased communications and (theoretically) ideals. As a result Putin and his government are trying to place stricter restrictions on the internet and human rights groups (for example with the implementation of this new law.) Kirill Rogov (an opposition observer) said "The Kremlin is trying to destroy the infrastructure of the protest movement." I now ask myself one question ... Where is the International Community? Where is Obama? Where is the German-centric powerhouse that is Angela Merkel? What are they doing to stop this atrocity?

The answer is very little. Traditionally America has always taken a firmer stance with Russia, insisting that the west should support human rights and democracy while Europe and Germany in particular (Russia's largest trading partner) have favoured peace and a stable relationship over the rights of the Russian people. However, Obama argues that today he needs Russia to help fight terrorism and to sort trouble spots in the middle east. Meanwhile Angela Merkel has been seen to be more outspoken in addressing Putin's oppressive regime. (If you haven't seen the video of the femen protesters storming Merkel and Putin after the arrest of pussy riot then you have got to watch it now! Merkel made a wonderful comment about rights and protests afterwards aimed at Putin but I cannot find it anywhere to quote for you)

The reasons as to why Obama (and Merkel) is wrong to use appeasement when dealing with Putin, apart from the OBVIOUS fact that it will result in millions loosing their rights, their voice, their representation, their protection and their LIVES, is because Russia needs a good relationship with the west as much as the west needs it. They are conscious of their assets, relationships and business deals with the West and they have to work on maintaining this relationship equally. The West can afford to push back on Russia , which is why I am DISGUSTED and shocked by the fact that America and Germany refuse to go into Syria despite the clear use of chemical weapons.

If the west put pressure upon Putins vile regime and showed open opposition by defending their democratic values and supporting Putins opposition, would empower and encourage opposition to autocratic governments all around the world. It is NOT a battle that cannot be won,  as has been proved by the rapidly shifting political landscape of the Islamic world. Finally, I would like to leave you with the closing statement of the Economists article "Tougher Love Needed" it says

"One day change will come to Russia - as it will to Syria. When that happens among the losers will be those who appeased or backed the dictators. It is far better for Mr Obama to identify himself strongly with those who embrace the West's values, in Russia as everywhere else."

Prince Harry the "hero"

Last week the media went wild over the story of Prince Harry defending his gunner from a homophobic attack. 6 soldiers threatened to "batter" Lance Corporal James Wharton (23) Who then went to Prince Harry, his senior officer at the time "I told him, “I think I'm going to be murdered by the infantry.”" Prince Harry then confronted the 6 soldiers, swearing at them and warning them of the consequences of such an attack. 

This event has been described as a "Jaw dropping story" and Prince Harry has been called a hero by many gay rights groups, media outlets and celebrities. I do not think it is right to use the word "hero" to describe an action that any normal, decent human being SHOULD do. Prince Harry is clearly a good and kind human being. Someone that young people should aspire to be like. He sets a wonderful example as a person and as an ambassador for the United Kingdom and I do not mean to undermine his actions in any way. I, like everyone else, applaud him for his actions and cannot deny a bit of a crush. 

However! I feel that the media have not been focusing on the real story here. The fact that a prospective attack like this was even possible. A British soldier within his own camp genuinely believed his life was in danger from the very people he was working with. People should be outraged and scared at the thought! If our troops are capable of acting like that towards their own "brothers" how can they be trusted to act morally and responsibly towards enemy troops and civilians?

Harry's response of "I knew one of his officers and we cleared everything up. I also told those other lads to back the fuck off, too" feels a little bit like a cop out to me. I personally feel that a threat like this should be treated more seriously and dealt with in a better way than having a chat and using a few swear words. Why should an attack like this be treated LESS seriously when done between SOLDIERS than when done between civilians on the streets? I would also like to add in this quote "Lieutenant Wales looked a little surprised  to see me in one piece, unbeaten, and mentioned that I’d ‘survived the night" I think this quote speaks for itself.

In conclusion, Prince Harry is a wonderful role model and a decent human being. He should be proud of his actions and deserves the respect he has earnt. Lance Corporal James Wharton who is now married and a gay rights activist is an extraordinary wonderful example to the gay community and gay youth of today but this story should be more worrying and sad than positive.  Let us hope that people like Prince Harry and James Wharton continue to make the world a better place, helping to fight prejudice and normalize being gay in the media and within the army. 

Read the Daily Mail article here.