Thursday, April 26, 2007
The Bronze Soldier
For those of you unfamiliar with Estonia and what is currently happening, here is a brief overview:
At this very moment, social conflict at a national level has reached a flashpoint in the Baltic nation of Estonia. Below is an explanation about what is going on and here are a few video clips (filmed and posted on YouTube by rioters):
This one is named: "Estonia with full trousers of shit - Welcome to eSStonia" (this was filmed and posted by a Russian rioter):
Here is the short version:
•During WWII Russia invaded and overtook Estonia (twice).
•During the Russian invasion and occupation, the military committed terrible acts against ethnic Estonians (entire villages disappeared); Like many other nations, Estonia became part of the Soviet Union against its will.
•In the Soviet Era, Estonia functioned as the Soviet Union's social "dumping ground" - many "disruptive" Russians were sent to Estonia.
•Estonia became a free nation in 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
•Many Russians remained in Estonia after its sovereignty; over 25% of the Estonian population is Russian. A greater percentage of the capital city (Tallinn) population is Russian.
•In recent years, Neo-Nazi groups have appeared in Estonia - composed mainly of young Estonian men, often in the military. These groups consider themselves in opposition to the Russians; they are notoriously vocal about Estonian nationalism.
•A Soviet Era memorial (erected in 1947 in downtown Tallinn, Estonia) depicting a Russian WWII soldier has been the center of controversy for several years: Russians revere this monument (it represents the brave soldiers who fought in WWII) and many ethnic Estonians detest it (it represents the Russian armies that invaded Estonia and did horrific things to the Estonian people).
•After a year of protests and demonstrations (by both sides), a few days ago the statue was moved to an undisclosed location (it will eventually be placed in a cemetery).
•With the moving of the monument, social tensions have reached a flashpoint: Russian protests have turned into destructive riots - cars toppled, businesses burned, stores looted (many of these were Russian stores); riot police have used tear gas, flash grenades, and rubber bullets on the rioting crowds.
•Russia is considering sanctions against Estonia (who is dependent upon Russia for certain resources).
What is to come:
•The Estonian government has decided to ban the sale of alcohol (this is a serious drinking country) until May 3 (and May 1 is a major Russian holiday).
•The nightly riots will likely continue for at least the next week.
•There is concern that Neo-Nazi groups will begin taking to the streets, using the riots as an excuse to attack Russians. These jerks have been waiting for an excuse like this.
In my opinion, they should have left the statue were it was, and next to it erect a monument dedicated to the Estonians who suffered at the hands of the Russian soldiers. Everybody wins.
At this very moment, social conflict at a national level has reached a flashpoint in the Baltic nation of Estonia. Below is an explanation about what is going on and here are a few video clips (filmed and posted on YouTube by rioters):
This one is named: "Estonia with full trousers of shit - Welcome to eSStonia" (this was filmed and posted by a Russian rioter):
Here is the short version:
•During WWII Russia invaded and overtook Estonia (twice).
•During the Russian invasion and occupation, the military committed terrible acts against ethnic Estonians (entire villages disappeared); Like many other nations, Estonia became part of the Soviet Union against its will.
•In the Soviet Era, Estonia functioned as the Soviet Union's social "dumping ground" - many "disruptive" Russians were sent to Estonia.
•Estonia became a free nation in 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
•Many Russians remained in Estonia after its sovereignty; over 25% of the Estonian population is Russian. A greater percentage of the capital city (Tallinn) population is Russian.
•In recent years, Neo-Nazi groups have appeared in Estonia - composed mainly of young Estonian men, often in the military. These groups consider themselves in opposition to the Russians; they are notoriously vocal about Estonian nationalism.
•A Soviet Era memorial (erected in 1947 in downtown Tallinn, Estonia) depicting a Russian WWII soldier has been the center of controversy for several years: Russians revere this monument (it represents the brave soldiers who fought in WWII) and many ethnic Estonians detest it (it represents the Russian armies that invaded Estonia and did horrific things to the Estonian people).
•After a year of protests and demonstrations (by both sides), a few days ago the statue was moved to an undisclosed location (it will eventually be placed in a cemetery).
•With the moving of the monument, social tensions have reached a flashpoint: Russian protests have turned into destructive riots - cars toppled, businesses burned, stores looted (many of these were Russian stores); riot police have used tear gas, flash grenades, and rubber bullets on the rioting crowds.
•Russia is considering sanctions against Estonia (who is dependent upon Russia for certain resources).
What is to come:
•The Estonian government has decided to ban the sale of alcohol (this is a serious drinking country) until May 3 (and May 1 is a major Russian holiday).
•The nightly riots will likely continue for at least the next week.
•There is concern that Neo-Nazi groups will begin taking to the streets, using the riots as an excuse to attack Russians. These jerks have been waiting for an excuse like this.
In my opinion, they should have left the statue were it was, and next to it erect a monument dedicated to the Estonians who suffered at the hands of the Russian soldiers. Everybody wins.
