Ukraine Out of gas?

      Not quite yet.  But, Vlad the Mad has cut off nat gas supplies, as he threatened, to Ukraine for non payment.  Now russia insists that Ukraine pay in advance.  Since Russia occupied Crimea and Russian backed separatists have caused unrest in eastern Ukraine, the government in Kiev wants Russian support to be withdrawn before any negotiations begin over the gas cut off.   Western Europe has cause for concern as about 1/3 of its gas from Russia passes through Ukraine.   Kiev says they may shut down the pipeline.
     Kiev also insists that Russia is stealing gas reserves known to exist in and around Crimea.  With the world now focused on Iraq, Russian backed separatists may find the going a little more difficult as major powers amend plans to form a bloc against any secession in Ukraine.
     Print media believe that the US must make a move in Iraq, sooner than later.  A US Navy aircraft carrier has been repositioned into the Persian Gulf to facilitate any sorties into Mesopotamian airspace.   While manned aircraft give more options to planners, there is increased risk involved in their use. (remember the downed pilot in Kosovo?)
     Drones, of course, are immediately available but have limited capabilities.   They are cheaper, but carry less payload, and by design, are pilotless.
     What will Obama do?  That is the question of the hour.  And what of Maliki, the old scoundrel of Kabul?  Will the election results stand?  Or will he declare fraud and have another election cycle?  And what of Iran and the issue of helping things in Iraq?  Tis rather messy.   The Kurds in NE Iraq, no doubt, will take advantage.  They have already taken control of the city of Kirkuk.   Could a separate Kurdistan be far behind?  They have the only decent military force in the area.  It will be interesting.
     We are still waiting to hear from our minister in Beylorus.