Grim international events are keeping President Obama, the U.S. and the international community busy:
Earlier today, Ukraine accused Russian of invading its territory by sending a unauthorized truck convoy across the border near the city of Luhansk, where Russian separatists are losing the battle with Ukrainian forces for control. Ukrainian officials said more than 100 trucks crossed the border, with only "34 or 35" having been thoroughly checked by border officials. As a statement by Ukraine's foreign ministry indicated, "Neither the Ukrainian side nor the International Committee of the Red Cross knows the content of the trucks. This arouses special concern." While many of the trucks may contain food, water and medicine, given Putin's designs on Ukraine, would it surprise anyone if arms and military supplies weren't tucked away with the "humanitarian" aid?
In the Middle East, the brutal murder of James Foley by ISIS/ISIL is only the latest outrage by their terrorist army, which has engaged in mass executions, rape and slavery. Initially drawn into the battle against Syrian dictator Assad, ISIS/ISIL has waged a genocidal, fanatic cross-border war against Muslims, Christians and religious minorities in the territory they have gained. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel stated yesterday that ISIS/ISIL is as well-financed, well-armed and "beyond what we've seen" in terms of a very serious threat. This won't be a "cakewalk."
UPDATE: NATO sources are reporting instances of Russian artillery firing from inside Ukraine in support of pro-Russian separatists. A NATO spokesperson said, "Russian artillery support - both cross-border and from within Ukraine - is being employed against the Ukrainian armed forces." Ominous but not entirely surprising news.
