No Good News There

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.

Russians Bearing Gifts

A column of some 280 Russian trucks carrying what is purported to be food, water and other supplies is heading from the Moscow area to eastern Ukraine, according to reports.   Ukraine and Western governments have warned Russia not to use the "humanitarian" shipments as a pretext to send military forces into the region.  European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, on behalf of the EU, warned Russia against using "humanitarian" aid as a cover for military intervention.  The Ukranians are insisting that Russia unload the cargo at the border to allow for Ukrainian and Red Cross distribution within eastern Ukraine.  This comes amid reports from the Ukranian government that Russia has 45,000 troops -- backed by armor, attack aircraft, missile systems and artillery -- massed on its shared border.  With distractions elsewhere in the world for the U.S., Russian autocrat Vladimir "Vlad the Invader" Putin may calculate that there's no time like the present to attempt the annexation of eastern Ukraine.  He's shown little restraint in recent months, but let's hope he backs down this time.