Here's the question, not of the day, but of the month: Who's Winning the War in Ukraine? That may sound like a simple question, but it isn't. That question leads to a second question "In whose eyes?" It also depends on the definition of "war". And it also depends on the definition of "win". And finally it depends on which media source you believe. Military Aspect From a military aspect, I have seen reports from both sides. The Western media portrays Ukraine on the march with the rebels surrounded, and losing ground. Is that accurate reporting? I will let you be the judge. Please consider this video released on Friday. The caption reads "Всё что осталось от 72-й бригады ВСУ 25.07.2014". Diving into the details here is my rough translation: "Ukraine's 72nd brigade is now an additional battalion short." Where the bodies are, I don't know . But that is highly unlikely to be a fake video. And contrary to Western media reports, my sources have said for a week "various Ukraine forces are trapped, looking for a way to escape to Russia". Clearly, one of them failed to make it. Are the Rebels Winning? In whose Eyes? And what does "winning" mean? In the eyes of the media, Ukraine is winning. The front page news everywhere you look says Ukraine is winning. More importantly, the media has lined up behind Ukraine and now 22 US senators are willing to blame Putin and do everything they can to stop Russia. Senator McCain, as always, is leading the pack. Pat Buchanan exposed McCain the other day for the war-mongering hypocrite that he is. David Stockman has the details in My thoughts On Pat Buchanan’s Brilliant And Incisive Take On Washington’s Ukrainian Fiasco. Senator John McCain’s call to arm the ruffians, opportunists, oligarchs and neo-fascists who took power in a street level coup in Kiev is downright lunatic. It causes Buchanan to ask, “Who is the real problem here?” Propaganda War When it comes to the propaganda war, McCain and his primary war-mongering ally (none other than president Obama) are clearly winning! The only difference between the two is McCain is a far bigger war-monger than Obama. Obama is likely to catch up. He usually does. Energy Yet, one must step back and ask "What the hell is this war really about?" Is it NATO? Or is it energy? I happen to believe both. Starting from that scorecard, please consider my post on Thursday Ukraine Government Breaks Up: Prime Minister Resigns Over "Vital Laws on Energy and Army Financing"; Follow the Money Synopsis: The Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk resigned and that will lead to early elections in which pro-Russian MPs will be removed from parliament. In essence, Ukraine will be more pro-NATO. But that's not all. Biden's Son, Kerry Family Friend Join Ukrainian Gas Producer's Board Please consider this resignation statement as noted by RIA: "Yatsenyuk also expressed disappointment with Ukrainian parliament’s decision to reject a bill that allows the government to hand over up to 49 percent of the country’s gas transport system to investors from the European Union and the United States." In response I said "Follow the Money" I neglected to report precisely where the money flowed. The Wall Street Journal has all you need to know with this May headline regarding Biden, Kerry, and Ukraine: Biden's Son, Kerry Family Friend Join Ukrainian Gas Producer's Board. Who's Winning? You tell me. Before you do, please define "win". Mike "Mish" Shedlock http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com
