While Paul Goble is a distinctly renowned former U.S. State Department analyst and is well-known for his deep interest in the re-independence of the three Baltic States, especially through the '80s and into the early '90s, one must take issue with his somewhat dismissive flip of the wrist in declaring that reaping compensation from Russia for its occupation of the Baltic States is a "non-starter."
One has to disagree with such a stance. Throughout history, including biblical times, there have been Davids who have slain Goliath. Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are just one example of this episodic event. Through all the years of brutal occupation, Balts did not surrender their souls to their slavemasters. Instead, in their own quiet way they continued to trust and believe in a greater good, and, with the help of the West, their dreams of regained freedom were finally realized. Just as Nazi Germany was brought to heel for its crimes, with the determined efforts of the Allied countries so too will the Balts receive recompense if the West were to bring Russia to heel on the same subject.
Acting on their own, the Baltic states will find it much harder to achieve full justice and compensation for Russia's reprehensible acts, but with the determined help of the European Union and America and Canada, Russia should be shamed into doing the right thing. True reconciliation between Russia and the Baltic states will never, ever be achieved without Russia's admission of its wrongdoings. It will continue to be a major irritant for generations to come unless and until justice is ripped from the jaws of the Russian bear.
Under NATO's tenets, it is written, "all for one and one for all." Using those words as a springboard for action by the countries that are considered friends, the Balts' request for national justice should be regarded as seriously as any other.
Who would have predicted the fall of the Berlin Wall? Was it not former President Ronald Reagan who rhetorically issued an ultimatum to Russia by saying, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall?" Did anyone at that time believe that it would happen?
One has to wholeheartedly disagree with Paul Goble's remarks regarding compensation for the Balts. We will ask, we will demand, we will expect Russia to do the right thing and finally bring its evil and guilty past to rest by issuing restitution to the wronged countries and its peoples. They deserve nothing less. One would think that the Russian people themselves would wish to be free of the tremendous guilt they bear brought on by the actions of their own slavemasters. Or perhaps, they still harbor dreams of centuries of imperialistic conquering?
Edite Lynch
Canada
