What a difference a week makes. Last week Vladimir Putin and the rest of Russia were on a national high having successfully concluded the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. Now they are on the brink of war having mobilized troops in Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula apparently to protect their interest in the region. Whatever the case, I really wish that politicians would learn from the past respecting national borders and not be so eager to use military force.

No doubt, from time to time, some military action is necessary. However, due to the destructive nature, it should only be undertaken after all diplomatic options have been exhausted. So here’s hoping that there is less bravado and more genuine dialogue. We don’t need another Cold War which is a real potential considering all the chatter that is coming from senior politicians and their attack dogs in the East as well as the West.