Bettle Of the Frontiers

(Battle Of the Frontiers)

Usually, a description of the "Battle of the Frontiers" refers to the opening round of First World War offensives, in the West. The Barbara Tuchman classic, The Guns of August laid out how Europe convulsed in 1914 beginning the "War to end all wars." At the same time events were opening in the West, there was a similar campaign that was launched in the East. Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia all clashed in a "Collision of Empires." Of these, Austria-Hungary proved the weakest of the three, The former attempted an invasion of Russian Galicia with four armies against what turned out to be five Russian. These battles took place on the periphery of the Ukraine. 


Now, 110 years after hostilities erupted in 1914, another war is consuming the Ukraine and yet there is also another "Battle of the Frontiers." However, in this case, the "frontiers" in question is the Ukraine border with Russia but also the southern border of the United States. Support for the former will not materialize without progress on the latter's security. In other words, Ukraine will not get further American support without a significant policy shift in securing the southern U.S. frontier.


There have been several border bills that have been debated in recent weeks, However, there has been fundamental differences between the Republican House and the Democrat Senate. The most recent casualty was a Foreign Aid Bill, that included Ukraine and Israel measures, but without a more serious effort to close the border, any initiative from the Senate that does not embrace the precepts HR-2, would make no progress in that Chamber.


It had been mentioned the other day that, while Ukraine assistance is being debated, it would be an opportunity for Russia to press its growing advantage. This is no longer a case of failure to support Ukraine would be a victory for Russian President Putin, Since three year almost to the day, the ultimate outcome was never in doubt. The only question was how long it would take to reach this outcome.


There is a deal to be had but the price is too high for some. In so-called "sanctuary environments," halting the migrant flow into their jurisdictions would be welcome. However, admitting help is required would be an admission that the whole sanctuary policy is a failure. And everything that went with it.

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