Why Ukraine Conflict Was Predictable

Listen to this interesting talk by John Mearsheimer and get many obvious answers: Ukraine is a badly-divided country, the Monroe Doctrine and more. 

Putting the Ukrainian Crisis in Perspective

1971 All Over Again

When you dig a bit deeper in the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine you can’t help notice the similarity with the Bangladesh Genocide that happened fifty one years ago. At that time West Pakistanis who spoke mostly Urdu and had fairer skin didn’t want to transfer power to Bengali-speaking East Pakistanis after they had won a general election even though both sides were overwhelmingly Muslim. 

Now, West Ukrainians don’t like East Ukrainians because they speak Russian although 80% of the population of the country are Christians. Russia has also moved in Ukraine because Ukraine hinted at joining NATO and this is an unacceptable security risk for the biggest country in the world. The above video is from the Kremlin-sponsored RT but a 2015 documentary by French journalist Anne Laure Bonnel essentially corroborates its content.

Russia Makes Move After West Turns Deaf Ear Again

Why Sputnik Didn’t Roll Out Its Delta-specific Jab

Because the original 2-dose mix-and-match version performed well against the deadliest Covid variant so far. Will it have one for the Omicron variant? It could by the end of next month – and have an initial 100m dose ready – but this will depend on how the first version holds up against the milder but way more infectious virus. Results from several studies in Hungary and Italy have shown that the Russian vaccine offers better protection against Omicron than Pfizer and is the best jab in preventing deaths and the second best in avoiding infections. It may also help us avoid 3-4 boosters a-year which would overload our immune system. 

Cavani Goals Are Not Taken Lightly

What's Not Happening During the Russian World Cup

The loss of the pre-eminent position of Uruguay as a football powerhouse. At two World Cups for a population of 3.5m it has won almost 24 times more of these tournaments per capita than Brazil. Italy, its closest rival which won the trophy four times but which didn't qualify for Russia 2018, has 0.066 cup per million inhabitants. That's 8.6 times less than the homeland of Luis Suarez. The Mannschaft is in third place with four victories but would not have overtaken the Italians even if they had not crashed out of the group stage and gone all the way to get the prize from Vlamidir Putin on July 15. Blame it on its population which is more than a third larger.

This doesn't mean that there can't be any movement in the rankings. Indeed six of the countries who are in the knockout stage and have not won the World Cup yet have populations of less than 12m. That's small enough for any of them to take Italy's spot. Plus two of these countries, Croatia and Sweden, are the teams which have impressed the most so far. A sixth title for the Selecao – the favourite at the bookies – will not improve their fifth position. They will just get a bit closer to Argentina which they might meet in the semis.

As for Uruguay should it grab its third title it will increase its cup to population ratio to almost the level it was when it shocked Brazil in the Maracana in 1950. Finally it's been eight years since a new country last added its name to the select list of World Cup winners – the newest member of the eight-nation club joined twelve years after the seventh. That's not exactly the longest we've had to wait to see this group grow. 

No Shakira Song For The Russian World Cup

It's instead going to be Nicky Jam with Will Smith and Era Istrefi. A bit sad about that? No problem. Here are the three contributions of the Colombian mega star which you massively enjoyed: Germany 2006; South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014.

The other good news is that she has recovered from a vascular lesion and is now making good on her promise to enjoy every single night. Hmm, this reminds me of something I heard a while ago.

Selecao Ends Winning Streak of Mannschaft in Berlin

With a header from Jesus. The player. The Canarinhos were looking a lot better on Tuesday night unlike the thumping they received in Belo Horizonte four years ago when they conceded five goals in nineteen minutes. This time they were pressing non-stop, marking every German player and the front players were systematically going back to beef up the defence. Definitely a pleasant match to watch.

The 32 teams participating in the World Cup in Russia will keep on fine-tuning their games in a number of friendlies between May 18 and June 13 or one day before the big show starts. Germany may meet Brazil as soon as the group stage ends if both teams qualify for the knockout rounds but one of them doesn't come out on top.

2018

In Mauritius will be a lot like 2017.

One thing we have to watch though is what happens in Port-Louis when we get the big rains around Saint Valentine. This will tell us what could happen if we hold another street festival at the end of year.

It will be a busy year for Putin: seeking to be re-elected six days after Mauritius hits the big 50. And if successful handing the World Cup on July 15 in Moscow.

Will add more here soon. Hopefully before 2018 ends.

A World Cup Without Robben, Gigi and Chile

The fastest football player on the planet won't be in Russia next year. So we won't see him devastating defense after defense in his own characteristic style. Gigi will also miss the World Cup given that Italy -- the country which has won this tournament more times than any country per capita except Uruguay -- failed to score against Sweden. It's always been a treat to have these icons on the pitch. Brazil will also be happy that Chile will not be making it given that they consider the side of Sanchez as one of their toughest opponents.

But Leo will be there after scoring a hat-trick. He will be in the good company of Neymar, Mane and stars we'll discover. Like those that play for the surprising national team of Iceland a country which has four times less people than Mauritius.

Fighter Jets Have Their Own Body Language

NATO F-16 buzzes the plane that was carrying the Russian Defense Minister over the Baltic Sea. Soon after an Su-27 comes in the middle and shows what it has under its wings. The NATO plane then flies away.

This comes after renewed tensions in Syria.

Brazil Crashes Out of Tiny Copa America Group

The Selecao drew against Ecuador, thrashed Haiti and lost against Peru. Things don't seem to have improved that much since Mineirazo two years ago. In spite of bringing Dunga back as manager. Brazil has been thoroughly unimpressive for a good many number of matches. You don't need to wonder how likely it will be for them to win the only prize that's missing in their quiver when they host the Olympics starting August 5 -- the football tournament begins two days earlier.

It is also surprising that Holland is not taking part in Euro 2016. Although they've played some really good football in South Africa six years ago.

But there could be more trouble ahead for the country of Pele, Garrincha, Jairzinho and Ronaldinho: they could be the last country to miss at least one World Cup in 2018. After six matches they currently rank 6th in their qualifying group which automatically sends the top four to Russia.

Thank You London!

For the great emotions you provided for a little over two weeks. Watching Bolt run nine times was more than a treat. Along with Jamaican colleagues. Phelps made some more history. Brazil did not look hungry enough to win the men's football final. And Russia made an awesome comeback in the last game of the men's volleyball.

It was also fun guessing who would win the different events. It was not the Greek-god type of athlete who threw the javelin the furthest. Nope, it was a skinny Keshorn Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago. Who seemed to have the right combination of height, speed and shoulder muscle flexibility. Same for the decathlon  with Ashton Eaton. Quite nice to see Leonel Suarez finish third there -- he won the javelin and high-jump parts.

And the US won most gold this time: 48 or 10 more than China. Which won 13 less events than in Beijing. While Britain bagged 10 more gold than four years ago. Doesn't hurt to play at home.

Good thing we have the English Premier League starting on Saturday. To help get us out of any post-Olympic blues.