Estonia – mackaycartoons

Wednesday January 31, 2024

January 31, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 31, 2024

Unveiling Security Assurances for Ukraine Amid Escalating Global Tensions

January 11, 2024

As the world grapples with the escalating threat posed by Vladimir Putin, Canada finds itself at a crucial juncture, highlighted in Murray Brewster’s insightful CBC articles. The urgency of the situation is underscored not only by Canada’s draft of a proposed security assurances plan for Ukraine but also by the proactive efforts of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, as well as the urgent warnings from the United Kingdom.

Brewster’s coverage sheds light on the Baltic nations’ decisive response to the growing threat from Russia. Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are not merely passive observers; they are taking tangible steps to fortify their defences. Discussions about building public bomb shelters, mandatory military service legislation, and even universal conscription reflect the gravity of the situation these nations perceive.

Analysis: Ukraine is looking for more than bland security ‘assurances’ in talks with Canada, expert says

March 23, 2022

Their efforts serve as a stark reminder that the threat posed by Putin is not confined to Ukraine but extends to the very borders of NATO.

In this tumultuous geopolitical landscape, the urgency of the situation is further emphasized by the United Kingdom’s proactive approach. General Sir Patrick Sanders, the head of the British Army, advocates for training a “citizen army” and being prepared for a potential land war in the future. The UK’s commitment to readiness acknowledges the evolving nature of security challenges and the necessity for a holistic approach.

Canada, on the other hand, seems to be lagging behind in both rhetoric and action. While a draft of a proposed security assurances plan for Ukraine is a step in the right direction, it raises questions about the overall preparedness and commitment of the Canadian government. The Baltic nations and the UK are sounding alarms, calling for a whole-of-society response to the looming threat.

Analysis: As Europe’s armies brace for war, allies call on Canada and others to catch up

July 14, 2022

The proposed security assurances plan for Ukraine, as reported by Brewster, signals a diplomatic initiative. However, Canada needs to match its diplomatic efforts with a broader and more assertive approach. The distinction between “assurances” and “guarantees” in the plan becomes crucial, given Ukraine’s historical experiences with international agreements.

The world is witnessing a geopolitical shift, and Canada must acknowledge that its role extends beyond passive diplomacy. The Baltic nations are actively fortifying their defences, the UK is preparing for potential conflicts, and Canada cannot afford to be complacent. The global security landscape demands a proactive and assertive stance from Canada, especially given its position as a NATO member sharing a border with an increasingly assertive Russia.

April 21, 2023

Trudeau’s government should seize this moment not just to offer assurances to Ukraine but to demonstrate a commitment to global stability. The proposed security assurances plan is a starting point, but Canada must align its foreign policy with the urgency expressed by its allies. It’s time for Canada to wake up to the realities of the escalating situation, respond assertively, and play a meaningful role in safeguarding international peace and security. (AI)

With Apologies to Brian Gable

In editorial cartoons, the phrase “Apologies to —” serves as a humble acknowledgment and homage to the original sources that inspire artists. This tradition is rooted in expressing humility and recognizing the ongoing conversation within the artistic community. Cartoonists utilize this phrase with the hope of stirring familiarity among readers, and for those unfamiliar, broadening their minds and fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft of editorial cartooning.

Last week’s Duncan Macpherson homage didn’t go so well…

In today’s tribute, we bow humbly to the great Canadian editorial cartoonist Brian Gable. Known for his iconic contributions to the fabric of Canada, Gable’s work, including a cartoon immortalized on a postage stamp, captures the essence of Canadiana.

Article: Drawing to conclusions

My tribute to Brian (parodying James Gillray)

The borrowed image, forever enshrined in Canada’s cultural tapestry, features a beaver seated on a Muskoka chair, enjoying a beer and waving a small Canadian flag. According to Gable, the Canadian beaver represents the “little guy,” reflecting the spirit of the country with an image that is friendly and open to neighbours across the nation.

Brian Gable’s cartoons, characterized by their ability to bring smiles to readers, also serve as a powerful medium to communicate information quickly. Gable emphasizes the importance of editorial cartooning in holding political leaders accountable and introducing “a sense of oxygen into debate.” In a democracy, where debate is central, Gable sees editorial cartooning as having a vital role to play.

In a reflective piece upon his retirement in September 2023, Brian Gable shared insights into the unpredictable nature of his work. Describing the challenges of finding humour in tragic headlines, he highlighted the rarity of effortlessly creating insightful cartoons. Gable’s creative process, rooted in doodling and akin to alchemy, emphasized the intuitive and creative nature of cartooning. With a 35-year career contributing to the expression and exchange of opinions, Gable expressed a commitment to continue doodling in his retirement, embracing the uncertainty of where his pencil would take him next.

Audio: The complicated art of political cartoons, with Brian Gable

The tradition of “Apologies to —” in editorial cartoons is not just a nod to inspiration but a celebration of the rich tapestry of ideas woven within the artistic community. In paying homage to Brian Gable, we acknowledge the impactful role editorial cartoons play in shaping public discourse, capturing the spirit of nations, and leaving an indelible mark on cultural narratives. (Graeme MacKay)

Tuesday May 3, 2022

May 3, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 3, 2022

Pulling back from wider war in Europe

August 15, 2008

As bad as the war in Ukraine has already been, it may soon get a lot worse.

So far, the death and destruction has been confined to Ukraine itself. It’s a tragedy for the Ukrainian people, but the conflict has at least been contained.

But what if it spills over into other parts of Europe, or turns into a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia? Or more directly, between the United States and Russia? That would be far more dangerous.

This is not idle speculation.

As Ukrainians put up fierce resistance to the invaders, bolstered by political support and a flood of weaponry from the West, it looks like the war will drag on. The possibility of a deal to end the fighting, a lively possibility a few weeks ago, has faded.

April 28, 2022

And the longer the conflict lasts, the greater is the risk it will spread. Not necessarily because either side has a grand design for major conflict, but by a series of escalations and miscalculations. We know from Europe’s bloody history that this is how small wars become big ones.

Once again, the danger of escalation is coming mostly from Russia. This past week, it cut off shipments of natural gas to Poland and Bulgaria and ramped up warnings about its nuclear capability.

It also looks like Moscow may be eyeing the tiny former Soviet republic of Moldova, squeezed between Ukraine and Romania, as its next target. Russia already has troops there, and a Russian general has publicly said his country intends to take over all of southern Ukraine and then link up with Moldova, the justification being to end “oppression of the Russian-speaking population.”

Behind all that, it seems, is deep frustration within the Russian military over its setbacks against Ukrainian forces and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy of abandoning the goal of controlling the entire country in favour of a more limited campaign to dominate the east and south.

February 23, 2022

“Russia’s military believes that limiting the war’s initial goals is a serious error,” Russian journalists Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan write for the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, D.C. “They now argue that Russia is not fighting Ukraine, but NATO.”

All of which suggests that behind the facade of unity behind Putin, Russia’s military and security apparatus is seriously divided, with a powerful faction arguing in favour of expanding the war, not ending it. They’re pushing for even more aggressive action in Ukraine itself, as well as a push beyond its borders.

On the other side, western allies are escalating their support for Ukraine. More sanctions, more troops in the region (Britain announced 8,000 more last week), and more heavy weaponry.

Some have read much into the statement by U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin that Washington wants “to see Russia weakened to the degree that it can’t do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine.”

Marvellous Maps

For them, that reveals a hidden “real reason” why the U.S. (and presumably Canada, France, Germany et al) are backing Ukraine. This, however, ignores the fact that Russia brought the alliance against it entirely on itself with its unprovoked aggression. And what decent person, in the end, doesn’t want to see Putin rendered incapable of inflicting similar violence on others?

Regardless of the rights and wrongs, the prospect of a wider war is horrifying. Right now there’s a consensus in the West around supporting Ukraine. But there’s no consensus around pursuing a broader campaign against Russia as such.

The danger, however, is that we may find ourselves on that road without quite realizing it.

While there’s still time, the world needs to find a way to back away from the brink. (Hamilton Spectator Editorial)

Friday August 15, 2008

August 15, 2008 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday August 15, 2008

There’s a Bear in the Woods!

The guns of August 2008 have in a matter of a few days significantly changed the world we live in. It is now clear to almost everyone that Russian objectives go well beyond the issue of the ethnically Russian citizens of South Ossetia. Moscow’s swift military gambit clearly includes “regime change” for the entire nation of Georgia.

That is important not simply because Georgia’s democratically elected president, Mikhail Saakashvili, is far more pro-western than his eventual Russian-picked successor will be, but also because it sends a clear message throughout the region that Russia can do what it pleases—and that the United States is too weak, too overstretched, too unpopular, and too weary from years of failed international exploits to act.

Marvellous Maps

That is a message that will be heard first in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the Ukraine. Leaders such as Azeri Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev will go to considerable lengths to avoid the fate that apparently awaits Saakashvili. They will see the value of alliance with the United States in greatly diminished terms. All will urgently seek ways to accommodate Russian interests.

But the message will extend beyond those countries. Iran and Turkey will be forced to recognize that Russia is reemerging as a force in their region, and that their economic and security interests in the future will have to be more closely harmonized with those of Russia. Former Soviet Republics such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will be far wearier of entanglements with the United States that might provoke Russian displeasure. (Source: American Progress)