Belarus: Awkward for Everyone

Especially German political scientists in Kyiv

(Angry woman in Kyiv demonstrating solidarity with Belarus, August 16, 2020)

International reactions to events in Belarus have been as amazing as they are awkward and confusing, especially in Kyiv and on social media platforms. Lots of experts have jumped on the revolutionary bandwagon, opining a steady stream of bullshit in various languages.

Self-aggrandizing hacks from the Wilson Center and nudity experts at Heinrich Boll Stiftung have had lots to say. So have fellows writing for the Atlantic Council and, ahem, yes, the same Financial Times editor who gave Putin a blow job last year.

It is pointless to wallow in somber remorse and impossible to undo the damage of at least two decades of bootlicking. Unfortunately, the last thing most experts want to explain is why we should pay much attention the horror show that has existed in Belarus for the past 25 years. And why they didn't either.

Which brings me to Yury Khashchavatski, the director of An Ordinary President, an underground documentary film that appeared in Belarus 25 years ago. Yesterday, Yury was named to the National Coordinating Council of the opposition platform demanding the ouster of self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Wanna-be Belarus experts should chat up Yury and maybe think twice about citing individuals who supported the scoundrels in his films or don’t have much of a clue about what they are talking about.