Crimea’s controversial referendum on joining Russia has reminded some observers of previous acts of aggression in Europe.
Some commentators are drawing parallels with other countries where an ethnic minority’s interests were once backed by a powerful neighbor, with far-reaching consequences. Adolf Hitler’s plebiscite in the Sudetenland is often mentioned in this connection.
The Sudetenland was the name for northern, southwest, and western areas of pre-war Czechoslovakia, which were inhabited mostly by German speakers.
Photo: EPA
照片:歐新社
The Sudeten crisis began in February 1938 when Hitler demanded self-determination for all Germans in Austria and Czechoslovakia.
Then came the Munich conference, at which Britain and France, in an attempt to appease Nazi Germany, gave the Sudetenland to Germany.
Hitler sent his troops into the Sudetenland in October 1938, and before long Europe was plunged into World War Two.
Writing in the Washington Post, former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili, who remains bitter about the war with Russia in 2008, said ”Many in the West are talking about the need to reach some kind of compromise with Russia, an option that smacks of Munich 80 years ago.”
(Liberty Times)
克里米亞爭議性的加入俄羅斯公投,讓一些觀察家想起過去歐洲發生的侵略行動。
一些評論家對照其他國家曾有少數族裔利益受強大鄰國支持,卻帶來深遠影響的例子。在這一點上,希特勒的蘇台德地區公投自決就常被提到。
蘇台德地區原是戰前捷克斯洛伐克北部、西南和西部區域之名,當時大多數是德語人口。
蘇台德危機始於一九三八年二月,希特勒要求讓奧地利和捷克斯洛伐克的日耳曼人自決。
但後來召開慕尼黑會議,會中英國和法國割讓蘇台德給德國,以安撫納粹德國。
一九三八年十月希特勒派兵進入蘇台德,不久後歐洲就被捲入第二次世界大戰。
仍為二零零八年與俄羅斯戰爭心痛的前喬治亞總統薩亞卡希維利,在《華盛頓郵報》撰文寫道:「西方許多人談論與俄羅斯妥協的必要性,這個選項有八十年前慕尼黑會議的味道。」
(自由時報/翻譯:管淑平)
A: Affordable tickets seem to be another highlight of the 2024 Paris Olympics. B: Yeah, more than half of the 2.8 million tickets are priced at 25 euros (NT$888) or less. A: Any other highlights? B: The Paris Olympics values gender parity: it is featuring more medal events for female athletes. A: I think the top athletes from around the world are the true highlight of the games. A: 票價親民應該也是2024巴黎奧運的特色。 B: 對啊,280萬張門票有半數為25歐元(888台幣)以下。 A: 還有什麼亮點? B: 本屆重視「性別平等」,並提供更多獎牌項目給女運動員。 A: 我覺得全球的頂尖運動員們就是最大的亮點! (By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times/台北時報張聖恩)
The Perseids meteor shower is expected to peak on Monday next week, with the up to 100 meteors per hour, with the number expected to reach more than 30 one or two days before and after, which will surely be a treat for stargazers. The Perseids are named after the Greek hero Perseus, as the meteor shower appears to come from the eponymous constellation. According to myth, Perseus slew the gorgon Medusa by cutting off her snake-covered head while viewing her reflection in his shield. While the meteors are active from mid-July, the best time to see them is next Monday with the
Roast duck is a dish that reflects Taiwan’s diverse culinary style, shaped by its rich immigrant background. Originally brought to Taiwan by Chinese immigrants, roast duck has become an essential delicacy in Taiwanese cuisine. Restaurants specializing in roast duck are often packed at meal times. However, since these restaurants have only a limited number of roast ducks each day, reservations are necessary to ensure availability. Preparing a delicious roast duck is no easy feat, as it is a time-consuming process requiring half a day to cook to ensure the perfect taste. 台灣的移民背景造就豐富的飲食文化,烤鴨就是其中之一。烤鴨傳入台灣是由外省人引進的,隨著時間的紮根,成為了台灣不可或缺的美食。用餐時間的烤鴨店總是高朋滿座,但因每天限量供應,想吃還要提早訂,因為製作美味的烤鴨至少得花上半天,才能色香味俱全。 immigrant (n.) 移民 reservation (n.)
On the Indonesian island of Java, there is an active stratovolcano called Mount Merapi. Because of its frequent eruptions and the fact that many people live close to it, it is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. The name Merapi means “Mountain of Fire” in the local language, and many of the nearby inhabitants see it as a sacred place. Many believe that the volcano is __1__ the spirits of their ancestors. Mount Merapi is also a source of fertile soil, water, and natural resources for the surrounding communities, which depend on agriculture and tourism